Two Top Wrist Wraps From Hermès & Swatch

When it comes to the current fashion in bracelets, one good turn deserves another, and another, and another.

STYLE GUIDE | Back in 1991 when Hermès introduced the first double-turn strap on a watchband with it’s now iconic Cape Cod watch, little did the fashion world know the revolution it would cause. Now everyone from Marc Jacobs to Fossil has a multi-turn strap for the timepieces in their line. And what Hermès has done for watch straps it has also done for bracelets.

Hermès multiple wrap leather bracelets—including the coveted, affordable (at the high end) Hapi collection with it’s recognizable double H buckle—have also spawned wannabes. The Hapi 3 mm (shown here, currently tops among Hermès devotees), a two-colour reversible model that encircles the wrist four times and sells for $375 cdn, has worthy competition at the low end with the equally covetable Swatch Colour Code bracelet.

The Swatch Colour Code, pictured here and at the top of this story, is also made of leather but it might not be as obvious because it has a high-gloss patent finish. While all Hermès bracelets come in a variety of sizes, The Colour Code is one-size-fits-all: the smaller the wrist the more wraps. When it comes to both colour selection and price, the Swatch, which features 10 fun shades and costs  $32.50 cdn, leaves Hermès behind, through the cachet and resale potential of an Hermès bracelet will still trump a Swatch bracelet every time.—Annabel Lee

Find Hermès leather bracelets in Vancouver at Hermès, 755 Burrard St, 604-681-9965. Find Swatch bracelets in Burnaby at Swatch, 25e – 4700 Kingsway (Metrotown), 604-430-1984.

Photos, top to bottom: courtesy Swatch, Hermes