The new Baume et Mercier Capeland model

As many luxury watch aficionados know, last Friday, Jan. 20, marked the conclusion of SIHH, or the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie. In simplest terms, the SIHH is the annual event in which watchmakers an designers are invited to showcase their latest innovations. To date, the SIHH has held over 20 shows, proving its relevance for the fine watch sector of fashion. At this year’s conference, which took place between Jan. 16-20, one of the industry leaders that grabbed the attention of watch connoisseurs was Baume et Mercier, which introduced a new piece this year.

While SIHH 2011 saw the introduction of Baume & Mercier’s Capeland Flyback Chronograph, SIHH 2012 met a new contender of the collection—the same model with a few tweaks, namely a change in color. The new-yet-classic Capeland bears a black, rather than white, dial face, giving a fresh look to the old timepiece. Further aesthetic adjustments included a new layout with two registers (last year’s had 3) and gilt Breguet style hands that emphasize its vintage feel. The new model is otherwise the same, available in stainless steel or red gold, a diameter of 44 millimeters and thickness of 16 millimeters. The chronograph movement inside is a La Joux-Perret automatic bi-compax complete with flyback and date, and runs at 28,800, and boasts a power-reserve of 48 hours.

The new Baume et Mercier Capeland introduced at this year's SIHH

As a final touch, the piece is appropriately engraved with the Greek letter Phi, a symbol of balance and perfection. The model seems to achieve an equilibrium between loyalty to its past, and functionality in its future. The new Capeland does not stray too far from its ancestor chronograph introduced in 1948, yet it also succeeds in maintaining modern expectations of a luxury timepiece, and a somewhat shocking change in face color.

Presenters in Geneva this year at the 2012 Salon International de la Haute Horlgerie, which takes place in Geneva, Switzerland, were likely not shy to reintroduce themselves to fellow watch manufacturers and designers. The new look seems only to reinforce the poise of a brand that simultaneously upholds its traditional values while sustaining contemporary qualities.

A lot of designers feel that the best time to introduce a new collection is the first part of the year. With the beginning of 2012 still in the present, one can expect to see several new lines coming out. Baume & Mercier happen to be one of those designers who feel that the first of the year is the best time to go public with new luxurious designs.

Baume & Mercier introduce new wrist watches this new year. New Baume & Mercier designs have been added to the Linea collection, the Hampton collection and the Capeland collection. These new luxury wrist watch lines are all Hampton inspired. The elegance and luxurious lifestyle of seaside living is presented through these brand new time pieces in a way that is sure to make every watch guru want to own one.

The Linea collection was first introduced by Baume & Mercier in 1987. The line has come a very long way since then. Watches in this collection are offered with a case diameter measuring at 27 mm or a case diameter measuring at 32 mm.  This 2012, Baume & Mercier added new watches to the 32 mm family, making note of the watches generous size. Also in the Linea collection, Baume & Mercier released a brand new trapezoidal diamond bezel setting, sure to attract many potential buyers.

The Hampton collection is the poster child for the Baume & Mercier brand.  Inspired by a museum piece dating back to the 1940′s, the Hampton collection gives off a sense of fine casual living to those who wear it. The Hampton collection is best known for its noticeably rectangular case that holds a certain vintage look. Before 2012, the men’s Hampton line did not contain a style offering a stainless steel bracelet. To complete the men’s line and to offer another watch to the women’s line, Baume & Mercier is releasing two new automatic models that have an ergonomic integrated polished and satin-finished bracelet with a new triple folding security clasp. The new security clasp is not only very simple to open but also safer.

The Capeland collection is yet another vintage inspired wrist watch line, which seems to be a big trend now in the fashion media. This collection was modeled after a 1948 single-push piece chronograph model. The Capeland collection is best known for its classic styled round case. 2012 has offered many new things to the Copeland collection such as new two toned colors for the dial and the addition of a larger case size.

