Baume & Mercier has paid tribute to the work of modern art master Pierre Soulages with a Hampton model inspired by his work.
The Hampton “Hommage à Pierre Soulages” takes its inspiration from a series of paintings created by Soulages that later became known as Outrenoir. The paintings are coated in black paint in “various states, textured into low relief with tools and brushes” revealing its nature through a play of light.
With the support of the Musée Soulages – which houses an unrivalled collection of the painter’s works – and the Association des Amis du Musée, Baume & Mercier approached 102-year-old Soulages about the project.
The Baume & Mercier Hampton “Hommage à Pierre Soulages” watch is a nod to Peinture, a painting of overlapping panels with a mixture of matte and gloss finishes – something reflected in the finish of the watch – created to celebrate the artist’s 100th birthday in 2019.
The Hampton was selected for the role as its rectangular black DLC-coated stainless steel case has the same proportions as the canvas and the presentation box pays tribute to the architecture of the Musée Soulages and its Corten steel cladding, which gives the appearance of iridescent rust. Each owner will also receive two VIP passes to Musée Soulages and a book on the work of Pierre Soulages.
The dial is laser etched from brass with Candia stone used to create the matte effect with multiple electroplated layers built up to introduce the black color and semi-matte finish.
Baume & Mercier will produce the “Hampton Hommage à Pierre Soulages” on demand in an edition limited to 102 individually numbered pieces, reflecting Soulages age.
