Bringing performance to the wrist
The announce was a surprise to everyone, initially arousing curiosity among watch industry professionals and then receiving their full approval. Baume & Mercier has indeed waited a long time before equipping its timepieces with a proprietary caliber, but it is certainly true that with the Baumatic BM12-1975A, its very in-house self-winding movement, the watch Maison has not done things by half. Stemming from a long-term endeavor with the Manufacture ValFleurier and the Research & Innovation division of the Richemont group, this distillation of technology deserves applause in several respects. The Baumatic caliber is first and foremost resistant to magnetism up to 15,000 gauss, meaning 25 times more than the customary standard. It is particularly longlasting, with a power reserve running to 120 hours. It also remains impressive accurate throughout the power reserve, with a variation in rate of just -4/+6 seconds per day. Its construction – and more specifically the quality of the lubricants used – ensure enhanced durability. This concentrated blend of technical feats includes a silicon balance-spring coupled with a highperformance escapement, all governed by impeccable cost control. Baume & Mercier has chosen the Clifton collection to house this champion of precision and reliability. A classic yet urban look, understated display and tool-free strap interchangeability are the brand’s new winning trilogy embodied in this model now on show in the windows of Gübelin’s Geneva boutique.