Thursday, 21 June 2012

Baume and Mercier in Hamptons

The word “Hamptons” is associated with a lifestyle like few places in the world. Immediately upon hearing the name, visions of sand, surf, wood decks, casual conversations and laughter come to mind. But do others around the world understand this seaside living at its finest? It is Baume & Mercier’s intention to bring a taste of the Hamptons to the world with its newest global ad campaign, shot on the East End and kicking off with the tagline, “Life is about moments.”

Nearly three years in the making, the campaign reflects the brand’s sensibilities, explains Alain Zimmermann, CEO of Baume & Mercier. “We have always created watches built around lifestyles and authenticity, watches that are about relaxed sophistication, and we have the distinction of being a watch that defines special moments. So the concept comes full circle,” he says. Baume & Mercier elected to shoot the seaside ad in East Hampton using localmodels to capture the vibrant attitudes and emotions of the area. According to Zimmermann, the international pastiche of the Hamptons is ripe with the kind of cultural activity, artistic savoir faire, sophisticated elegance and rich family values in keeping with the company’s heritage. “Baume & Mercier has always been a memory keeper, and we want to go on marking those occasions with exceptional watches,” says Zimmermann.

To spread the word, Baume & Mercier watches recently gathered several hundred international journalists in East Hampton for a few days to form their own impressions of our corner of the world. Even locals would be envious of the itinerary. Home base was the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina. Days were filled with workshops about Baume & Mercier’s inspiration, and attendees visited the places behind the ad campaign: the Pollock-Krasner House & Study Center, the former residence and studio of Jackson Pollock; Montauk Point Lighthouse, whose construction started in 1796; the Victorian beach home Kilkare House, built in 1879 and whimsically named for killing one’s cares while at the beach. Activities also included a Wölffer Estate Vineyard winery tour, horseback riding, surfing, conservatory painting and more.

The brand also just unveiled its revamped Baume & Mercier Hampton Collection, inspired by a museum piece from the 1940s. The highly distinctive rectangular watches exude an Art Deco feel with a generously enhanced curved sapphire crystal offering modern accents. To conjure the famous East End light, the brand uses rose gold for its coppery sunset color; for wood tones, a bit of stainless steel. The collection includes a bold and beautiful series of self-winding, automatic and chronograph watches for men, offered with either a bracelet or a top-quality alligator strap with specially developed water-resistant linings that leave them supple and comfortable.

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