ReviewHands On Review: The Baume & Mercier Classima Open Heart

Baume & Mercier, for years, has carved out its own niche in probably one of the most competitive segments of the watch industry – one that faces tough competition right from the ‘Tissots’ and ‘Frederique Constants’ to the fairly new, kick starter brands. But Baume has always differentiated itself in the classiest way possible. They don’t want your first ‘good watch’ to be loud (just saying) or mainstream like the rest of the world and they’re probably the only brand right now that deliver a classy Swiss Made watch, and keep it accessible. And if they’ve had their way with you in the past, there’s a good chance that the watch you own is probably a ‘Classima’.

The Classima makes sense in every possible way, which is why it has been the brand’s highest-selling collection. Offering a genuinely made, Swiss timepiece for such an accessible price, Baume has remained consistent with the ‘classically-oriented dress watch’ that combines a great looking watch with technical sophistication. Today we’re going to talk about a gem that’s probably gone unnoticed from the Classima collection – the ‘Open Heart’, which, apart from being a great looking timepiece, gives the wearer a glimpse of the inner workings of the watch. Let’s take a closer look at the Classima Open Heart and find out where it excels:

A classic dress watch design:

According to the brand, a lot of people would rather invest in one watch that’s perfect for every occasion than buy different watches for different occasions, which is why the Classima Open-Heart takes its cues from a classically oriented watch with a refreshed, modern twist. A design that probably won’t ever be outdated.

From featuring a bright dial that adds a touch of modernity to the classic style to the central line guilloche pattern and the Roman numerals and blued hands, every detail combines to create a confident and classic looking dress watch that, quite literally, lights up on the wrist. Though sized fairly at 40 mm, it’s thin enough to slide under your cuff. The watchmakers have given it a water resistance of 50 m; good enough to protect it from accidental spills and withstand minimal exposure to water.

It’s a dress watch after all and so Baume has cleverly used a combination of polished and broad clean surfaces to make sure the watch doesn’t go unnoticed. A combination of applied batons and Roman numerals adorn the hour markers, which are complemented by blue leaf-shaped hands (serving as a beautiful contrast to the classy dial).

The Open-Heart dial:

The talking point of this watch is, of course, the Open-Heart visible clearly on the dial. Occupying the 12 o’clock position, the silver ‘Open heart’ window has several interesting design elements: an open-window that showcases the balance spring in full swing and a glimpse of the intricate workings of the Sellita movement that powers the watch. The watchmakers at Baume have kept the window simple, which works for the Classima because doing too much would probably kill the clean, ‘dress watch’ look otherwise. The dial is protected by an anti-scratch sapphire crystal.

A gorgeous see-through sapphire crystal case back:

If not the dial, there’s another way you can admire the Open-Heart’s ‘beats’. Driven by a reliable automatic Sellita movement, the inner workings of the watch are even more clearly visible through the see-through case back, also protected by sapphire crystal.

The case back is gorgeous, to say the least, and gives the wearer an in-depth view of the mechanical movement. I stress on gorgeous because even the rotor is decorated by the iconic Côtes de Genève decoration that bears the Baume & Mercier logo. The watch, however, isn’t all about looks. The self-winding mechanical movement is one of the more reliable ones in the market with an accuracy of 28,800vph and a fair power reserve of 38 hours.

Fastened by an alligator leather strap or a bracelet:

The Classima Open-Heart comes in two variations: steel on leather or steel on steel – both of which are designed to keep up with the dress watch DNA perfectly. The leather strap is a genuine brown alligator leather strap and the stainless steel bracelet, having a triple folding clasp, is given the same polished & brushed look like the case.

Final thoughts – All boxes checked?

While the Classima Open-Heart is pitched as the ‘more accessible’ open heart watch in the market, the quality of finish is easily comparable to any high-end luxury watch. Let’s not forget the Classima Open-Heart is also a watch that’s meant to commemorate a personal milestone in an individual’s life. You can probably picture a father (or yourself) passing on this one to their child 40 years later. The timeless look of this watch fits the bill completely. It’s the neutrality that is the Classima’s greatest strength.

The Baume et Mercier Classima Open Heart is available exclusively in India at ethoswatches.com.

Do you like the watch? Let us know in the comments section below!