Home » Baume & Mercier Watches » Baume & Mercier Hampton Small Seconds Watch in Rose Gold
In 2012, the Swiss based watchmaker updated its Hampton series of rectangular timepieces with several new models. In my opinion, the most attractive last year’s novelty was the Hampton Small Seconds Watch in rose gold.
This exquisite timepiece is presented in a rectangular slim body which measures 45.5 x 30 mm. The case is crafted from 18-karat red gold and incorporates a fixed bezel and a screw-down crown with the Greek letter PHI on the tip which is a symbol of balance and perfection of Baume & Mercier. The body of the watch is only 10.65 mm thick, which makes it really thin for a timepiece of that size. The water-resistance of its case is assured down to 50 meters (165 feet).
This model, in contrast with the rest of the watches from the Hampton Collection which are animated by the Swiss made ETA automatic movements, is equipped with a slim La Joux-Perret caliber 736-3. The hand-wound movement is based on ETA/Unitas 6498 ebauche and provides the usual set of functions (hours, minutes and small seconds). The 21 jewels mechanism oscillates at the frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour and it is capable of holding no less than 42 hours of power reserve when fully charged.
The Swiss manufacturer protected the case of this exceptional timepiece with a curved sapphire crystal. A special treat for all watch aficionados is a sapphire glass case back which allows the owner to gaze at the blued screws and the Côtes de Genève stripes which sweep across at the angle of 45 degrees, thus adding fluidity and elegance to the watch. The spring barrel has a blued screw at its center. Only the perlage below the balance wheel is visible. The case back is secured with four simple screws which are set at the limits of each corner. The case back also boasts the brand’s name highlighted in the 1830 date and a Hampton name which serves as a reminder of a social status.
Warmth and Richness are Continued on the Dial
The dial surface, as well as its hands, follows the same rose gold tone of the case. This color scheme is probably the reason why the watch looks more expensive than it is. The dial also comprises some black details, such as five Roman numerals at 2, 4, 8, 10 and 12 o’clock positions and the inscriptions BAUME & MERCIER GENEVE. These black details give an additional note of luxury to the watch.
A small seconds counter is situated at the 6 o’clock position, and I must say that the sub-dial hand is not enough legible because there is no contrast with the dial surface. There are also six rose gold hour markers which are not especially relevant to the rectangular composition of the watch. The last, but not the least – the case is finely attached to a brown alligator leather strap with a pin buckle.
Baume & Mercier Hampton Small Seconds in Rose Gold with the referent number 10033 can be purchased for the retail price of $15,000.
