SIHH 2018 PREVIEW:

Baume & Mercier Introduces the Baumatic, a Chronometer with a Five-Day Power Reserve


Amid the constant stream of pre-SIHH novelties that have floated across our desks over the past few weeks, we’ve seen a theme of innovation and development that is sometimes lacking at the annual industry fairs. That isn’t to say we aren’t in one of the most experimental times in horological history, because, by-and-large, we are — but after looking at some of the recent announcements we’ve covered such as the Greubel Forsey Foudroyante Jumping Seconds, you’ll see what I mean. That’s why it’s great to see Baume & Mercier embrace this theme with the release of the new chronometer-certified Baumatic.

Baume & Mercier Baumatic

Boasting a five-day power reserve, the Baumatic quickly claims the title as the most technically-advanced timepiece in the brand’s current stable while maintaining Baume & Mercier’s reputation as Richemont’s most accessible manufacture. This isn’t the first time that Baume & Mercier has been used as a breeding ground for new technology within Richemont, after all, last year it was the first brand within the conglomerate to offer a timepiece that utilized a silicon balance spring with the Clifton Manual 1830. However, this time around, the Baumatic has a newly developed, self-winding, in-house movement that ups the ante with a silicon anchor and escape wheel while the balance spring uses the same Twinspir construction that was found in the Clifton Manual 1830. The Twinspir technology combines two separate cores of silicon that are bound by a silicon dioxide layer and set at a 45-degree angle which aids in ensuring thermocompensation. All of these combined developments have resulted in a 120 hour (five-day) power reserve with accuracy in the range of -4/+6 seconds per day.

Baume & Mercier Baumatic

The design of the watch screams understated minimalism and it’s obvious that the Baume & Mercier team was more focused on technical development rather than building out a new design code. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock and a nicely-done crosshair in the center of the dial. The lancet hands, small Arabic numerals at the end of the indices, and dotted minute track all add to the sober appeal. You can tell this is a watch focused entirely on precision timekeeping and utility over anything else and I think it’s all the better for it. It’s easy to imagine this being a watch worn during the workweek, sat down on Friday evening, and then picked back up Monday morning without missing a beat. Baume & Mercier has described the Clifton lineup as being designed with “urban professionals” in mind and I think they’ve hit that demographic squarely on the head with the Baumatic.Baume & Mercier Baumatic

 

As what many consider the most accessible brand in the Richemont group, it’s great to see the Baume & Mercier team continue to push the horological envelope while staying within an affordable price range. You’ll be able to find the Baume & Mercier Baumatic for $2,790 once it’s released in September.

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  1. Dan Finch

    Wow, quite a curve ball from B&M… Didn’t see this coming! Pretty sweet watch. Now they just need to bring back the Riviera…

    Reply
  2. All sounds great but nobody knows what movement b&m use in house movement or unitas or eta or soprod

    Reply
    • Paul Noronha

      The Baumatic has an inhouse manufacture. They have used ETA and, I believe, Selitta movements — this is not a secret — a google search will tell you.

      Reply
  3. Martin Carlino

    Love the new Baumatic and would look like to know the case size. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Logan R. Baker

      Hi Martin,

      The Baumatic measures in at 40mm x 10.3mm.

      Thanks for commenting!

      Reply
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