WATCHES & WONDERS: The Baume et Mercier Classima collection delivers a range of sporty everyday warriors
Borna BošnjakEditor’s Note: Watches & Wonders means a bombardment of fresh releases, so we’re offering a quick overview of each brand’s new novelties – touching on each new reference or collection and their headlining points. Stay tuned throughout the week for deeper coverage, some of which will include live pics and our hands-on perspective. But for now let’s run through each of the new watches – here are the Baume et Mercier Classima novelties of Watches & Wonders.
Of all Baume et Mercier collections, the Classima is one of the most versatile. From dressy solid gold pieces to sporty chronographs and GMTs, there’s no shortage of options. With the four new additions for Watches and Wonders 2022, the 42mm size, bold colours and fabric strap options point toward the Classima becoming a sporty everyday warrior as well.
Classima 42mm
Taking its case from the decidedly elegant Classima 42mm, it is polished all round, with small details evoking mid-century inspiration. The stepped bezel is slim, leaving plenty of space for the dial, and is matched by long, slender lugs. A thickness of only 8.93mm is greatly appreciated, especially due to the larger-than-average diameter.
Earthy tones inspire the colourways of two of the models, with sand, taupe, bronze and green dominating. The third, however, breaks this pattern with a bold burgundy sunburst dial contrasted against a blue chapter ring with white printing. The straps match the highlight colour of the chapter ring, and are rendered in a canvas finish with a stainless steel pin buckle. All three 42mm models are powered by the Sellita SW200. While it is a proven, slim movement, the 38-hour power reserve is rather modest.
Baume et Mercier Classima 42mm pricing and availability:
The Baume et Mercier Classima 42mm is available now. Price: $2,800 AUD
| Brand | Baume et Mercier |
| Model | Classima 42mm |
| Ref. Number | M0A10695 M0A10696 M0A10694 |
| Case Dimensions | 42mm x 8.93mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Slate sunburst (M0A10695) Silver-green sunburst (M0A10696) Burgundy sunburst (M0A10694) |
| Strap | Canvas strap with pin buckle |
| Movement | Sellita SW200, 38-hour power reserve |
| Price | $2,800 AUD |
Classima 34mm
In case your preferences combine the aforementioned mid-century styling with the sizing consistent with the period as well, Baume et Mercier offers the Classima in a 34mm size as well. Ensuring to re-use the striking burgundy colour and blue accents in this smaller variant, it comes in at an even thinner 8.15mm. This time paired with a polished link bracelet, it makes for a dressier watch due to all the reflective polished surfaces. Not only do you potentially benefit from more compact sizing, but despite the reduction in dimensions, the Classima 34mm features an ETA 2892 and 42 hours of power reserve, beating out its larger sibling on-paper.
Baume et Mercier Classima 34mm pricing and availability:
The Baume et Mercier Classima 34mm is available now. Price: $3,600 AUD
| Brand | Baume et Mercier |
| Model | Classima 34mm |
| Ref. Number | M0A10691 |
| Case Dimensions | 34mm x 8.15mm |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Dial | Burgundy sunburst |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet |
| Movement | ETA 2892-A2, 42-hour power reserve |
| Price | $3,600 AUD |