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The Ulysse is one of Hermès' signature refillable notebook and agenda covers. A supple leather cover holds a genuine refill (a notebook or calendar) fastened by a snap stud, so when the pages are full you simply swap the insert and keep the cover for years. Its pared-back design, free of pockets or excessive ornament, lets the quality of the calfskin itself take center stage, and clean, well-colored examples remain steadily sought after on the vintage market. Where the Agenda line leans toward scheduling, the Ulysse is positioned as the more notebook-oriented range, suited to free writing and sketching.

The Ulysse notebook cover is said to have been introduced in 2002. The name 'Ulysse' refers to the Greek hero Odysseus (Ulysses in Latin), and is described as an homage evoking his long voyage and adventures. Casting a notebook as a 'travel journal' is the kind of poetic, story-giving gesture characteristic of Hermès. More than two decades on, it remains a staple, kept in production while gaining new sizes, colors and a pocketed variant (the Ulysse Néo).

The Ulysse is offered chiefly in four sizes: Mini, PM, MM and GM, each paired with its own genuine refill that you replenish over time. Published dimensions vary by source, but as a guide: Mini roughly 11.5 x 11.5 cm (refill ~11 x 8.5 cm), PM ~16 x 13.5 cm (refill ~15 x 11.5 cm), MM ~23 x 19 cm (refill ~22 x 17 cm), and GM ~30 x 25 cm (refill ~29.5 x 23 cm). Mini suits quick notes, PM everyday carry, MM serious writing, and GM near-A4 capacity. Because stated measurements shift with how they are taken, confirm the actual size and refill fit before buying.

The Ulysse is made primarily in supple leathers, most notably grained Togo and calfskins such as Taurillon Clemence. Togo is a calf leather drummed to bring out a natural grain, prized for its lightness and forgiving way with scratches. It takes color beautifully, and across eras and seasons the line has appeared in classics like black and etoupe as well as orange, gold, white and various blues, greens and pinks. In vintage pieces, discontinued shades and softly aged tones are part of the appeal, while fading and corner wear affect value. Because leather and color vary considerably between examples, inspection in person is essential.

The closure is a snap stud modeled on Hermès' signature Clou de Selle (saddle nail), finished in palladium, gold or other plating. Ornament is concentrated in this single element; the cover otherwise relies on stitching and the texture of the leather for a minimalist effect. Inside there is only a snap (pin) to hold the refill, and the standard Ulysse has no pockets. The Ulysse Néo variant, by contrast, adds interior pockets and accommodates off-the-shelf notebooks more readily. Hardware stamps, plating type and stud shape vary by era and example, making them useful points to observe.

Because the Ulysse fixes its refill with a snap, it is designed around correctly sized genuine Hermès notebook or calendar inserts. Refills come plain, ruled or in colored pages, and dated calendar (agenda) inserts can be swapped in year to year. Even when the size name (Mini/PM/MM/GM) matches, pin placement can differ between eras, so checking fit when replenishing is wise. The pocketless standard Ulysse takes a little improvisation to run with non-Hermès notebooks, whereas the Ulysse Néo, with its interior pockets, makes holding off-the-shelf notebooks far easier.

Hermès leather goods typically carry a craftsman's blind stamp and production markings inside, and the Ulysse is no exception. Historically a letter enclosed in a circle or square was used to estimate a piece's era, but the system is understood to have changed in recent years, so dating cannot be stated categorically. The position and typeface of stamps and the plating of hardware can differ by era and specification. These are clues for reading a piece's likely period only; the presence or shape of a stamp alone cannot establish authenticity or date. For a final determination, please consult a specialist.

As points to observe: the naturalness of the leather's grain and feel, the evenness and tension of the stitching, the construction, stamping and plating consistency of the Clou de Selle hardware, the way the interior stamp is struck, and the dimensional match between refill and cover. Togo's characteristic grain, lightness and body in the hand are also informative. All of these are guides only, however; sophisticated imitations exist, and no single feature can confirm a piece is genuine. This description reflects a personal view and offers no guarantee of authenticity. Leave the final decision on purchase or valuation to a trusted specialist or proper verification.

Reference prices for new pieces vary widely by size; overseas official listings have shown roughly the low hundreds of dollars for a PM-class cover and more for a GM, though this shifts with timing, region and exchange rates. On the vintage and pre-owned market, price moves with size, color, material, condition and whether a refill is included, with desirable colors and clean condition tending to command more. When choosing, prioritize the size that fits your use, and check corner wear, fading, hardware condition and refill fit for the best result. The figures here are estimates only and do not guarantee market price or value; this is not investment advice.

The Mini sits in the palm, ideal for notes and idea jotting. The PM lives in a bag for daily logging, the MM handles serious writing in meetings or creative work, and the GM suits broad sketching and reference notes. Its simplicity pairs with any outfit or bag: classic colors read well at work, while vivid shades make a playful accent. Swap in a calendar refill and it serves as a dated planner; swap in a plain notebook and it becomes a sketchbook, a piece whose character changes with its insert. It also holds its own as an object on a desk.

Calfskins such as Togo and Clemence are vulnerable to water and hard abrasion, so avoid exposure in the rain and, if wetted, blot dry promptly with a soft dry cloth. Guard against color transfer from prolonged contact with dark items like denim, and store away from direct sun, heat and humidity in a dust bag. Wipe the Clou de Selle hardware with a soft dry cloth and avoid abrasives. Test any leather cream on an inconspicuous spot first and apply sparingly. When changing refills, do not force the snap. Light daily care and proper storage are the surest way to preserve the piece's vintage beauty.