Hermès Roulis: Quiet Luxury Alternative to the Hermès Constance
Read on for a complete guide to collecting the Hermès Roulis.
T he Hermès Roulis is a modern shoulder bag that embodies timeless elegance and sophistication. Its signature clasp draws inspiration from Hermès’ iconic Chaîne d’Ancre design, first introduced in 1938 as a bracelet. This motif, inspired by ship anchor chains, symbolizes progress and innovation—a nod to the vision of Hermès designer and former CEO, Robert Dumas.
First unveiled in the Spring/Summer 2011 collection, the Roulis pays homage to this heritage while offering modern functionality. Its sleek metal clasp secures the front flap, revealing a thoughtfully designed interior with three compartments for effortless organization. Available in a range of premium materials and hardware finishes, the Hermès Roulis comes in two versatile sizes: the compact 18 cm Mini and the spacious 23 cm model, making it a refined accessory for any occasion.
Hermès Roulis vs Hermès Constance
While the Hermès Constance is widely more recognizable with its prominent metal H clasp, the Hermès Roulis is the perfect choice for collectors seeking a more "quiet luxury" option. The design and functionality of the Roulis is very similar to the Constance since both are square shoulder bags with front flaps and metal hardware closure. The Roulis Hermès hardware is also less likely to show scratches on the hardware given the sleek design. The price of the Roulis Hermès is also about half the price of the Constance in the secondary market. A store fresh leather Hermès Mini Roulis sells for between $7,000-10,000 while the Mini Constance 18 sells for $17,000-$20,000 in the secondary market.
Exotic Hermès Roulis
The Hermès Roulis is available in leather, ostrich, alligator and lizard. The Roulis is also available as a Touch, with an alligator flap and leather body. Prices for a store fresh alligator Hermès Roulis are similar to a leather Cosntance bag at auction and Sotheby's Buy Now Marketplace. Given this price difference, it's an opportunity to purchase an Hermès alligator bag for the same price as many of the leather bags.
Advantages to Buying an Hermès Bag on the Secondary Market
1. Access
Sotheby's is able to provide access to a curated selection of Hermès bags from its long established global network of sellers. Sotheby's is a leading global marketplace that offers pristine Hermès bags in the most popular colors, materials and sizes along with rare Himalayan and Limited Edition Hermès bags. Our handbag specialists are always sourcing the more desirable Hermès bags from collectors around the world. Sotheby's also sells incredible private collections that include one of a kind Hermès bags.
2. Flexibility
Sotheby's provides multiple ways to purchase bags including auction, online, and in person in New York, Hong Kong, Zurich, Paris and London. Sotheby's also offers a concierge service if you need assistance sourcing a specific Hermès bag that isn't available at auction or online.
3. Value
While Hermès bags in pristine condition sell at a premium to retail, Sotheby's has bags for purchase at auction and marketplace in a range of the most desirable colors and materials. Secondary marketplaces like Sotheby's allow a buyer to purchase a store fresh pristine Hermès bag with the original box and all plastic still on the hardware without waiting for a call from an Hermès sales associate. While it is possible to purchase a Hermès Bag at a boutique, it is hard to predict how long it will take. Additionally if you don't have an existing relationship at the store, it is even harder to pick the exact bag including size, color and hardware. In many cases you may be offered a Hermès bag that may not be your desired color or size. Buyers also come to Sotheby's since they want to purchase more than two Hermès bags in a year. While we encourage you to build a relationship with an Hermès Sales Associate, Sotheby's can save you time when purchasing a Hermès.
4. Discovery
One of the best parts of a global luxury marketplace is discovering unique one of a kind Hermès or rare limited edition Hermès bags that are no longer available at Hermès. Sotheby's curated selection changes regularly and each auction has a unique selection of Hermès bags. You are likely to discover something new to you from Hermès.
Buy and Sell an Hermès Bag at Sotheby's
Sotheby's always has a curated selection of the top Hermès bags available for immediate shipping. Sotheby's also sells Hermès bags at auction in New York, Paris, Zurich and Hong Kong. Expect to find rare and collectible Birkin and Kelly bags in every sale in addition to other popular Hermès bags in pristine condition in the newest colors and classic neutrals. Sotheby's handbag sales include rare and limited edition Hermès bags in exotic materials, custom color combinations and even diamond hardware.
Prices for entry level Hermès bags range from $3,000 to $5,000 for the Herbag, Garden Party and Evelyne TPM. Prices for the most sought after Birkin and Kelly bags start at around $20,000 and can exceed $100,000 for the rarest and most desirable limited edition Birkin or Kelly bags.
- Explore upcoming handbag auctions in New York, London, Switzerland, Paris, and Hong Kong.
- Speak to a Salon Associate in New York, Zurich, London, Paris, or Hong Kong to schedule an appointment.
- Contact a Handbag Specialist about selling an Hermès bag or submit your item here for valuation.
Trust our worldwide network of leading handbag specialists from a globally renowned auction house established in 1744.
