Why This Watch Matters Here is a simple, no frills chronograph from a brand with some staying power in the watch world. The Full Story Baume & Mercier traces its roots back to 1830 as "Frères Baume," or the Baume brothers. The brothers were Louis-Victor and Célestin, and the town was Les Bois in Switzerland. It wouldn't be called by the name we know today until 1918 when Paul Mercier entered the picture and "Baume & Mercier" was established in Geneva. The brand name has always been strong and, specifically, made a name for itself through the early days of wristwatches by offering shapes outside of the normal round shape. Today, as a part of the Richemont group, Baume & Mercier offers some of the best values in Swiss watchmaking under the Clifton and Hampton model lines. The example we have here dates to the 1950s, a time where Baume & Mercier had moved away from unconventional case shapes to offer a product line including a no frills stainless-steel chronograph like the one we have here today. Powered by a Landeron 48, the chronograph functions a bit differently than ones you may be familiar with. The top pusher activates the chronograph and the bottom pusher stops the timing. On the next push of the bottom pusher, the chronograph hand is reset to zero. What drew our attention to this example is the dial. With large, oversized lume plots and gold as well as blued steel accents, the dial has a very utilitarian and purpose-built feel to it. That feel really ripples out to the entire look of the watch. It is great to see a relatively simple vintage watch exude as much charm as this one. Enough charm for both Mr. Baumes and Mr. Mercier. We paired this watch with our Aged Leather Watch Strap in Moss Green to lean into that utilitarian, everyday look and feel. On the wrist, this one feels like a vintage Land Rover series. The Fine Print Maker: Baume & MercierModel: ChronographReference: 449513Year: 1950sCase No: 902Material: Stainless steelDimensions: 34.25mm diameter; 12.75mm thicknessCrystal: PlexiglassLume: Yes, radiumCaliber: Baume & Mercier signed Landeron, manually-wound, caliber 48Bracelet/Strap: HODINKEE Aged Leather Watch Strap in Moss GreenLug Width: 18mmBox/Papers: No What We Love And What You Should Know Things We Love: - Simple and clean design- Gilt numerals on dial - Landeron 48 movement inside Things To Know: - Scratches on case- Wear on dial This Baume & Mercier Baumatic is in overall nice, attractive condition. The case shows some scratches and were throughout, especially on the edges and the nine o'clock side from opening. The caseback engraving is clearly legible. There are some scratches on the rear of the lugs from strap removal and placement. The bezel has a mark on it around seven o'clock. The silvery white dial has a nice patina with very faint spotting in some areas and concentrated patina around the hour markers. The dial has a few scratches throughout. The sub registers have developed some patina and have some scratches. The hands show some light patina as well. The hour markers have developed a warm patina. The lume on the dial has developed some dark patina. The top pusher is a little sticky when activating, but functioning correctly. The crown and pushers show some wear. The case, dial, and movement are all signed by Baume & Mercier. This watch was photographed on a 175mm/6.9inch wrist.
