Hermes Etrier Bracelet Rose Gold Swift Calfskin and Metal H100016FOS3T2

Some bracelets are bought for a colour; this one is bought for a mechanism. The Etrier is essentially a braided cord of Swift calfskin that feeds through a small stirrup-shaped metal piece and pins back on itself, and because the braid itself provides the adjustment, the bracelet can be closed at any point along its length. It is listed for wrists from 5.7 to 6.1 inches and made in Italy.

Handling it, what impresses is the weight distribution. The cord is only 0.12 inches thick and the metalwork is correspondingly compact and plated in rose gold, so the bracelet stays light on the arm all day and never rotates the way a heavier bangle does. The Swift leather is smooth, fine and flexible, closer in feel to a soft cord than to a strap.

In use, I find it the easiest leather bracelet to recommend to someone who has never worn one. It goes with a shirt cuff at work, with a sweatshirt at the weekend, and with a linen shirt on holiday, and it can be loosened by a millimetre or two when the weather turns humid. I wear it with a plain gold ring and nothing else, most days.

Two notes so nothing surprises you. Because the calfskin is smooth it scuffs a little more easily than a grained leather would, so avoid wearing it next to a watch bracelet with sharp links, and keep water, chlorine and hand cream off it, since the surface absorbs oils. Store it in the pouch, loosely coiled. Made in Italy.