Baume & Mercier’s story dates back to 1830, when pioneering brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume set up a watch dealership in Les Bois in the Swiss Jura, and in the decades following expanded to become known internationally for its complicated and high quality watchmaking. It was the 1920s, however, that would see the brand morph into the name we recognise today. Company director William Baume joined forces with Paul Mercier to found Baume & Mercier in 1918, and during the Roaring Twenties established its own unique and distinctive style in earnest.

For 2020, the watchmaker is looking back to the Art Deco aesthetic of the era for several sophisticated new additions to its Hampton family. The watch is defined by its eye-catching rectangular case, which softly curves towards the lugs, softening the overall look and playfully catching the light. The new additions are presented in three dimensions in a mix of automatic and quartz movements ­– small (35 x 22.2mm), medium (43 x 27.5mm) and large (48 x 31mm) – ensuring a comfortable fit whatever the wrist size.

In keeping with the sleek Art Deco inspiration, dials are kept clean and paired back. Simple three-handers feature numerals at 6 and 12 o’clock, complemented by stylised hour markers, while the watch is also available in a version with a dual time and day/night indicator.

The women’s pieces are presented on metal bracelets that can be easily interchanged for a number of colourful calfskin straps, from turquoise to coral. Meanwhile, men’s pieces come on a sleek black leather strap with grey overstitching, with additional straps available in hues such as brown, grey and navy blue.

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