{"product_id":"1970s-baume-et-mercier-white-gold-ellipse-ref-38297","title":"1970s Baume Et Mercier White Gold Ellipse (Ref. 38297)","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=\"51\" data-end=\"405\"\u003eBy the late 1970s and 1980s, Baume \u0026amp; Mercier leaned heavily into elegant dress-focused designs, often experimenting with softer case forms and jewelry-inspired proportions. The reference 38297 reflects that direction well, combining a minimalist dial with an elongated oval case and integrated loop-style lugs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"407\" data-end=\"745\"\u003eThe design is intentionally understated. Rather than relying on numerals or complications, the watch focuses entirely on shape, negative space, and proportion. The black dial creates strong contrast against the white gold case, while the sharply faceted hands add just enough visual tension to keep the watch from feeling overly delicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"747\" data-end=\"970\"\u003eThe oval case also wears differently from its dimensions. While technically compact at 24mm, the elongated silhouette and open lug design give it a larger wrist presence than a traditional round dress watch of similar size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1815\" data-start=\"1792\"\u003eWriter’s Thoughts\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"972\" data-end=\"1069\"\u003eThis feels much more like a design object than a traditional dress watch. The black dial is what makes it really special. Without any markers interrupting the surface, it almost disappears until the light catches the hands. It has a very clean and graphic look in person. The oval shape and loop lugs could have easily become excessive, but everything stays balanced and thin. It is the kind of watch that works best with very simple styling and lets the shape do all the talking.\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\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1726\" data-end=\"1736\"\u003eBrand:\u003c\/strong\u003e Baume \u0026amp; Mercier\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1757\" data-end=\"1767\"\u003eModel:\u003c\/strong\u003e Oval (Ref. 38297)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1790\" data-end=\"1799\"\u003eYear:\u003c\/strong\u003e circa 1990s\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1816\" data-end=\"1834\"\u003eCase Material:\u003c\/strong\u003e White gold\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1850\" data-end=\"1864\"\u003eCase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24mm\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1874\" data-end=\"1884\"\u003eBezel:\u003c\/strong\u003e White gold oval bezel\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1920\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Black minimalist dial\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1947\" data-end=\"1960\"\u003eMovement:\u003c\/strong\u003e Manual\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"1972\" data-end=\"1991\"\u003eStrap\/Bracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generic leather strap\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2016\" data-end=\"2033\"\u003eBuckle\/Clasp:\u003c\/strong\u003e Generic buckle\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2053\" data-end=\"2066\"\u003eContents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Watch only\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch1\u003eCondition\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2099\" data-end=\"2108\"\u003eCase:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strong overall condition with light wear consistent with careful use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2183\" data-end=\"2192\"\u003eDial:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean with no visible imperfections.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2234\" data-end=\"2244\"\u003eHands:\u003c\/strong\u003e Excellent condition with no visible wear.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2291\" data-end=\"2303\"\u003eCrystal:\u003c\/strong\u003e Clean with minor signs of wear visible under close inspection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong data-start=\"2371\" data-end=\"2390\"\u003eStrap\/Bracelet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Strap shows light wear consistent with use.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Baume \u0026 Mercier","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48449578500279,"sku":null,"price":2900.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0553\/8391\/6727\/files\/DSF7423-2.jpg?v=1779382751","url":"https:\/\/huntingtoncompany.com\/products\/1970s-baume-et-mercier-white-gold-ellipse-ref-38297","provider":"Huntington Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}