The new Baume and Mercier Hampton watch collection for ladies and gentlemen 2011

The Baume and Mercie Hampton watch Collection – At the Heart of Baume & Mercier’s New Universe

Since 1830, Baume & Mercier has been designing watches of the highest quality that are endowed with lasting appeal thanks to their classic, timeless aesthetic. For 180 years, men’s and ladies’ timepieces have followed one another in succession – sometimes iconic, sometimes inspired, but always dedicated to excellence and always with the same calling : the creations by the Swiss Maison d’Horlogerie have the ability to fix our milestone moments in life to our memory. In speaking to those who combine the art of living with stylish elegance, Baume & Mercier is well-known for its lifestyle calling. This desire to match those who wear the watches as closely as possible, to reflect their lifestyle and values, is now expressed in a new brand universe that was successfully unveiled at the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie 2011.

Seaside living in the Hamptons
It was natural for Baume & Mercier to turn to the seaside to embody its new area of watch expression. This unchanging refuge, where the passing of eternity is measured by the rhythm of the surf, is the perfect place for a remembrance of things past. Above all, the seaside evokes a lifestyle that bears a close relationship to the Maison’s values of authenticity and continuity. The Hamptons, on Long Island, New York, echo this seaside lifestyle perfectly. With their magnificent residences rising at the foot of the dunes, easy living coupled with intense artistic, cultural and social activity, and a light unlike that found anywhere else, the Hamptons are the refuge of those who appreciate the charms of discreet luxury. Here, you can stroll, warmed by the slight breeze against your favorite cashmere sweater. A blanket spread on the beach or a weathered deck is an invitation to an impromptu picnic. You end the day barefoot in the sand, sipping a great vintage.

Harbingers of Elegance
Like a prelude to the world of seaside living in the Hamptons, the Hampton collection introduced in 1994 and now reinterpreted captures the indescribable beauty of these spaces between land and sea and the discreet, relaxed sophistication of their residents. Falling squarely within Baume & Mercier’s territory, this collection gives pride of place to the sheer luxury of existing and a certain notion of pronounced elegance.

The Baume and Mercier Hampton watch for ladies

The Baume and Merice Hampton ladies’ pieces, are generously sized (27 x 40 mm), and have kept the highly distinctive satined domed volume and curved case side of the museum watch. On the Core Collection models, the wristband is made of alligator or satin-finished polished steel, with the polished finish extending from the case to the outer links in a sophisticated touch. Another signature feature of the Baume and Mercier Hampton ladies watch is the “ jodhpur ” shape of the wristband, which makes it lighter and more comfortable on the wrist. The strap is offered in satin or alligator. Also noteworthy is the perfect integration between the case and the bracelet which extends the piece’s fluid lines. The high-end models are adorned with two types of settings. In the first, 20 diamonds (total 0.73 carats) are set in the curved case side of a version with a silvered dial featuring a sunburst satin finish on the outer part and opaline finishes in the center, or an equally chic two-toned dial in black and anthracite.

The second type of setting has a double row of diamonds on the satined domed volume at 12 and 6 o’clock ; these 36 diamonds (0.48 carats) accentuate the piece’s natural sophistication. Finally, the Baume and Mercier Hampton ladies watch collections emblematic ladies piece has a fully-set case – lugs, satined domed volume and curved case side – that beautifully enhances the silvered dial and harmonizes with the purity of the white alligator strap. It is the highlight of the Hampton ladies’ collection, and it consists of 80 diamonds for a total of 1.78 carats. The case back is decorated with a “ Sundeck décor ” designed by Baume & Mercier to allow for the watch to be personalized with a word or message of affection.

The Baume and Mercier Hampton watch for Gentlemen

The Baume and Mercier Hampton watch men’s pieces exist in a self-winding version with a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock, a size of 32 x 45 mm and an ETA 2895 movement ; or an automatic chronograph version with counters sporting just a touch of red to dress up the dial, a size of 30 x 47 mm, and an ETA 2894 movement. The dial palette for the automatic and automatic chronograph versions of the Baume and Mercier Hampton watch for men, always two-tone, was selected for its warm masculine hues, such as the combination of black and brown, or black and anthracite. It is offset by a satined domed volume that lends force and character to the piece. A straight alligator strap with an adjustable triple folding clasp adds the finishing touch to this timepiece. While the case middle’s sides are straight in the Core Collection, the two emblematic pieces most resemble the piece that inspired them, with their highly stylized evocation of its Art Deco lines.

It is pleasing to rediscover the famous curved case side, but on a larger case suitable for men who know their worth. The emblematic pieces are available in a steel automatic chronograph version (34 x 47 mm) with a manufacture movement, a power reserve of 65 hours and an open case back that reveals the oscillating weight personalized with the phi symbol. The red gold version offers a manual manufacture movement having a 42-hour power reserve and a superb oval open case back. Unlike the Core Collection watches, which feature riveted Arabic numerals, the emblematic pieces remain true to Roman numerals, with the intent of perpetuating the historic model. Daring to revisit the striking characteristics of the museum piece, taking the interpretation exercise as far as it will go by enhancing the original aesthetic while giving it impressive modern proportions—such is the challenge of the Baume and Mercier Hampton watch collection, the Swiss Maison d’Horlogerie has met expertly. A shaped watch is never conventional or “ safe. ” And that is all the truer when it is the Hampton watch from Baume & Mercier.

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