Baume & Mercier
Simple Yet Meaningful
Baume & Mercier could never be confused as a brand that favours quantity over
quality. While many brands go all out in each watch fair to come out with the
most collections, this 180-year old brand is content with maintaining a focused
and directed
collection, usually geared at one major innovation.
The theme of this year’s collection is undoubtedly the Hampton.
First created in 1994, and inspired by the legendary weekend getaway
destination for New York’s elite, the Hampton represents relaxation and leisure and a sense of release for people in an otherwise stressful
life. In that way, the Hampton collections have traditionally emphasized
simplicity and a more casual design, in line with their namesake.
With 2009 representing the collection’s 15th anniversary,
Baume & Mercier is re-introducing the iconic watch collection, all of which
combine the classicism of authentic watch making tradition with a highly contemporary
design.
When
Baume & Mercier first introduced the Hampton line, it broke the existing
watch making codes with its rectangular steel case and it became a bestseller
overnight. The Hampton Classic is the most basic part of the collection and in
2009, the Classic is back in five new references, featuring two XL
urban-elegant watches for gents, and three elegantly feminine models.
The XL Chronograph offers a chic weekend look. The all-black
look is supported with ergonomic chronograph push-pieces and a date aperture at 6 o’clock
For
women, there are three new classic pieces. The Classic S showcases the brand’s
timeless simplicity, featuring a harmoniously curved small case and a subtle
signature diamond on the crown and topped off with a chestnut brown calfskin
leather
strap
with saddle stitching. By adding thirty-two diamonds on the case, the Classic
is transformed into a casually elegant watch with a more refined appearance.
A
new addition to the Hampton line is the Manchette. This new reference is a
two-tone version that is perfect for any relaxing weekend or formal occasion
alike. Adorned with twenty-eight diamonds on the case, the steel and gold watch
is a radiant ideal companion for a weekend of relaxation and leisure.
The
Magnum is a relatively new and masculine addition to the Hampton collection.
Two new and exciting Magnum models are presented this year, both exuding a
sporty and racy design. This naturally dovetails to the Magnum’s powerful per sonality.
For the rugged yet classy gentleman, Baume & Mercier is introducing a
chronograph in black PVD steel and red gold in an oversized
XXL
case and a secure strap in “soft touch” alligator leather.
Equally
stunning is the XL all-white look for the ladies. The elegant yet sporty
timepiece features a mechanical automatic movement and big date. To add glam
and glitter to the piece, the case is encrusted with 52 diamonds and a
vulcanized
rubber
strap. It’s not the largest of the collections. But this year’s Hampton pieces
are definitely a step in trying to round
out
a luxury category that is simple, understated and truly understood by very few
other manufactures.