{"product_id":"1970s-baume-et-mercier-gold-ellipse-rope-case-and-lapis-dial-ref-38320","title":"1970s Baume Et Mercier Gold Ellipse Rope Case and 'Lapis' Dial (Ref. 38320)","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"text-align: left;\"\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003eWorth A Read\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2222\" data-start=\"2194\"\u003eHistory and Significance\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"89\" data-end=\"560\"\u003eBaume \u0026amp; Mercier has long occupied an interesting position in Swiss watchmaking, often experimenting with design while maintaining traditional mechanical standards. During the 1970s, the brand produced a number of expressive dress watches that leaned into form and material as much as function. Reference 38320 is a clear example of that period, combining an oval yellow gold case with integrated, sculptural lugs that give the watch a distinctly jewelry-forward presence.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"562\" data-end=\"971\"\u003eThe standout feature is the deep blue lacquer dial, often compared visually to lapis due to its rich, saturated tone. Rather than relying on applied numerals or complications, the design is intentionally minimal, allowing the color and case shape to do the work. This approach aligns closely with broader design trends of the era, when elegance was increasingly defined by restraint rather than ornamentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"973\" data-end=\"1203\"\u003eFor collectors interested in character-driven vintage watches, the 38320 offers a compelling blend of precious metal, uncommon case architecture, and a dial that immediately sets it apart from more traditional round dress watches.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1815\" data-start=\"1792\"\u003eWriter’s Thoughts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1228\" data-end=\"1651\"\u003eThis reference wears more like a piece of wearable design than a conventional watch, and that is exactly its appeal. The proportions are elegant, the gold case feels substantial without being excessive, and the blue lacquer dial gives it a strong visual identity on the wrist. It pairs especially well with simple black leather and works equally as a standalone statement or as part of a broader vintage-focused collection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2184\" data-start=\"2167\"\u003eOur Promise\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2663\" data-start=\"2425\"\u003eEvery watch is thoroughly vetted, carefully described with complete transparency, and guaranteed authentic. Each piece is offered in honest condition, ensuring collectors receive a timepiece that reflects both originality and integrity.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"UTF-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1969\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1941\" data-end=\"1951\"\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Baume \u0026amp; Mercier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"1996\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"1982\"\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dress Watch\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"1999\" data-end=\"2026\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1999\" data-end=\"2013\"\u003eReference:\u003c\/strong\u003e 38320\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2052\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2029\" data-end=\"2038\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e circa 1970s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2055\" data-end=\"2091\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2055\" data-end=\"2073\"\u003eCase Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e 18k yellow gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2129\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2094\" data-end=\"2108\"\u003eCase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 22mm x 27mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2167\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2132\" data-end=\"2142\"\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rope-style 18k yellow gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2170\" data-end=\"2194\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2170\" data-end=\"2179\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue Lapis lacquer\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2219\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2197\" data-end=\"2209\"\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Mineral\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2249\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2222\" data-end=\"2235\"\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manual wind\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2284\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2252\" data-end=\"2262\"\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eAftermarket black leather strap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2287\" data-end=\"2325\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2287\" data-end=\"2304\"\u003eBuckle\/Clasp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aftermarket buckle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2328\" data-end=\"2354\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2328\" data-end=\"2341\"\u003eContents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch only\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2548\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2372\" data-end=\"2381\"\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Solid yellow gold case remains unpolished and shows light surface wear consistent with age and careful use. Case retains strong definition and original proportions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2691\" data-end=\"2755\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2691\" data-end=\"2703\"\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Crystal is clean with no visible chips or cracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2870\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2758\" data-end=\"2767\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Blue lacquer dial is clean and free of cracks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2873\" data-end=\"2957\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2873\" data-end=\"2883\"\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Original hands are in good condition with light aging and no corrosion.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"2960\" data-end=\"3029\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2960\" data-end=\"2970\"\u003eStrap:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aftermarket leather strap fitted and shows minimal wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3119\" data-is-last-node=\"\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"3032\" data-end=\"3049\"\u003eBuckle\/Clasp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Aftermarket buckle shows light handling marks and functions properly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Baume \u0026 Mercier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45718812131511,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0553\/8391\/6727\/files\/DSF1944-2.jpg?v=1767898763","url":"https:\/\/huntingtoncompany.com\/products\/1970s-baume-et-mercier-gold-ellipse-rope-case-and-lapis-dial-ref-38320","provider":"Huntington Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}