Q: What are the dimensions of the Picotin Lock 18 and how does this item compare?
A: The Picotin Lock 18 is approximately 18 × 19 × 13 cm. This specific piece matches that footprint and has a handle drop of about 12 cm, making it a compact handheld tote ideal for daily essentials. Please refer to the Measurements on this page for the exact figures for this item.

Q: What typically fits inside a Picotin 18?
A: It comfortably holds a large smartphone, compact wallet or card holder, keys, small cosmetics, and sunglasses in a soft pouch. Bulky items like a hard glasses case, a tablet, or an upright water bottle are usually too large for this size.

Q: Is the Picotin 18 secure to use given its open top?
A: The Picotin Lock uses a leather strap threaded through side brackets and secured with a padlock to restrict the opening. For added peace of mind, many owners use small pouches or an organiser inside to keep valuables together and out of sight.

Q: Can the Picotin 18 be worn on the shoulder or crossbody?
A: It is designed for hand or crook‑of‑arm carry. The handles are intentionally short, so most people cannot wear the 18 on the shoulder. Aftermarket strap conversions exist, but they may stress hardware; we recommend using the bag as intended.

Q: What is Taurillon Clemence leather and how does it wear?
A: Clemence is a supple, pebbled bull‑calf leather known for its soft drape and relaxed look. It tends to hide light scratches well but can slouch with use. Regularly rest the bag on its base studs, avoid overloading, and store it stuffed to help it keep its shape.

Q: How should I care for Clemence leather on this vintage piece?
A: Wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth after use, keep away from heavy rain and oils, and store in a cool, dry place, loosely stuffed and upright. Avoid over‑conditioning; if deeper cleaning is needed, consult a specialist familiar with Hermès leathers.

Q: How does the Picotin 18 compare with the Picotin 22?
A: The 18 is a compact carry‑all for essentials. The 22 offers noticeably more capacity and can accommodate larger items like a small tablet or a water bottle, but it is larger on the arm. Your choice comes down to how much you carry day‑to‑day.

Q: When was the Picotin introduced and what does the name mean?
A: The Picotin debuted in the early 2000s and takes its name from an old French term for a measure of oats used in horse feeding—reflecting Hermès’ equestrian heritage. The current Picotin “Lock” adds the padlock‑secured strap across the opening.

Q: What’s included with this A Retro Tale listing?
A: Everything included is listed under product information on this page. For this item, there are no additional items beyond the bag itself.

Q: How do you authenticate this bag?
A: Every item at A Retro Tale is carefully vetted by our in‑house experts using multi‑point checks of materials, stitching, hardware, stamps and year codes. We stand behind the authenticity of all items we sell and can share further details on request.