© Hermès

Cape Cod Martelée: Hermès’ ever-evolving classic

It was back in 1991, when Henri d’Origny designed the Cape Cod by his unfettered pencil strokes. Ironically, he originally planned to draw a square watch. His creative freedom decided otherwise: it would be «a square within a rectangle». As boldly original as it is rigorously disciplined, the Cape Cod is composed of two Chaîne d’ancre half-links, the famous motif created by Robert Dumas in 1938 and inspired by ships’ anchor chains.

Cape Cod Martelée | © Hermès
Cape Cod Martelée | © Hermès

Announced during this year’s Watches & Wonders, the Cape Cod lays itself open to all kinds of interpretations. Today, this ever-evolving classic lends its balanced shapes to the excellent jewellers skill known as hammering. This complex and sophisticated technique enhances the steel case with a unique patina-type effect. The hammered dial is coated with a thin layer of translucent lacquer, in graded shades ranging from anthracite to black. The raw yet crafted material, with all its depth and roughness, results in an object with an entirely unexpected look.

Finally, the Cape Cod Martelée combines its off beat temperament with an understated black calf strap in single or double tour versions.

Technical information:

Case:
Henri d’Origny (1991)
Small Model (PM), 23 x 23 mm
“A square within a rectangle”
Hammered 316L steel case
Anti-glare sapphire crystal

Dial:
Shaded-black lacquered and hammered dial

Movement:
Quartz, crafted in Switzerland

Functions:
Hours, minutes

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