The Hermès Chaine d’Ancre jewelry collection has been turning heads thanks to its presence on celebrities. While many people dream of owning one, the reality at official boutiques can be disheartening. Customers are often told that “reservations are not possible” or that “it’s not being offered at the moment”, and it’s not uncommon to hear of people leaving empty-handed.
So, how can you actually get your hands on a Chaine d’Ancre?
In this article, we’ll break down the reasons why the Chaine d’Ancre is so difficult to buy, while also explaining in simple terms how to approach purchasing it at an official boutique, how to search for it on the resale market, and how to make use of international online shops or parallel imports.
And in this article, we’ll also introduce the retail prices as of 2025 along with second-hand market trends, so if you're considering making a purchase, you'll find this a useful reference.
Image source: Hermès
Hermès’ Chaine d’Ancre is often cited as a quintessential “must-have but hard-to-get” item. There are several reasons behind this reputation.
The Chaine d’Ancre is a piece of jewelry meticulously handcrafted by Hermès’ skilled artisans. Since it cannot be mass-produced, the annual production is extremely limited.
As a result, only a few pieces make it to official boutiques, and depending on the timing, you might not encounter any at all.
On social media, you’ll often see claims like “reservations are impossible” or “you have to wait X years”. However, Hermès never officially states a specific waiting period, and the situation can vary depending on the boutique and timing.
Some customers report that “reservations were accepted in the past, but are now on hold,” which has fueled the rumors of a “reservation halt.” The same goes for resuming reservations—it ultimately depends on each boutique’s policies, making this the most realistic way to understand the situation.
The Chaine d’Ancre’s popularity skyrocketed after being worn by celebrities and models.
The bracelets, in particular, have gained support from both men and women, and their widespread sharing on Instagram and X has directly fueled the surge in demand.
Because demand far exceeds supply, it’s common for customers to find that they cannot purchase one at an official boutique when they want it.
Image source: Hermès
Many people hope to purchase a Chaine d’Ancre at an official boutique, but in reality, it’s not something anyone can simply buy on the spot.
Here, we’ll outline the typical process for purchasing at an official store, along with key points to keep in mind.
At Hermès, the products you are shown often depend on your purchase history and your relationship with a sales associate.
For highly sought-after items, whether you are actually offered the chance to buy one becomes a key factor.
On your first visit, it’s not guaranteed that such pieces will be presented, so it’s realistic to consider yourself lucky if they are.
It is said that some boutiques used to accept reservations in the past, but nowadays, most do not offer this option.
Hermès never officially specifies a concrete waiting period, and the process can vary depending on the sales associate or store.
It’s important to note that a reservation does not guarantee that you will eventually get the piece.
The Chaine d’Ancre is one of the most sought-after pieces in Hermès’ jewelry collection, so some boutiques receive only a very limited number of items.
Even when stock is available, pieces are often offered to customers selectively, making it important to build a good relationship with your sales associate.
If you are considering a purchase, visiting the store regularly and maintaining communication with your associate can be an effective approach.
The retail price of the Chaine d’Ancre varies depending on size and material. As of 2025, the following serves as a general guide:
※These are reference prices as of the time of writing. Prices may change in the future due to revisions or differences in materials.
Image source: Hermès
For a piece like the Chaine d’Ancre, which can be difficult to purchase at official boutiques, the second-hand and resale market offers a practical and viable option. Here, we’ll go over the advantages, typical prices, and key points to keep in mind.
One of the biggest advantages of the second-hand market is that you can purchase items immediately. Unlike at official boutiques, there’s no need to wait for an invitation, and you can compare different sizes and conditions to find the piece that best suits you.
Additionally, if you purchase from a resale shop specializing in Hermès, the items are often authenticated by experts and come with a guarantee, allowing you to buy with confidence.
As of 2025, Chaine d’Ancre bracelets on the second-hand market are often traded at around 60–90% of the retail price.
Compared to buying new, they are slightly more accessible, and depending on the size and condition, you may even find a good deal.
※These are reference prices as of the time of this article’s update. Prices may vary depending on condition, included accessories, and market trends.
Because the Chaine d’Ancre is extremely popular, there is a risk of encountering counterfeits or modified pieces in the market. This is especially important to keep in mind when buying from the second-hand market or through international online shops. Here are key points to consider:
The Chaine d’Ancre is a special piece of jewelry that is not only a fashion item but also valued for its investment potential. The bracelets, in particular, have a relatively high circulation in the second-hand market and enjoy steady demand.
If you’d like to learn more about the investment potential of the Chaine d’Ancre, be sure to also check out ”How Valuable Is the Hermès Chaine d'Ancre? Price History & Market Trends [2025 Edition]”.
Image source: Hermès
Besides official boutiques and the second-hand market, it’s also possible to obtain a Chaine d’Ancre through international online shops or parallel import stores.
However, while these options have their advantages, they also come with risks, so it’s important to understand the key points before purchasing.
Parallel import stores are shops that independently sell products sourced from overseas official boutiques or dealers. Compared to Japanese official stores, they often have a wider range of stock, which can make it easier to find a Chaine d’Ancre depending on timing.
Prices also vary by store, and items can sometimes be available for less than the official retail price.
By using international e-commerce sites or brand-specific online shops, you may gain access to stock that is not available in Japan.
While international online shopping and parallel imports can expand your options, it is essential to choose a trusted seller to avoid the risks of counterfeits and lack of warranty.
Image source: Hermès
We’ve compiled the questions most frequently asked by people looking to purchase a Chaine d’Ancre.
A: Hermès does not provide any specific guidance such as “X years of waiting.”
Some customers who frequently visit Hermès boutiques—often referred to as “Hermès patrol” enthusiasts—have managed to purchase a piece after being offered it by chance during repeated visits.
In other words, rather than a fixed “X-year wait,” the reality is that obtaining a piece largely depends on your relationship with the store and timing.
A：Official boutiques operate on a guided or selective basis, so purchase is not guaranteed, but they are appealing to those who value the full brand experience.
On the other hand, the second-hand market offers abundant stock, easy comparison, and immediate availability, making it the most practical option.
Parallel imports and international online shopping are also options, but they come with risks such as counterfeits and customs duties, so it’s important to choose a trusted seller.
A：While social media buzz can make it seem like a temporary trend, the Chaine d’Ancre has long been a beloved iconic piece of Hermès jewelry.
In particular, the bracelets enjoy steady demand among both men and women, and they have a high circulation in the second-hand market.
Unfazed by fleeting trends, it is expected that the Chaine d’Ancre will continue to be popular as a classic piece of jewelry with lasting value.
Image source: Hermès
Due to its high popularity, the Chaine d’Ancre can be difficult to purchase at official boutiques, but there are several ways to obtain it.
Each option has its advantages and considerations, so it’s important to choose the purchasing method that best suits you.
No matter which route you choose, reliability is the key when purchasing a Chaine d’Ancre.
Decide based on your priorities: whether you value the in-store Hermès brand experience at official boutiques or prefer the certainty of obtaining a piece through the second-hand market.
At XIAOMA, leveraging years of experience as an Hermès-specialized store, we authenticate products using our own rigorous standards and only handle items that meet these strict criteria. Check out XIAOMA’s Chaine d’Ancre collection here.
