UNDER EMBARGO MARCH 30st - 8.30 AM
NEW IN 2022 AND STILL DISTINCTIVE OF
BAUME & MERCIER EXPERTISE IN WATCHMAKING DESIGN
To design a timepiece like an art object… It takes a visionary spirit with a love for shapes and volumes to conceive of ultra-slim pocket watches for men and jewelry watches for women to wear as rings or necklaces. Beginning in the 1920s, Paul Mercier, backed by the technical expertise of William Baume, captured the essence of the social progress of the times. The Maison’s inherent creativity and modernity have brought it resounding success, marking the signature look of Baume & Mercier that is still visible today.
“Why not combine the dependability and precision of a watch of the highest quality with the lightness and appeal of contemporary esthetics?
People want freshness, beauty, lightness.”
Quote from The Saga – The history book of Baume & Mercier
Born from an innovative, modern spirit, the collections of yesteryear continue to assert their contemporary spirit and avant-garde shapes, joining today’s collection in the creative momentum that the Brand never ceases to renew. Each one in its own way demonstrates a love for design, a passion for shape, and a desire to make a bold statement, which Baume & Mercier has been carrying in its DNA since William Baume met Paul Mercier. The Studio Design – the Maison’s in-house creative studio – has always enthusiastically created each new collection, setting itself the challenge of mastering a great variety of shapes, from the simplest to the most complex. The constant pursuit for perfect proportions and precise lines; attention to detail; the harmony of materials and colors; the concurrence of classicism and design; the mingling of rectangular and rounded lines; and the balance between men’s and women’s watchmaking all enter into the creative process. By choosing the Greek letter Phi – a reference to the divine proportion and its natural balance – as its emblem, Baume & Mercier has clearly hitched its wagon to the star of artistic aspiration.
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HAMPTON: A YEAR FILLED WITH NUANCES
Between creativity and timelessness, the Hampton collection asserts a distinctive design symbolizing renewal and hope in a tribute to the Art Deco movement. This year, Baume & Mercier unveils a new palette intermingling various materials and colors to further heighten its effects – from character to simplicity to the element of surprise – with a more technical look or exquisitely precious curves, revealing the famous rectangular case in all its glory. Time to play on shapes, bold materials and new combinations... Bringing design to the forefront.
There are no fewer than six new Hampton models, which elegantly wrap around the wrist for a retro, glamorous or minimalist look... Each watch has its own nuances, and each form will find its following. The refinement of the Hampton collection is to be appreciated without moderation.
A FIFTIES LOOK
Hampton dares a deep-dive into historical style. One reason that the distinctive, iconic case of this collection continues to surprise is because it is inseparable from the strap that adorns it. There is nothing like mesh to create a continuity of soft curves that the light slips along. Machining these long strands of steel into a skillful weave is an expert Italian technique that dates back to the 17th century. However, it was really during the 1950s that Milano mesh watch straps came into their own. The long, patient work of goldsmiths on this fine metal weave, which is articulated right down to its soldered joint, has brought it an exquisite suppleness and comfort. Hampton revisits the Milano mesh strap with a very tight weave in polished / satin-finished steel that nestles divinely against the wrist. In this irresistibly retro look, Art Deco meets Italian craftsmanship. With an elegant medium-sized polished stainless-steel case, the watch is equipped with either a self-winding movement or a very long-lasting quartz movement.
HAMPTON MEDIUM – M0A10672
The self-winding version reveals an opaline and grained silver dial. Its riveted black ruthenium Arabic numerals and indexes offer an even more vintage character. Again, the style dives into Art Deco geometry. The black ruthenium “glaive” hands gracefully sweep along the delicate black-and-gray minute track. The sapphire back reveals refined watchmaking decorations along the movement, which offers 38 hours of autonomy. The eye is drawn to the beautiful circular-grained bridges; the sand-blasted and snailed baseplate; and the “Côtes de Genève” and snailed decorations that adorn the oscillating weight.
HAMPTON MEDIUM – M0A10671
Through its domed sapphire crystal, the quartz version reveals a blue sun satin dial with striking contrasts. The rectangular shape, highlighted once again by the blue gradation, provides the ultimate geometric Art Deco effect. Like a spreading wave, the white minute track also reflects the iconic shape. Its shine brings an unprecedented depth to this streamlined piece. The rhodium-plated riveted numbers and indexes are elegantly indicated by “glaive” hands. The screwed back offers space for an original engraving of a loving word, quote or date.
Like all the new Hampton watches, these two models offer a simple strap interchangeability system requiring no tools and offering a number of combinations to suit every whim.
A GLAMOROUS SPIRIT
Baume & Mercier relaunched the Hampton two years ago. While the watches scrupulously uphold the distinctive design that has brought the collection so much success, the curves and corners have been revisited for a more contemporary look. This year, the Brand offers variations on two very popular models which will thrill any lover of beautiful objects. With a more traditional appeal on a leather strap, each of these two watches asserts soft lines and exquisite details, making them essential to the collection.
HAMPTON LARGE – M0A10666
The first model is adorned with a self-winding movement in a larger size to accommodate the watch features that any aficionado will appreciate. The polished steel case features an opaline and grained slate dial for texture that introduces a touch of modernity to this more traditional watch face. Along the white minute track, which emphasizes the iconic rectangular shape, are riveted rhodium-plated Arabic numerals and indexes. “Glaive” hands – the distinctive signature of this collection – sweep along it. The large date aperture appears at 12 o’clock, while the second time zone and day-night indicator are both located at 6 o’clock. On the back, the sapphire crystal reveals the watchmaking decorations of the movement: circular-grained bridges, a sand-blasted and snailed baseplate, an oscillating weight with “Côtes de Genève” decorations... To the delight of watch aficionados. The movement offers a 42-hour power reserve. As an elegant finishing touch, the watch is mounted on a black alligator skin strap with square scales and tone-on-tone overstitching.
HAMPTON MEDIUM – M0A10670
The second – medium-sized – version is equipped with a long-lasting quartz movement. It features a brown calfskin strap with trendy beige overstitching which coordinates perfectly with the polished steel case. Its rectangular shape is accentuated by a set of gray rectangles that stretch outwards as if seeking to surpass all limits. The geometric effect and Art Deco depth draw the eye along the gray minute track which runs around the perimeter of the opaline silver dial. Riveted rhodium-plated Arabic numerals and indexes appear on it, and are indicated by delicate “glaive” hands. Its screwed back allows space for the engraving of a happy memory, date or accomplishment. This is a refined watch for any occasion.
