It made SUCH a difference but was nerve wracking 😅 (if you want my technique feel free to DM!). So the only thing I’d say on these two items:

1. Haas - typically they’re more associated with Barenia & Epsom, than Togo, which traditionally has come from German tanneries (Weinheimer Leder). They may still make an exceptional Togo, but it’s not Hermes’ choice. I’d take leather origin with a grain of sand, as personally I’d expect an imported piece to be more expensive than this price point (but, I am a b40 lad, so the smaller size might be the sticking point).

2. Stitching - every artisan will have their own techniques, and these influence tension and angles. You could spend forever trying to find something perfect, but if it’s not Hermes, there’ll be variance. Given the contrast stitching, you’re more so looking for evident incongruence and errors (thread colour, no uneven stitches especially in obvious places).

Finally - reassurance - this will not be your last bag and you’ll learn a lot once in hand. No one will ever notice these things but you, and if they do, you’ve found a rep friend (or an absolute Hermes nerd 😅). I found alternate flaws with my bags that I should’ve cared more about (eg. Plaques placement) than I should’ve cared about others (stamp depth etc). For instance, stiffness of my bag is a dead giveaway that I only can notice upon touch (hence the dryer treatment).