Baume Mercier Classima Executives

February 2010 – Baume Mercier has announced the Baume Mercier Classima Executives XL #8869 model with its high-end movement and elegant rounded-case design for the metropolitan man.  Traditional watch making at its best, this modest yet classy timepiece boasts a portal window at the 12 o’clock position displaying the gorgeous inner workings of the watch and at 6 o’clock is a pie-shaped portal showing the power reserve with an 18 carat red gold hand marker.

The face is done in multiple finishes making one want to take a second look.  The inner circle is done in silver “grain d’orge” guilloche design.

The next circle is a smooth silver finish with Roman numerals at 12H, 3H, and 9H and indices marking the remaining hours.   Arabic numerals are used on the outer dial to show the minutes.

An open exhibition back is adorned with the Cotes de Geneve on the mechanical self-winding movement which also showcases the blued steel screws and circular-grained bridges under the protection of a sapphire crystal.  The iconic Phi symbol can be found on the crown.

The larger steel case measures in at 42mm.  Completing the look is a black alligator strap.  Water resistant to 30 meters, this piece is simply elegant.

Baume Mercier Classima Executives Magnum XXL #8852

February 2010 – Dressed in black, this sports watch will appeal to those who like mix up adventure with their business.   Specifically designed for people on the move, the new Baume Mercier Classima Executives Magnum XXL Chronograph #8852 hit the market this year.

Equipped with sophisticated functions movement, this generously proportioned model comes in a 44m fluted stainless steel case.  The recessed tri-compass matte-finished dial layout displays chronograph sub-dials; at 3 o’clock for minutes, at 6 o’clock for hours and at 9 o’clock for small seconds.

Skeletanized hour and minute hands as well as indices are coated with SuperlumiNova allowing for clear viewing in low-light visibility. The chronograph pushers are angled to protect the screw-down winding crown and case back minimizing water, dust and other damaging elements.

The intricate workings of the Swiss self-winding mechanical ETA-based caliber movement are on display through the triangular portal on the back casing protected by a sapphire crystal.  The date is displayed within the sub-dial at 6 o’clock.  With a power reserve of 48 hours it is also water resistant to 200 meters.

A durable vulcanized black rubber strap embellished with three grooves and a folding clasp in black PVD-treated stainless steel display the iconic “Phi” symbol of Baume & Mercier completing the look.

Baume & Mercier Classima Executives Men's Watch #8853

Combining excellent watch making craftsmanship and high tech materials with simple rugged design Baume & Mercier announces the Classima XXL #8853.    New to the market in 2010 this larger sized fluted case 44mm watch is handsomely done in black satin-finished and sand-blasted PVD coated stainless steel.

Accentuated by profiled push buttons it features self-winding movement.   It has an industrial feel to it with riveted “appliqué” rhodium-plated SuperLuminova hands and indices providing clear viewing in dimly lit circumstances.

The screw-down crown with the Phi symbol adorning it ensures water resistance to 200m making it perfectly safe for a spontaneous dip in the pool.  The date is displayed at 6 o’clock for easy viewing with the chronograph sub-dial at 3 o’clock and the small seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock.

The strap is vulcanized black rubber with an adjustable triple folding buckle adding to the simple yet elegant design.    The case back has a triangular shaped opening revealing the oscillating weight adorned with “Cotes de Geneve”.  Anti-glare sapphire crystal protects the front and back of the piece.

Combining ruggedness and virile boldness the Classima line of watches is sure to please any urban dweller.  Classic yet current, this look will please todays metropolitan man in both the business world and on urban adventures.

Baume Mercier

Sharing their 180^th anniversary by inviting comments from their fans, Baume Mercier posted on Twitter http://twitter.com/BaumeMercier and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/BaumeEtMercier as a prelude to a social networking launched during the SIHH in Geneva in January of 2010.  

Ms.Simone Gaudard, the great-granddaughter of the founder leads the tour on Facebook and welcomes comments from owners of the Baume Mercier brand.

The Baume family settled in the Swiss mountains in 1542, the craft of fine watch-making has been handed down from generation to generation.  Brothers Louis Victor and Pierre-Joseph Celestin Baume founded the house and registered it as an agency in the Les Bois village in 1830. 

The second generation of Baume’s took the watch into a more modern look and won the Kew-Teddington Observatory timing competitions in 1893 scoring 91.9 out of a 100 possible points.  Elegance and precision took the lead in the look of the Baume Mercier brand.

In 1912 William Baume met Paul Mercier, watchmaker and jeweler, which was the beginning of a long relationship and led to the creation of Baume & Mercier in 1918.  Three years later they were acknowledged by Poincon de Geneve in recognition of their exquisite craftsmanship.

Piaget took over the company in 1965 and in 1988 a 60 % stake was sold to Cartier, in 1993 Cartier group became sole owners of both Piaget and Baume Mercier.  With a presence in 75 countries, the line is represented by 220 exclusive retailers worldwide.

Hampton ladies #8811

March 10, 2010  –  Baume & Mercier Hampton Ladies Watch Ref. 8811 was chosen as the women’s watch of the year by German magazine Armbanduhren and weekly newspaper Welt am Sonntag.  Selected as readers choice by more than 8,000 readers it is no wonder the Hampton Ladies Classic took first place.

Set with 32 diamonds and a black alligator strap this watch is a classic, complete with its signature off-center diamond on the crown for a bit of whimsy.  This iconic watch is part of a new collection celebrating its 15^th birthday; the evolution has produced a winner with this model.

The rectangular shape measures in at 42.50 x 27.30mm and features a mother of pearl face.  The date is displayed clearly at the 6H.  Water resistant to 50 meters should you find yourself getting the urge for a dip and forget to remove your timepiece.

Just enough bling with 32 diamonds weighing in at 0.51 carats set in steel on either side of the case.   Arabic numerals are at the 3 and 9H with indices at the remainder of the hour marks, the Baume & Mercier logo can be found at 12H.  Tasteful elegance is what you will feel when you put this watch on your wrist.

Product Description

The 8834 Baume Mercier Riviera Sport Men’s Watch measures a whopping 45 mm. The case comes in a polished satin-finished steel and the dial is black-tinted sapphire with black tinted sapphire counters. The hands and Roman numerals are both Superluminova coated. The movement is automatic and the function is a fly-back chronograph. The strap is black rubber and the buckle is adjustable triple folding. The case back comes with screws and the crystal is scratch-resistant sapphire and antiglare.