ReviewThe Baume & Mercier Baumatic Chronometer—High On Precision With Stunning Good Looks
Baume & Mercier’s Clifton Baumatic collection introduces two new COSC-certified blue-dial editions offering impeccable chronometric accuracy, coupled with a handsome presence on the wrist
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An Overview
The horological feat and highly ambitious task to create an in-house self-winding mechanical movement was always on Baume & Mercier’s checklist. It was in 2018 that the brand’s efforts came to fruition, in the form of an all-new edition within their Clifton collection, equipped with a high-precision automatic movement. Called Baumatic, this watch served as the perfect solution to anyone seeking a good, reliable, no-nonsense dress watch. Come 2019, and two dashing, new, blue editions were added to this impressive repertoire, further heightening the undeniable charm of the acclaimed Clifton Baumatic series.
Impressions
With the introduction of the brand’s first in-house manufactured movement—the Baumatic BM12-1975A in the 2018 Baumatic series—Baume & Mercier re-established their expertise in fusing style with cutting-edge technology. The updated BM13 calibre was unveiled in 2019—set behind a gorgeous, blue gradient dial. The new Baumatic watches housing the COSC-certified chronometer movements are identifiable by the crosshairs on the dial. A reassuring feature of the Baumatic BM13 calibre is anti-magnetism, which means that the watches stay resistant to magnetic fields created by mobile phones, other devices, and even magnetic clasps on bags and briefcases. In addition to the promise of reliability, these watches exude a contemporary appeal, while still honouring traditional watchmaking ideals. These high-performance contemporary timepieces make for the perfect daily companions as they also deliver with 120 hours of autonomy. Owing to all these factors, these timepieces have managed to strike a chord with watch aficionados, new and seasoned alike.
The Latest Baumatic In Blue
A fuss-free dial
The contemporary, stylised watch has a gradient blue sunburst dial that prioritises legibility above everything else, thanks to the faceted and applied baton hour markers, which are surrounded by minutes marked by numerals on the periphery of the dial. Complementing an urban man’s character, the long, slender lancet hour and minute hands sweep across the dial, while a functional date window marks its presence adjacent to the three o’clock position. The delicate crosshairs design on the dial is a subtle nod to the impeccable precision of this timepiece and is seen only in the chronometer editions in the Baumatic portfolio.
An impeccable movement
These two variants are powered by the in-house manufactured Baumatic BM13 automatic calibre, the next generation of the BM12-1975A calibre that beat within the first edition of the collection. What makes these watches particularly impressive is that not only are they self-winding, but also offer a whopping five-day power reserve, resistance to magnetic fields, and baffling chronometric accuracy. According to the chronometer certification accorded by the COSC (the Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres or Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute), the timekeeping variation is limited to just -4 or +6 seconds per day.
A perfectly proportioned case
The watches of Baumatic collection come housed in elegant, satin-finished stainless steel cases measuring 40mm in diameter, which retain the Clifton collection’s masculine persona. The polish on the case is refined, giving it a true luxe appeal. The intricately decorated Baumatic movement shouldn’t be concealed, which is why it was a wise choice to go with a transparent caseback for all these Baumatic models. This allows you to view the movement and oscillating weight decorated with perlage and Côtes de Genève finishing. The steel cases of the chronometers are just 10.3mm thick, so they don’t feel too bulky on the wrist. Meanwhile, the domed glass, as well as the caseback, are made of antiglare-treated, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal.
Strap options
The easily interchangeable black alligator leather strap makes this a fitting timepiece for the modern professional who lives by their own code. Another variation comes equipped with a five-link steel bracelet with a triple-folding clasp. One simply has to release the spring bars between the curvaceous lugs, with the help of small pins, to put on a new strap or bracelet. The lugs that slope downwards allow the strap to sit snugly on the wrist. A subtle detail on the underside of the leather strap is the stitching in Baumatic blue. The strap adds the final touch of comfort and convenience, keeping the look subtle and suave.
The 2018 Baumatic Chronometer
The COSC-certified models of the 2018 edition of the Baumatic sported pristine white dials, adorned with riveted hour markers. The COSC certification, represented by subtle anthracite crosshairs on the dial, bears testimony to the extreme accuracy of the movement—the BM12. The first generation in-house Baumatic calibre operates at a frequency of 28,800vph. Doing absolute justice to the gorgeous movement that beats within is the transparent caseback, giving you a clear view of its decoration. A durable alligator leather strap in black, coupled with a pin buckle, enhances the sophisticated appeal of this timepiece, while an all-steel version comes with a five-link bracelet instead. These models too are adorned with an oversized date aperture at three o’clock while the domed antiglare sapphire crystal glass improves legibility further.
The new Baumatic continues the brand’s legacy of offering optimal reliability, thanks to the self-winding movement. While recent times have witnessed Baume & Mercier trying its hand at complications—including a tourbillon and a perpetual calendar—with the Baumatic, the brand reiterates its command over basic timekeeping functionality with chronometric flair.
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