aBlogtoWatch Hands-On Watch Review: Hampden Model 1 Sullivan
aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams spent time with the Sullivan and kept coming back to the Casecap®, the patented system that lets an owner engrave the caseback without giving up the view of the Swiss-made movement.
“It is evident that a lot of thought and effort has been put into a watch of this quality and feature set… I think the brand did a very admirable job (in a tough and competitive market space) with the Model 1 Sullivan.”
A century in the making
Adams traces the family’s watchmaking history back to 1922, noting its deep roots and connection to the Canadian brand Marathon. Produced in Marathon’s La Chaux-de-Fonds factory, the Sullivan marks Hampden’s return to mechanical watchmaking, timed to the Wein family’s centennial in watchmaking.
Design that honors Chicago’s legacy
Named after Chicago architect Louis Sullivan, the “father of skyscrapers” and champion of “form follows function,” the Sullivan carries Art Deco–inspired hour markers and a coin-edged onion crown. Adams describes the design as “sensible but classy… sporty overall but with formal elements.”
How the Casecap® works
One of the review’s focal points is Hampden’s patented interchangeable Casecap® system. Delivered with two casebacks, an exhibition ring and a solid plate for engraving, it allows owners to swap between showcasing the Swiss Sellita 279-1 movement or displaying a personalized design.
“This patented system works very well… it aligns perfectly each time and fits very securely against the main watch case.”
Hampden provided Adams with a Casecap featuring aBlogtoWatch's SUPERLATIVE Podcast logo, and he praised the quality of the engraving.
A movement with personality
Inside is the Sellita SW279-1, a 4Hz automatic with power reserve indicator, small seconds, and date, which Adams calls “interesting enough to prevent people from feeling as though they are getting ‘just another three-hand watch.’”
He notes the thoughtful dial balance and strong legibility, aided by applied numerals and Super-LumiNova-tipped skeleton hands.
Complete kit, American appeal
Each Sullivan ships with two leather straps and a stainless steel bracelet, all with quick-release spring bars. Adams appreciated the variety, highlighting the different personalities each strap brings to the watch.
Adams also found the Sullivan tailor-made for the American market, with generous proportions and room to tell the wearer’s story, not just the brand’s.
“The ability to engrave a caseback plate allows customers to include their own story in the watch… Hampden implicitly understands that a good timepiece should allow a customer to celebrate themselves.”
"I can easily see a watch like this making a number of people (especially those who may not consider themselves watch collectors) quite happy."
Read the full review on A Blog to Watch here
