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.

The New, Versatile Linea – MOA10073

The new Linea model, according to Peraldi, embodies elements of a well-adapted lifestyle and relaxed sophistication.

The Linea was first introduced in 1987, a time marked by women’s rights, the advancement of women, fashion and femininity.

The Linea to be released in 2012 will be reminiscent of the original case design and concept.  The new 32 mm timepiece features a case-to-bracelet look that is comfortable and sleek. It features hours, minutes, seconds and date indication. It is made of satin-finished and polished two-tone.

The cool thing about the new Linea is that it is designed with Baume et Mercier’s interchangeable bracelet system, making it a rather versatile watch. It comes with a brown satin strap  for a versatile business / casual / ballroom look, and a two-tone bracelet for a savvy urban classicism look. This new edition is finished in sun satin with silver, and also boasts an open-worked oscillating weight that can be seen through the case back.

The Baume et Mercier Linea MOA10073 ushers in a new ear of feminine beauty in 2012.

The Capeland MOA10068 to be released by Baume and Mercier in 2012

The All New Retro Capeland - MOA10068

The new Capeland, according to Perladi, is made for the adventurous soul who strives for individualism in spirit and style.

Baume et Mercier’s Capeland dates back to 1948, the post-war eera marked by a return to family values, and has been a long-lived line ever since.

The new Capeland is sleek and bold, featuring a black domed dial with tachymeter scale and contrasting gilt.

This watch not only screams retro, but also epitomizes the marriage of form and function through its classic Arabic numerals, telemeter scale and Breguet type hands.

An added plus: it’s designed ergonomically, so that the strap is extremely mobile for your ultimate comfort.

Baume et Mercier Capeland MOA10068 - The beauty for the beast at heart!

Creative work wear at Baume et Mercier

When the job you do is extremely artistic and creative, such as when you are involved in creating Baume et Mercier, one of the world’s leading brands of luxury timepieces, there is a certain expectation of how you will look.  Of course, you should always appear professional, but does that mean that you cannot express yourself as an individual?  There are some who believe that is exactly what it means.  A company that is so prominently in the eye of society needs to be assured that all of its employees act in an appropriate manner.

At Baume et Mercier, employees feel free to wear what inspires them.  The results are intriguing and beautiful, much like the watches that the company makes every day.  Frankly, giving employees the freedom to wear what makes them happy and comfortable is so simple an idea, it’s utterly brilliant.  Forcing yourself to wear a “monkey suit” that you don’t feel comfortable in is a ridiculously fast way to stifle your creativity.

Equally as important is that many work positions that are creative, such as designing and making watches, are not done in the eye of the public.  Employees work in an office building filled with other employees of the same company.  So, realistically, where would the harm be in allowing individuals to wear what makes them happy, within reason?  At Baume et Mercier, that question has been answered.  There is no harm, just great fun, great style, and great creativity.

The final touch of Alexandre Peraldi's outfit

One of the infamous outfits at Baume et Mercier’s office in Geneva is the “skilt.”  This was worn by one of the design directors, Alexandre Peraldi in the office.  He describes the article of clothing as a “skilt” because it is not a kilt, that’s too Scottish.  At the same time, it’s not just a skirt, since that implies something too feminine.  Thus, the “skilt” was born.  When the design directors are able to take such impressive personal style risks and have them pay off beautifully, we can all expect great things to continue to come in regards to the timepieces produced by this company.

Best of all, you can see the true appreciation that Baume et Mercier employees have for their company.  To give that final, perfect touch to his “skilt” ensemble, Alexandre Peraldi donned his own gorgeous Baume et Mercier timepiece.

Many brands are giving sneak peaks of what they’ll be presenting and Baume Mercier is no different. One of la crème de la crème combinations in the world of watchmaking is considered that of complete calendar with moon phase indication. Baume Mericer gives this to us with its Classima Executives XL Chronograph Complete Calendar. The watch also features a chronograph function and a 24-hour indicator.

A 42 mm case and fine details, such as the silvered dial with “grain d’orge” guilloche pattern, a satin silvered surface on the outer section, and subdials with concentric circle patterns at the chronograph counters, make this men’s watch an absolute classic.

The oxidized black finish on the hands add to the classism that Baume watches are known for and they look great set against a silver background. The date hand is “ a keen match for the gleaming golden countenance of the moon on its rotating disc in the window cutout at 6 o’clock. These elements both enhance the understated allure of the complete calendar function with its dual window indications for day of the week and month.”

