About the Hermès Constance 24
The Constance 24 is a slim shoulder-and-crossbody bag defined by its signature H-clasp, so resale is driven by clean Epsom, hardware finish and colour, and by the hands-free wear the Birkin and Kelly cannot offer.
The Hermès Constance 24 is the house's most quietly iconic shoulder bag, defined by its bold H turn-lock clasp — the only overt piece of branding Hermès permits itself. A decades-old design with a slim, rectangular flap silhouette, the 24 (a compact mid-size, worn cross-body or on the shoulder) sits somewhere between an evening bag and a compact daily crossbody, worn on its adjustable, tuckable strap over the shoulder or across the body.
It is entirely hand-built and saddle-stitched, and its appeal is precision: clean lines, a jewel-like clasp, and just enough room for a phone, cardholder and lipstick. The Constance suits the buyer who finds the Birkin and Kelly too structured or too obvious and wants something sleeker and more discreet. On the secondary market its scarcity and cult following keep demand consistently ahead of supply.
What drives its resale value
The Constance's value hinges on its clasp, leather and colour. The H hardware in gold or palladium is the bag's signature, and even, unblemished plating is essential to a premium example. Because Hermès produces the Constance in limited numbers and rarely offers it openly, the 24 frequently trades above retail — the median above sits below the small Birkins and Kellys, making it a relatively accessible route to a hard-to-get Hermès.
Neutral Epsom or Box in black, Étoupe or Gold underpins the steadiest value, while a striking blue, rouge or a coveted Mini variant lifts a clean piece toward the top of the range. Condition is decisive on such a flat, front-facing design: the flap and clasp show wear immediately, so an unmarked example commands a real premium over a scuffed one.
Buying one pre-owned
On a pre-owned Constance 24, inspect the H clasp, flap face and strap above all — the clasp plating rubs and the flat flap scratches with everyday carry, and a sagging or loose turn-lock is a red flag. Check the adjustable strap's leather and its stitching, confirm even saddle-stitching throughout, and make sure the clasp opens and closes with a clean, positive action.
Authenticate with the usual reliable tells: a crisp Hermès blind stamp with date letter, evenly-plated hardware with a precisely engineered H mechanism, and slightly diagonal hand saddle-stitching. Counterfeits most often fail at the clasp — sloppy H proportions or a rough action — and on stamp depth. Given the outlay, buy through an Authenticity Guarantee or a reputable reseller with returns, and let the median and range shown above anchor your judgement rather than a single headline price.
Questions buyers ask
- How much does a pre-owned Hermès Constance 24 cost?
- It depends on leather, colour, hardware and condition, but the live market above shows the current median and full range from real listings, updated daily. The Constance is scarce, so it often trades above retail, yet sits below the small Birkins and Kellys — a relatively accessible hard-to-get Hermès.
- Does the Hermès Constance 24 hold its value?
- Very well — its limited production and cult status make it a strong value-holder that frequently resells at or above retail. Neutral leathers and pristine clasp condition protect resale most; scuffs on the flat flap face or worn H hardware are what pull a Constance toward the lower end.
- How can I tell if a Hermès Constance 24 is authentic?
- Check the H clasp for precise proportions and a clean, positive action, look for a crisp blind stamp with a date letter, and confirm even diagonal hand saddle-stitching and evenly-plated hardware. Fakes most often betray themselves at the clasp and in shallow stamps — when unsure, buy with an Authenticity Guarantee.
- Which Constance 24 colour is best for resale?
- Neutral classics — black, Étoupe and Gold in Epsom or Box — hold value most dependably because they flatter the widest audience and hide wear better on the flat flap. Coveted blues and reds can command more when supply is tight, while very seasonal shades tend to resell more slowly.
- How much is a Hermès Constance 24 in store versus resale?
- The Constance is produced in small numbers and seldom shown openly, and boutique purchases hinge on an established relationship with Hermès — so most buyers turn to resale. Retail, when accessible, undercuts the secondary market, and that gap is why the 24 typically trades above store price. The median and range in the listings above are the honest guide to what it costs, not any quoted boutique figure.
- What are the Hermès Constance 24's measurements?
- The 24 refers to its width — about 24 cm across — a slim, rectangular flap bag that sits between an evening piece and a compact daily crossbody. It takes a phone, cardholder and lipstick rather than a day's cargo, in keeping with its discreet lines. It is worn on the shoulder or across the body on its adjustable, tuckable strap.
- Is the Constance 24 worth buying pre-owned?
- Yes — it is among the most accessible routes into a genuinely hard-to-get Hermès, sitting below the small Birkins and Kellys while holding value strongly. The hands-free wear it offers is something neither the Birkin nor the Kelly can match, which broadens its everyday appeal. Prioritise an unmarked flap and clean H-clasp plating, check against the median and range above, and it rewards the outlay.