Since it was first created, Baume & Mercier’s Classima Collection has attracted countless admirers. It carries the reassuring and traditional Swiss watchmaking values of discipline and endurance. The rounded elegance of its case is enchanting. Its discreet, understated allure makes it easy to wear. The various colors and materials that adorn its many versions demonstrate its profuse creativity. Its capacity for integrating and combining everyday watch complications makes it irresistible. Its advantages and appeal make it an ideal mechanical Swiss watch to own or gift.
The three new Classima models that Baume & Mercier is revealing at Watches & Wonders are an extension of this fabulous destiny. These watches express everyday elegance for modern men on the move. Each asserts a different color, expanding the existing chromatic range. They collectively mark the return of the chronograph to the collection, one of the Brand’s best-sellers that stands out for the originality of its push-pieces, in keeping with the designer spirit of Baume & Mercier.
Everyday elegance
These three pieces expand the collection, expressing the traditional yet contemporary spirit for which the Classima stands. They combine Swiss technical excellence and fine craftsmanship, and their discreet sophistication makes each one an easy timepiece to wear in all circumstances. Their classic aesthetic is showcased by a fine, round, curvy case with noble features, encapsulating Baume & Mercier’s exactingness in designing understated timepieces with perfect proportions and precise, slender lines.
On the bright dials of the Classima M0A10784, M0A10782 and M0A10783, the indexes are elongated, skimmed by the hands that surge forward with the passing hours. The clarity of the hour and calendar displays offer quick, easy readability. The contrasting tones, refined materials, and exquisite finishes are all details that enhance the beauty of these timepieces.
The chronograph returns to the Classima Collection
A beloved feature of models from the Classima Collection, the chronograph is a complication that has set Baume & Mercier apart since the beginning of its history, from the time when it first began to craft watches under the name “Baume & Co.” At the time, the company participated in a number of chronometry competitions. The Brand continuously triumphed, achieving the score of 85.1 / 100 points for a split-second chronograph in 1887. In 1893, it set a record for precision – only broken ten years later – with a keyless chronograph featuring a tourbillon escapement that scored a total of 91.9 / 100 points. At the end of the 1930s, it crafted chronographs with tachymeter and telemeter scales, which it perfected in the 1940s and 1950s through developments particularly marked by a chronograph with triple date and moon-phase complications. The scale design was carried over to the dial of a 2005 Classima design. Baume & Mercier combines functionality with elegance in these exceptional timepieces with gold models, including some in cushion and square shapes. The Malibu line brought back the technical and sporty chronographs launched in the early 1990s. The Capeland watch provided beautiful inspiration for it. The complication entered the Riviera Collection in 1993. The Transatlantic model, which became the Brand’s classic refined chronograph, evolved into the Collection Classima in 1997.
These three new chronographs – M0A10784, M0A10782 and M0A10783 – are the deserving heirs that superbly showcase this remarkable expertise. Their precision is magnificently enhanced by stylized push-pieces located at 2 and 4 o’clock.
Classima M0A10784
In this sophisticated version, the sun satin-finished lacquered blue dial and flange glow, as do the three snailed counters, respectively highlighting the chronograph and small seconds. Respectively located at 12 and 6 o’clock, their delicate shapes are emphasized by a golden outline. The finely riveted indexes, leaf-shaped hands, and minute track harmoniously reflect the golden tone. Two apertures at 3 o’clock reveal the day and date.
With a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 13.2 mm, the iconic round case of the Classima is crafted in polished stainless steel. A scratch-proof domed sapphire crystal protects the dial, while another on the back reveals the beauty of the watch mechanism. Two push-pieces at 2 and 4 o’clock are dedicated to the chronograph function, which measures and displays time intervals. One push-piece controls the chronograph with a start-and-stop command, while the other resets the counters.
The Classima M0A10784 is driven by an automatic movement at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph) with a 48-hour power reserve. The watch is water-resistant to 5 ATM (approximately 50 m).
This model is mounted on a blue alligator strap with all-square scales and tone-on-tone overstitching. It is easily interchangeable without the need for tools thanks to a very reliable spring bar system. It fastens with an interchangeable double folding clasp in stainless steel with security push-pieces.
This luminous version sets another tone with a sun-satin sand-colored dial featuring snailed counters for the chronograph and small seconds. Anthracite counters at 12 and 6 o’clock reflect the color of the flange, creating a harmonious, contrasting stylistic effect. The riveted indexes – like the leaf-shaped hour, minute, and small seconds hands – are crafted in ruthenium. The leaf-shaped hour and minute hands of the chronograph, like the seconds hand, are rhodium-plated. The small seconds hand of the chronometer is white-tipped and the minute track is also white. The easy-to-read date and day appear in two apertures located at 3 o’clock.
The round, polished stainless steel case, with its scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, forms a beautiful showcase with a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 13.2 mm. The back is protected by a sapphire crystal and may be engraved. Two push-pieces, located at 2 and 4 o’clock, control the chronograph functions: one starts and stops the time interval activation, while the other resets the counters.
Equipped with an automatic movement, this timepiece beats to a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and features a power reserve of 48 hours and water-resistance to 5 ATM (approximatively 50 m).
The Classima M0A10782 features an interchangeable strap in sand-colored nubuck calfskin with tone-on-tone overstitching. The strap may be changed without the use of tools thanks to a very reliable spring bar system.
The stainless steel double folding clasp features security push-pieces.
M0A10783
This Classima version combines a sun-satin green dial with a slate-colored flange and slate-colored snailed counters for the chronograph and small seconds, located at 12 and 6 o’clock. This refined expression in deep colors features rhodium-plated riveted indexes, while the leaf-shaped hour, minute, and small seconds hands are crafted in ruthenium. The leaf-shaped seconds hands – like the hour and minute hands of the chronometer – are rhodium-plated. As a stylistic touch and a readable feature, the small seconds hand of the chronograph has a white tip and the minute track is also white. The day and date appear in two separate apertures at 3 o’clock.
With a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 13.2 mm, the case is crafted in polished stainless steel and topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. The back may be personalized with an engraving and is also equipped with a sapphire crystal. Two push-pieces, respectively located at 2 and 4 o’clock, control the chronograph. One stops and starts the function, while the other resets the hands.
This timepiece is driven by an automatic movement that beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph). It has a 48-hour power reserve and is water-resistant to 5 ATM (approximatively 50 m).
The brownish-gray tone of the nubuck calfskin, featuring tone-on-tone overstitching, highlight the green and slate hues of the dial. The strap is interchangeable without the need for tools thanks to a very reliable spring bar system.
Its stainless steel double folding clasp offers the same comfort and surety with its security push-pieces.
With these three new timepieces, Baume & Mercier is delighted to pursue the saga of the chronograph in the Classima Collection, an ambassador of great elegance in the service of precision.