2012 has been very kind to Baume & Mercier thus far. The luxurious designer brand is off to a great start.

Baume et Mercier's Linea Collection lets wearers become designers

Written by: Vanessa Formato

Baume et Mercier knows a thing or two about what women want. The brand has been making watches for the discerning woman for years, and 2012 will mark the launch of some beautiful and technically impressive new pieces into their Linea line.

One the biggest selling points for the Linea watches is their supreme versatility. Unlike many other watches, the Linea is designed with the wearer’s unique personality in mind. A large number of the watches in the Linea collection feature interchangeable bracelets. Buying a high quality watch can seem like a huge commitment, but the interchangeable band system ensures that buyers will be able to love their watches long into the future. The Linea is a watch that changes with its owner. The new additions to the Linea collection will offer a number of new bracelets.

Perhaps most importantly, Baume et Mercier refuses to sacrifice function for form. Several of the Linea watches come with automatic movements that can be viewed through a sapphire case at the back of the watch. While interest in the inner workings of watches might be stereotyped as masculine, Baume et Mercier is not buying it, and with craftsmanship as excellent as the Linea it would be a shame to hide away the details.

“The new Linea needed to be radically innovative, and not just in terms of its design,” said Alexandre Peraldi, Director of the Baume et Mercier Design Studio according to an article on website Europa Star. “Over the past few years we have seen an increased interest from women for automatic movements. This is hardly surprising, since they involve a fascinating level of craftsmanship and are perfectly in line with the idea of sustainability.”

In 2012, the Linea collection will celebrate its 25th anniversary. Baume et Mercier has been making women’s watches for much longer than 25 years, however, with some of the earliest designs dating back to the 1800s, when founder Louis-Victor Baume created a handmade watch in celebration of his daughter’s communion.

Baume et Mercier is one of the most respected makers of women’s watches around the globe. The luxury watch brand will also be showing its most recent innovations– in men’s watches as well– at SIHH 2012 in Geneva alongside other big names in the watchmaking industry.

Luxury watches are functional as well as being beautiful pieces of wearable art. Most high-end timepieces are attractive but lack durability and resilience for their high price tag.  Baume et Mercier’s classic yet sporty timepieces set the standard for luxury watches for both males and females in the 20th century and continues to set trends in high-end watches.

Baume et Mercier appear to have found the perfect blend of elegance and functionality with the Riviera Sport Chronograph model. The Riviera was first released in 1973 and gained notoriety for being a lavish yet robust chronograph which underwent the ultimate test of durability by being mounted on the wheel of a BMW M1 before the start of the Le Mans 24-hours race.

The Le Mans 24-hour race or 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world’s first sports car endurance race which has been held annually since 1923 in France near the city of Le Mans. This race is universally known as the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency.  Teams must balance speed against the cars’ ability to run continuously for 24 hours without undergoing any mechanical breakdown and manage the cars’ fuel, tires and brakes. The endurance of the drivers is similarly tested as drivers frequently spend shifts of over two hours behind the wheel before stopping in the pits and allowing a relief driver to take over the driving obligations. Drivers then take a quick break to eat and rest and return to drive for yet another shift.

The indestructible Riviera by Baume et Mercier

The Riviera was able to withstand high speeds as well as the pressure of fast acceleration while not being affected by the centrifugal force of spinning wheels, heavy rain, or penetrating heat from the brakes. The watch was able to function with just as much precision at the end as it did in the beginning of the race. Though the Riviera’s resiliency is quite impressive, the timepiece is also extremely attractive. Its casing is in a classic stainless steel with a complementary steel bracelet. The watch bears a unique stainless steel bezel with 15-minute hash marks, has Swiss-automatic movement, and is water resistant up to 330 feet.

Photo of cars in the Le Mans race

The groundbreaking Riviera model was one of the very first steel sports watches to feature a twelve-sided design. The Riviera later became Baume et Mercier’s best-seller and its flagship model for 20 years. Baume et Mercier’s classic watches are definitely an investment piece and although their timepieces are at a higher price point; they will unquestionably remain in demand for their quality craftsmanship and stylish design.

