Baume & Mercier is one thing of a darkish horse model to most collectors, usually punching effectively above its weight in each design and high quality. Simply as usually, nevertheless, a few of these spectacular choices fly below the radar. That has sadly been the case in the previous couple of years with the model’s staple Hampton costume watch assortment, however as a part of its Watches and Wonders 2020 launch group, Baume & Mercier has given this basic assortment a breath of contemporary air with a brand new streamlined case design in two completely different sizes, together with a stunning array of obtainable problems. The ensuing Baume & Mercier Hampton Computerized, Baume & Mercier Hampton Small Seconds, and Baume & Mercier Hampton Huge Date really feel much more trendy than their forebears for a wide range of causes.
The largest change for these new Baume & Mercier fashions is the closely revised chrome steel case design. All through its historical past, the Hampton sequence has been outlined by its rectangular Artwork Deco-style designs, with earlier interpretations starting from minimal to baroque. This 2020 refresh sees the watch tackle a slimmer, cleaner profile, with extremely polished case sides and lugs that slope dramatically away from the dial. The lugs themselves at the moment are sharply beveled at their suggestions, taking away among the upright squareness of the general form in favor of a softer and extra trendy silhouette. An added trendy contact is the round show window on the caseback, showcasing the embellished actions inside. It’s an method that now feels firmly rooted within the current, in addition to the early 20th century. This new case design is introduced in two completely different sizes, a 43mm by 27.5mm measurement for the Hampton Computerized, whereas the extra sophisticated Hampton Small Seconds and Hampton Huge Date are sized at 48mm by 31mm.
The dials of the brand new Hampton fashions nonetheless provide a glance closely influenced by the Artwork Deco types of the previous, displaying inspiration from different iconic rectangular dial designs. At first look, the design is dominated by the combo of huge utilized numerals and stick indices, the outer railroad minutes monitor, and the textured outer dial floor. From right here, every mannequin takes the method in a brand new path, with the Hampton Computerized targeted on preserving the easy balanced great thing about the dial format. The Hampton Small Seconds, alternatively, provides some helpful performance within the type of a 6 o’clock date on prime of the classical contact of the small seconds. Lastly, the flagship Hampton Huge Date goes for broke with a surprisingly eclectic mixture of problems, together with a giant date at 12 o’clock, a 6 o’clock dual-time subdial, and a day/night time indicator. Impressively, nevertheless, these additions on prime of the essential three-hand construction do little to disturb the visible weight distribution of the dial for a balanced and stylish presentation.
Every of the three new Baume & Mercier Hampton fashions makes use of a unique computerized motion. For the three hand Hampton Computerized, the model makes use of the considerably unusual ETA 2671 computerized motion, probably attributable to its smaller total diameter that the extra ubiquitous 2892 sequence. Along with round graining on the bridges and a customized rotor adorned with Côtes de Genève, this motion gives 38 hours of energy reserve. The Hampton Small Seconds does use an ETA 2892 spinoff, particularly the ETA 2895, with comparable ornament all through and a 42 hour reserve. For the extra sophisticated Hampton Huge Date, Baume & Mercier eschews an ETA base in favor of the Soprod TT651 computerized motion. Along with its slightly distinctive complement of problems, this motion additionally gives a 42-hour energy reserve.
All three new variations of the Baume & Mercier Hampton are paired with a black alligator leather-based strap for a basic and good-looking mixture. Apparently, nevertheless, these straps are fitted with tool-free fast launch spring bars, permitting for straightforward strap experimentation for homeowners.
With the brand new redesigned Hampton fashions, Baume & Mercier has created a lineup that feels equal elements elegant and trendy with a degree of ending that feels suitably spectacular. All three fashions are presently out there for buy by approved sellers, with an MSRP of $2,450 for the Hampton Computerized, $2,600 for the Hampton Small Seconds, and $four,050 for the Hampton Huge Date. For extra info, please go to the model’s web site.