This watch runs on the self-winding mechancial ETA-Valjoux 7751 caliber. With a power reserve of about 42 hours, the fine details mentioned above and the “aesthetic features the movement offers in this iteration includes Cotes de Geneve patterns on the bridges, a winding rotor with brand personalization, and blued screws; these elements will be clearly visible to the owner, thanks to a transparent sapphire exhibition window in the caseback.”

A leather alligator strap and polished stainless steel folding clasp with classic B&m signature top this handsome men’s watch off perfectly.

Look for this and many other great new timepieces at the SIHH.

Two new models were added to the already infamous Riviera collection. Bigger in size and better in design, these two men’s watches do not disappoint.

The limited edition all black chronograph (as pictured) brings many new, unique qualities to the table.  With fly-back function, transparent dial and glowing Roman numerals and hands, this XXL sized watch measures 45mm in diameter (older Riviera models are still large, measuring 43mm). The other new Riviera Sports model is equal in size and features a stainless steel bezel and athletic three-pointer and date display.

Both men’s sports watches feature newly designed cases, with one side shaped like the grill from a car; hollowed hands, a larger crown and a smooth black rubber strap.

Inherent to the Riviera collection are a combined sense of high style, sophistication and sportiness, three characteristics which have become highly desired among those buying luxury watches. These new XXL models further enhance this winning combination, while maintaining the twelve-sided bezel which has characterized the Riviera line since 1973.

If you’re looking for other large and in charge men’s watches, another collection for which Baume Mercier is known and loved for, is the Hampton which also offers a Magnum line, which has super good looking, sporty and elegant watches for both men and women.

Whether it’s summer, spring, fall or winter, any of the Riviera and Hampton watches by Baume Mercier are winners.

Watches within the Hampton Collection for men and women are meant to mirror a sense of modern relaxation, as based on the Hamptons, the chic vacation destination, located off of Long Island.

This year, Baume and Mercier celebrates 15 years of the Hampton Collection by releasing three new watches. Originally created in 1994, the Hampton has become an icon watch for Baume & Mercier, cultivating a strong following among watch enthusiasts. These new watches take the collection to a higher level and are sure to continue the success of the Hampton line.

There are new models for the Classic, Manchette and Magnum lines. The Classic has a larger case and a small opening located in the top part of the dial that shows the watch’s movement, while blue steel hands indicate the Arabic numerals and indexes. These new Classic designs are shown in both a chronograph and diamond-set version.

The Manchette Two-Tone (gold and stainless steel) is a rectangular-shaped watch that features 28 brilliant-cut diamonds along the case.

The real winner here is the Magnum (featured in the image). The Hampton Magnum is an exceptional watch; its ability to combine a sense of exclusivity and sportiness, give it a powerful feel. This new version still offers the oversized case, constructed of black PVD steel and comes in red gold for men and a satin-finished stainless steel band for the ladies.

Buy a luxury watch today; whether it’s one of the ones from Baume and Mercier’s Hampton Collection, or any other of the hundreds of luxury watch brands found here, you won’t find a better selection at a better price, than here, today.

This summer, new editions and versions of certain watches within the William Baume collection were added. All are produced in very, very limited editions.

Originally composed of three models in 2008, the William Baume collection is now made up of four watches, including the brand new Single Push-Piece Chronograph. This specific watch is historically important in that it is based on the single push-piece function that Baume & Mercier created in 1938. The 18K red gold XL-sized (41 mm) case of this new Single Push-Piece Chronograph comes with a hand-stitched brown alligator strap. Only 20 were made.

The new edition of the William Baume Tourbillon model comes in an XXL size (43 mm). The case radiates the shine of 18K red gold. Only 10 of these watches were made.

Ultra-thin watches have always been known as having superior elegance and technical innovation. Baume & Mercier began to specialize in this style watch from 1920 onwards, and in In 1965, Baume and Mericer created the thinnest self-winding calendar watch of its time. This new William Baume Ultra Thin has a power reserve of 60 hours compared with 40 hours for the previous model. . Its XL 41 mm case is made in 18K red gold. A limited, numbered edition of 179 watches were produced.

The fourth new edition to be added to the William Baume collection is the William Baume Retrograde Second watch, which is distinguished from the first version by its black dial and its black hand-stitched alligator strap. This 41 mm watch is made with an 18K red gold case. Only 179 were produced.

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