Baume & Mercier has once again outdone itself in this new collection of watches for women.  Featuring diamonds and steel, and combining both satin-brushed and polished surfaces, the Ilea is a study in contrasts.  From its daintily sculpted bezel and seamless transition of curves and angles, the look and feel of this watch is timeless and unique.  An oval dial gracefully interplays with gems at the three and nine o’clock hours, and seamlessly blends with the raised edges and sculptural curves of the bracelet.  It is clear that this watch was designed by women for women, giving it the ultimate expression of luxury and grace.

A particular favorite in the Ilea line is the Ilea 8775.  Set with 28 diamonds on the bezel, against a two tone stainless steel and 18K gold bracelet, this is one truly luxurious timepiece for the sophisticated woman.  Its substantial weight, polished metals, mother-of-pearl dial and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal underscore the quality for which Baume Mercier is best known.

It’s no wonder that Baume & Mercier watches are represented by some of the most well known Hollywood celebrities of our time.  For the third year in a row, the official “ambassadors” of Baume Mercier watches are Teri Hatcher and Ashton Kutcher.  In prior years, the brand’s Hollywood luminaries have included Meg Ryan, Kiefer Sutherland, Gary Sinise and Kim Basinger.

Be sure to check out the Ilea Collection by Baume & Mercier.  This gorgeous new Baume watch is a tribute to the many facets of today’s woman.

The physical features of the Baume Mercier Riviera are like no other watch with its glorifying and distinctive gold and steel.  Its unidirectional steel bezel surrounds the black dial that displays the three gray sub-dials.  The steel bezel also surrounds the brilliantly crafted hands and hour markers.

All of the times are displayed in black roman numerals giving it a classy and elegant look.  Although the gold steel is most notable among the Riviera watches, there are also all silver steel and rubber strap all steel black watches to choose from.  For the men, there is the first Riviera model that came out, the chronograph model and the automatic.  Women can choose from the original Riviera and the mini.

There are several features that distinct the Riviera from other watches on the market, but it is its durability and precision that catch many buyers attention.  To display this precision and durability, Baume et Mercier tested the watch by mounting it on the wheel of a Le Mans M1 BMW before the start of a 24 hour race.

Throughout the race, the Riviera withstood the high speeds and the pressure of fast acceleration that was put on the watch.  Not only that, but the watch also was capable of running smoothly with massive rainfall that drenched the course during the race.  If that wasn’t enough, the watch was also able to withstand the force of the spinning wheels and the intense heat from the disk brakes.

After the vigorous test the Baume Riviera was put through, the watch ran with the same type of accuracy it had prior to the race.  It is this type of precision and durability that has made the Riviera one of the most reliable watches you can find.

The accommodation of precision, durability and a classy and stylish physique has made the Riviera one of the most popular watches sold by Baume Mercier.  This sports style watch has a little bit to offer men and women for all occasions.  Whether you want a stylish watch for work or a reliable watch for around town, the Riviera offers just that.  With over 25 years of success, the Riviera is sure to continue selling strong and satisfying customers worldwide.

With the cheapest watch in the series for women running at $1,172 and for the men at $1,662, this is far from a collection that anyone can buy.  And that is exactly what makes it so intriguing knowing that not everyone can have a Baume et Mercier Riviera watch.  Some of the other fine timepiece manufacturers like Gucci and Raymond Weil offer reasonable prices for the lower models, but this can potentially take away from the rarity in the name.

It is up to you to decide if it is worth spending between $1,100 to $5,500 for a watch, but it can place you into a specific persona and class that very few can be in.  There is nothing quite like walking into a room and taking peoples breathe away with a glistening $5,500 Riviera watch.

