Here is a sneak peak of a new 2010 release from Baume & Mercier. The watch is fairly “loaded” when it comes to functionality – in addition to the chronograph timers, the watch provides day, date, month and moon phase functions – or what Baume & Mercier calls a “Complete Calendar” (more on this below).
You may notice this watch is called a “complete calendar” rather than the “perpetual calendar”. I believe this is for good reason and probably indicates that, unlike higher end watches with “perpetual calendars” that can set you back $10,000-$100,000, this watch will require adjustment 5 times per year to account for the March, May, July, October and December to account for the prior month not having a full 31 days. The red gold date hand (marking the days of the month that are marked around the edge of the dial) is a nice touch, though.
Overall, I can’t decide if I like or dislike the look of this watch, which probably means I dislike it, but I guess I’d want to see it in person to fully decide. My preferences aside, this is probably going to be one of Baume & Mercier’s higher end pieces, and as I discussed above if you are looking for a calendar watch but don’t want to spend big bucks for a perpetual calendar this might be a pretty good alternative, depending on where it is priced.
Description
This traditionally and opulently finished chronograph is equipped with a high-end mechanical self-winding movement driving indications of a complete calendar (date with central pointer in 18-carat red gold, day and month through a window at 12 o’clock, moon phase at 6 o’clock) and 24h indicator at 9 o’clock. The silver-colored dial with a “grain d’orge” guilloché décor is graced with circular snailed and sun satin-finished counters. The case-back reveals an oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève”, as well as circular-grained bridges and blued steel screws. The crown proudly bears the Phi symbol.
Technical Specifications
Collection: Classima Executives
Reference: M0A08870
Movement: Automatic (ETA 7751)
Oscillating weight decorated with « Côtes de Genève », blued steel screws
Functions: Chronograph, moon phases at 6 o’clock, central hand date, weekdays and months at 12 o’clock, 24h indicator at 9 o’clock
Case: Diameter: 42mm, Thickness: 13.1mm, Polished steel, Crown adorned with a Phi symbol, Sapphire crystal case back
Dial: Silver-colored, “Grain d’orge” guilloché décor, alternating opaline, circular-snailed and sun satin-finished zones, Black indexes, 18 carat red gold date hand, Sapphire crystal,
Bracelet: Black alligator strap, Adjustable triple folding buckle
Water-resistance: 30m
