An Art Deco-inspired Homage to the Heritage of Baume & Mercier

The Hampton Collection, with its slender and harmonious contours, is the perfect representation of Baume & Mercier’s rich artistic heritage. Sporting a delicate architecture-inspired rectangular case that instantly grabs attention, the collection showcases perfectly-proportioned design contours based on the golden reference, symbolised by the Greek letter Phi. Fascinatingly, the brand chose this special symbol as its emblem in 1964. It is rather fitting then that Baume & Mercier continues to proudly spotlight its savoir-faire built around this structural aesthetic principle. 

The quintessential dress watch for both men and women, the Hampton’s 1920s Art Deco style — inspired by an iconic 1960s model — lends itself seamlessly to all sorts of variations which are particularly flattered by its rectangular shape. These three models stay true to that same elegant Art Deco spirit. Two of them feature intense blue dials with refined finishes: a self-winding version and a gem-set jewellery version. The third, an architectural steel model with an integrated three-row strap, has a classic opaline white dial that adapts splendidly to a variety of occasions.

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A blue-hued classic: Hampton M0A10732

Sized at 43 mm x 27.5 mm with a thickness of 9.95 mm, this self-winding model’s rectangular case serves as the ideal complement to the sun-satin opaline blue dial. The finish on the dial allows a mesmerising interplay of light in a manner that the centre appears dazzlingly bright before the light scatters into exquisitely fine rays within the rectangle bordered by the hour and minute display. This unique optical effect paired with the geometric contours makes for a stunning visual spectacle. 

Featuring rhodium-plated, riveted Arabic numerals and hour indexes along with a black minute track, the dial exudes an easy sophistication that aligns with the Baume & Mercier ethos. The “glaive” hands are also rhodium-plated. The case, crafted in polished stainless steel, is protected by a scratch-resistant domed sapphire crystal. It is water-resistant to approximately 50 metres. The caseback, which is fastened by four screws, is ideal for personalised engravings. The hours, minutes and seconds display is powered by a self-winding movement that offers a 38-hour power reserve. The movement itself has exquisite finishes: a circular-grained bridge, a sand-blasted and snailed baseplate, and an oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève” and snailed decorations. 

The blue alligator strap, with square scales and tone-on-tone overstitching, adds a distinguished touch to the overall visual appeal. It can be interchanged easily without the requirement of tools, thanks to a reliable spring bar system. The strap makes use of a triple folding buckle with security push-pieces.

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A midnight-blue dazzler: Hampton M0A10709

Featuring a gem-set midnight blue dial paired with a dainty stainless steel case, this ladies’ model lends itself to a glamorous evening soiree as easily as it pairs with elegant daytime outfits. The size of the case (35 mm x 22.2 mm) makes it highly versatile, ideal for those with slimmer wrists. At 6.92 mm, the thickness helps accentuate the slender profile of the watch. Even though the diamonds add a brilliant gleam, the pure rectangular lines lend a restraint to the overall look, helping maintain a refined balance. 

Minimalistic yet sophisticated, the dial is adorned with riveted rhodium-plated indexes set with four brilliant-cut diamonds (Top Wesselton diamonds, VS quality, 0.01 ct) at 6 o’clock and 12 o’clock, as well as rhodium-plated “glaive” hands. The minute track appears in blue. The 28 brilliant-cut diamonds (Top Wesselton, VS quality, 0.35 ct), placed gracefully on either side of the dial, further enhance the charm of the emblematic rectangular contours. The jewelled influences are evident in the steel crown, too. Appearing in a cabochon shape, it is set with a synthetic blue spinel. The caseback is ideal for adding personalised engraved details. 

The display of the hours and minutes is powered by a quartz movement with an eight-year autonomy. The timepiece is water-resistant to approximately 50 metres. The shiny midnight blue alligator strap adds an extra layer of elegance to the overall aesthetics. Sporting square scales, tone-on-tone overstitching, and a pin buckle, the strap is interchangeable.

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An architectural wonder: Hampton M0A10740

A more sculptural rendition of the Hampton’s Art Deco spirit, this model features subtle alternations of steel, grey and white, polished and satin-finished surfaces, and vertical and horizontal lines along the strap. Harmonious and balanced, yet contrasting at the same time. The dimensions of the polished stainless steel case — 43 mm x 27.5 mm with a thickness of 8.65 mm — highlight the sculptural effect of the timepiece, further enhanced by the rectangular silhouette that is now synonymous with the Hampton.

The rectangular shape appears at the centre of the opaline white dial, too, stretching from one end to the other of the rhodium-plated “glaive” hands. It extends along the grey minute track, reaching up to the perimeter of the dial and the inner tips of the riveted, rhodium-plated Arabic numerals and indexes. Clean and minimalistic, the dial highlights the Art Deco-inspired elegance that the collection is best known for. The case ensures a water resistance of 50 metres, and is protected by a scratch-resistant domed sapphire crystal. Fastened with four screws, the solid caseback is perfect for having personalised details etched on. 

The three rows of links in satin-polished stainless steel that make up the integrated strap further highlight the architectural spirit of the timepiece that is based on the principle of perfect balance. Designed with a new trim for added comfort, the strap also features a triple folding buckle equipped with security push-pieces. The hours and minutes display of the watch is powered by a quartz movement with an eight-year autonomy.

Be it the self-winding model, the gem-set version or the one with the opaline white dial, each of these references exhibits how the Hampton Collection continues to push creative boundaries while celebrating the rich artistic heritage of Baume & Mercier.

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