Baume&Mercier, yay or nay?

[marinoc81]

We used to carry this line in store, but dropped it several years ago, I stumbled upon a couple of their watches that we still had, all older and discontinued models, and was wondering if anyone owns or likes the brand. I think they used to have some good stuff, but am not personally a fan of them anymore. any thoughts?

[Baco Noir]

The Clifton Complete Calendar, Capeland Worldtimer, and Classima Executive models were nice, but the brand as a whole didn't seem to have it's own style to me. Most of the watches looked like variants from other manufacturers. Honestly, it's been a while since I really looked at the brand at all.

[rw16610]

I remember one of the local AD's here had them around when I went in to check out Omega watches. Different strokes for different folks I guess because none of their watches seemed to do anything for me, unfortunately. I'm sure they're well made, quality pieces but even on the forums over the years they're hardly seen or mentioned.

[Baco Noir]

IIRC, someone here has one with vertical striping on the dial.

[KLANGE]

I think Baume & Mercier is a great brand, but under appreciated. A couple months ago I bought the Capeland Flyback Chronograph 10006 and absolutely love it!. I've seen a lot of vintage inspired watches, but none capture the look as well as the Capeland. The dial is exquisitely laid out with Tachymeter and Telemeter scales and wonderful Arabic font that has a little depth and shine. What really completes the vintage style of the dial are the blued steel Breguet hands that give off so many beautiful shades of blue as they play with the light.





Next is the breathtaking La Joux-Perret caliber 8147-2 movement with a Flyback Chronograph complication. The performance of the chronograph equals my Speedmaster Professional 3570.50. The sapphire crystal exhibition case back lets you view the wonderfully complex movement and gorgeous decoration with blued screws, perlage, and Cotes de Geneve stripes.

This photo of the same movement in a Limited Edition of the Capeland best captures the beauty of the movement.



Last, but not least is the wonderful stainless steel dial. The fit and finish are comparable to my Speedmaster with superb contrast and transitions between the polished and brushed surfaces. The size of the dial at 44mm wide and 16.5 mm tall has a wonderful wrist presence. The case back has nice domed shape that mirrors the raised and domed sapphire crystal above the dial forming a pebble shaped case that completes the vintage look.



The Capeland Flyback Chronograph is the complete package of style and function. Given the fact that it is from an under appreciated brand you know your watch will be unique and therefore won't find it on the wrist of many people you meet.

[Baco Noir]

I forgot about that B&M chrono KLANGE. Not sure how, as you haven't had it that long. It does have great vintage style - I'm a sucker for the blued hands - and the exhibition case back is sweet too.

[marinoc81]

Thanks for sharing KLANGE, that is a very cool watch.

[KLANGE]

Thanks guys. I feel fortunate to have it.

It's interesting how some brands seem to really resonate with a lot of collectors and some don't. Tag Heuer is probably the biggest brand that doesn't seem to get any love from watch forums. I really like the Carrera chronograph and the Monaco is a watch I know I will own someday.

[Baco Noir]

For me, I try not to say with 100% certainty that I don't like a brand as a whole. There aren't a lot of Tags that I like, but muckymark has a gorgeous blue dialed one that I've liked a lot in photos and even more when I saw it IRL in Vegas.

Your chrono is a unique B&M. As I said above, there are a few other models I like of theirs but those tend to look like copies from other brands. Not your chrono - it has a unique character to it And lots of style.

I haven't found a Hublot that makes me go "wow" - at least in a good way - yet, but who knows, maybe someday...

[Archer]

It's a brand that seems to fly under the radar most of the time. I may have serviced one or two over the years, but I don't see them often certainly.

I like some watches they have made but not others. That Flyback is a nice retro design, and the ETA 7750 movement it uses makes a reliable base for the added flyback complication. Very nice.

Cheers, Al

[carl]

Must say, I have always admired the Hampton models and lately, the Capeland. That flyback of KLANGE is the best of the Capelands IMO. I have looked at it many times at the local AD. When that watch was first introduced, I went back more than a few times to try it on.

And I find the Hampton models are very attractive pieces, and seem to be good, solid value as well. Especially now that they have moved the date function to the  six o'clock position. Although, it would be nice to see them do maybe just one model without the date function. That is when I could really start to get interested.

[melv]

I bought a B&M Hampton (rectangular) last year. Nothing wrong with the watch but it doesn't excite me. Check out the B&M Shelby Cobra watch though - thats exciting.