Baume & Mercier – Updated Hampton Collection

by Sameera Gamage

In this year’s Watches & Wonders, Baume & Mercier is releasing their latest update to their elegant and timeless Hampton collection. A tribute to the Art Deco movement, the rectangular-shaped design is a symbol of renewal for the brand. This year Baume & Mercier will be updating the Hampton collection through new materials and colours to heighten the effects of the watch’s character and beauty. Each new model in this updated Hampton collection brings about it a different look, ranging from retro, glamourous, or minimalistic appearance.

What makes the Hampton collection from Baume & Mercier classic and elegant is the strap that it is fixated with. The Milano mesh beautifully amplifies the luxury and curves of the watch, making it a must-have on any Baume & Mercier Hampton timepiece. The creation of this long strand of steel which has been skillfully weaved dates back to the 17th century and began as an expert Italian technique. 

This latest Hampton collection once again revisits the Milano mesh strap on polished and satin-finished steel that not only heightens the aesthetics of the watch but also brings superior comfort to the wrist. Most of the Hampton Medium models come in the Milano mesh strap, while the “glamourous spirit” Hampton Large model has a more traditional appearance with a leather strap. 

Hampton Medium – M0A10671

This is the quartz version of the vintage-inspired Hampton Medium model. The quartz version comes with a blue satin dial which has a beautiful sun-burst effect. The white minute track along the edge of the dial reflects the rectangular shape of the case. To provide a crisp and clear contrasting effect for the dial to be easily readable, the hands are “glave” and hour indices are rhodium-plated with riveted Arabic numerals for “6” and “12” o’clock. 

Hampton Medium – M0A10672

This medium-sized Hampton comes with a self-winding movement that has a power reserve of approximately 38 hours. The opaline and silver-grained dial feature riveted black ruthenium Arabic numerals and indexes along with the black ruthenium “glaive” hands. Baume & Mercier opted to go for this style so that the watch would have a very vintage character. As this is the automatic version, the watch comes with an open case back which reveals the refined watchmaking decorations such as the circular-grained bridges, sand-blasted, and snailed baseplate, and the “Côtes de Genève”. 

Hampton Large – M0A10666

The Hampton Large model features a larger self-winding movement to accommodate for the extra features such as the date aperture at 12 o’clock and the second time zone along with the day-night indicator at 6 o’clock. The watch comes in a polished steel case which contrasts well against the dial and strap. The watch comes with an opaline and grained slate dial that adds texture. The readability of the dial is enhanced through the use of a white minute track, riveted rhodium-plated Arabic numerals and indices, and the “glaive” hands which is a signature design in this collection. 

The movement of the watch provides a decent power reserve of approximately 42-hours. The movement can also be seen from the open case back, where the watch aficionados will be treated to a delight of different finishes including circular-grained bridges, sand-blasted, and snailed baseplate, and an oscillating weight that carries “Côtes de Genève” decorations. 

Hampton Medium – M0A10670

The second Hampton Medium-sized model features a quartz movement that has extended battery life. Featuring the same polished steel case as the other Medium Hampton models, the reference M0A10670 comes with a brown calfskin leather strap, which adds a touch of colour to the model. The dial is a mix of white and beige-like finish, which matches the case nicely. The hands are “glaive” design while the Arabic numerals and indices are rhodium-plated. The addition of the brown leather strap on the white dial certainly gives this model a much more elegant and luxury appeal and adds variation to this latest Hampton collection. 

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