The top of the line watch within this collection belongs to the ladies at $5,350.  This beautifully crafted timepiece has an 18k steel-gold bracelet that fits comfortably on your wrist.  While the bracelet is impressive, it is the case and dial that steal the show with this watch.  The case is 18k gold as well with diamonds that circle the entire case.  As for the dial, there is a sparkling silver background with a white circle containing eight diamonds and four roman numerals showing the time.

For the men, the most expensive watch in the Baume et Mercier Riviera collection is priced at $4,200.  Very similar to the women’s top model, the men’s timepiece is a steel-gold bracelet as well.  What makes the men’s so much cheaper than the women’s is the lack of diamonds.  It has a steel-gold case and a silver dial, but does not flash as much as the women’s with diamonds.

While the Riviera is a magnificent watch collection, it is hard to imagine spending over $4,000 for a watch when the purpose is to see the time.  But you have to look at it as a rare valuable that not many have.  Only then will you be able to determine if the Baume Mercier Riviera is worth the price.

Under the collections tab, you have access to a plethora of models and styles that Baume & Mercier has to offer.  You can scroll across the different styles and view pictures of the watches while reading detailed descriptions of each style as well.  The reference number for the watch is displayed as well, which comes in handy if you want to purchase a watch directly from Baume et Mercier international.

If this is something you want to do, on the website there is a place where you can click to find the nearest authorized retailer to you.  All you have to do is enter in the location that is nearest you and contact information will come up.  This will give you an address if you want to go to the retailer as well as a phone number so you can order any watch you would like.

While a majority of the collections are on the website, some of the newest models are left off.  In order to view the entire range of watches, you can either order the catalog or view the newest version on the website.  The catalog displays all of the newest models as well as any other styles that are being sold in retail stores.

To stay up to date with everything that is going on with Baume et Mercier, there is a News tab that displays everything the company is going through.  You will find events, when they are happening and any news or releases of collections.

The last tab convenient for Baume Mercier website surfers is the FAQ tab.  There are several frequently asked questions under this section and answers to how you can go about solving various problems.  Under this section, you can learn how long each watch’s warranty is, what the warranty covers, several maintenance issues and how you can go about purchasing a watch not on the website.

Having such a detailed website allows you to stay up to date with all of the newest products and events going on with Baume and Mercier.  Whether you want to view the hottest watches on the market or find out the answers to frequently asked questions, the Baume et Mercier website has everything you could imagine with the click of a button.

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It can be difficult looking past the expensive price tag, but this is one series that offers a reasonable price for what you get.  There is one style that stands out from the collection and it just so happens to be the cheapest as well.  With a blue lizard skin strap and a beautiful silver steel case, this watch offers more of a casual look.  It is perfect for wearing around the town and can equally be worn during business meetings as well.

If the blue lizard skin strap does not quite appeal to you, it is not much of a price increase to get to stainless steel.  For just $300 more at $1,450, this style within the collection has a stainless steel bracelet and a stainless steel case to fancy over.  The three hands have a quartz movement that flows over an attractive light pink dial.  This too can be worn in almost any occasion or circumstance.

The next big price increase in the women’s Baume and Mercier Diamant series jumps to $2,250 because of the steel gold.  The band is a two tone bracelet with silver links on the outside and silver and gold links that run down the center of the bracelet.  The case is steel 18k gold that fits the dial perfectly.  And with a smooth quartz movement, it is easy to read the time.

Lastly, the top watch within this women’s Baume et Mercier series runs at $4,500.  It has a glistening stainless steel bracelet that is accompanied by a stainless steel case.  What separates this watch from the rest of the series is the diamonds that line the outside of the case.  The dial is mother of pearl and has roman numerals to easily identify the time on your watch.

While you can certainly wear all of the watches within the women’s Baume et Mercier Diamant series for any occasion, the last two in particular are ideal for dress occasions.  With a sparkling effect and shiny stainless steel, this Baume et Mercier series has more to offer than what the watches are priced at.  Finally, a case in which you get more in return than what you pay for.