The Hampton Polyptyque Edition Musee Soulages 10th Anniversary is the second limited edition from Baume & Mercier x Musee Soulages. Its dial is inspired by Peinture 324 x 362 cm, 1986, Polyptyque I Edition from the series Outrenoirs.The watch is limited to 328 numbered pieces and priced at US$6,900.Two years ago, I wrote an opinion piece in the wake of the launch of the Baume & Mercier Hampton Hommage Pierre Soulages Limited Edition with the angle that it was the most interesting dial of the year so far. In hindsight, the claim was a bit silly considering it was launched in February. But, to be clear, its status as a dial of the year for 2022, in my opinion, was that it was a top-ranking contender. Inspired by the work of artist Pierre Soulages, Baume & Mercier worked painstakingly to miniaturise the hue and texture of the painting into a watch dial – with resounding success. As a limited edition, my hesitation to pull the trigger left me empty-handed and wondering if they would ever do another watch, which, using the same techniques, brought an effectively one-to-one feel of a painting to another watch and dial. This week, they finally have, with the new Baume & Mercier Hampton Polyptyque Edition Musee Soulages 10th Anniversary Limited Edition that utilises Soulages’ Peinture 324 x 362 cm, 1986, Polyptyque I Edition from the series Outrenoirs?as a muse.Once again, the canvas for the reinterpretation of Soulages’ work is Baume & Mercier’s Hampton, a rectangular case that is best-suited to serve as a frame for a painting-inspired dial. The Hampton case is made of DLC-coated steel, just like the first edition, blending into the black dial creating a monochromatic and stealthy aesthetic. Like its predecessor, sparse rose gold accents create suitable pops of colour that allow the brand name and “Swiss Made” text to be clear and, more importantly, the tips of the hours and minutes hands to be legible. The all-black look also stems from the nature of Soulages’ work, which, in the era of this painting, was largely executed in black. The varying directions of lines and textures introduce a ton of depth that does not appear uniformly black to the eye. Instead, it appears to have varying shades of darkness, conveyed differently in light in the same manner polished versus brushed surfaces convey different hues. While Pierre Soulages passed away in 2022, his influence and contribution to the watch’s design continue as the rounded, 18k rose gold tips to the hands were his idea.Like I said before, the framework and colour codes of this sequel are identical to the first limited edition – except for the style of the hands’ tips and the texture of the dial (inspired by a different work of Soulages’). So we once again have an interchangeable black, “non-animals” strap completing the look of the piece, and, inside, an exhibited ETA 2892 automatic movement with a blackened rotor. My hesitation to purchase the first limited edition had nothing to do with the aesthetic, this was the aspect I was totally sold on. And, for this second go, I am again totally sold on it. What ultimately stalled me then and now, is the size of the Hampton case – a 100% subjective and personal hang-up. With a 48.11mm lug-to-lug, it is not that the watch would not fit my 6.5-inch wrist, but my personal taste for rectangular watches like this is for the dimensions to be more in line with a vintage Tank. So, had they used their smaller case, 27.5mm in diameter and 43mm lug-to-lug, I could have very well caved. I get some will turn their nose up at an ETA-driven watch that is priced at US$6,900, but the increased price is really offset once you consider the elaborate dial and the work it takes to realise it – which you should really read about here.Baume & Mercier Hampton Polyptyque Edition Musee Soulages 10th Anniversary pricing and availabilityThe Baume & Mercier Hampton Polyptyque Edition Musee Soulages 10th Anniversary is available now as a numbered limited edition of 328 pieces.?Price: US$6,900BrandBaume & MercierModelHampton Polyptyque Edition Musee Soulages 10th AnniversaryCase Dimensions31mm (D) x 10mm (T) x 48.11mm (LTL)Case MaterialDLC-coated sandblasted stainless steelWater Resistance50 metresCrystalSapphire crystal front and exhibition casebackDialBlack dial inspired by the Outrenoirs?paintingsStrapBlack “non-animals” strap w/ interchangeable systemMovementETA 2892, automaticPower Reserve42 hoursFunctionsHours, minutesAvailabilityLimited to 328 numbered piecesPriceUS$6,900
23.02.24