aBlogtoWatch Reviews the Hampden Model 1: Sullivan — Swiss Precision with American Personality
When aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sat down with the Model 1: Sullivan, he found more than a centennial anniversary piece — he discovered a watch that blends Swiss-made quality, American sensibility, and a patented personalization system unlike anything else on the market.
“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 Hampden’s history back to 1922, noting its deep family roots and connection to the Canadian brand Marathon. Produced in Marathon’s La Chaux-de-Fonds factory, the Model 1 Sullivan marks Hampden’s official return to mechanical watchmaking in celebration of its 100th anniversary.
Design That Honors Chicago’s Legacy
Named after Chicago architect Louis Sullivan — the “father of skyscrapers” and champion of the “form follows function” philosophy — the Model 1 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.”
Casecap — Personalization Without Compromise
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 beats 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 Model 1 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.
What stands out most? The Model 1 Sullivan’s ability to feel tailor-made for the American market — generous proportions, quality construction, and an emphasis on telling 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
