Baume et Mercier William Baume Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition (ref. M0A08802)

The Swiss watchmaker will soon start selling its new Baume et Mercier William Baume Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition watch that will be produced in a small lot of only 20 units.

Although not as high-ranked in terms of brand value as Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre or even IWC, Baume amp; Mercier nevertheless enjoys a good reputation of a serious watchmaker that sells a high-quality product, which is not only finely crafted, but is also a great pleasure to look at.

To my taste, their dressy Classima Executives 8659 model, which is encased in a small 18k rose gold body 33 mm in diameter looks better than some models from “established” brands that cost ten times more than this one.

And their Riviera 8594 is a good treat for those who can’t afford the premium-priced “real thing” such as the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore timekeeper.

Some people will probably resent the very idea of buying a B&M at an outrageous price of some €21,200.

However, like most of their watches, this particular model looks like it is at least two times more expensive.

Its compact 41 mm case, which is crafted from high-quality 18-carat rose gold, features an entertaining design and offers a mesmerizing combination of surfaces that are alternately polished and brushed.

And its exquisitely guilloched silver dial with satin-finished elements looks especially great combined with rose gold hour markers and all five hands.

The black printed Roman numerals on the interior hour circle add an extra touch of “expensiveness” to the watch’s general style.

However, some may consider these excessive and actually detracting from the Monopusher’s legibility. Speaking of which, it would also be nice if B&M didn’t limit the 30-minute chronograph’s minute counter, which is located at 3 o’clock, to only “10″, “20″ and “30″ indices.

And I don’t really understand why the small seconds counter doesn’t have numerals at all. It seems to be large enough to make the display readable.

However, ranting aside, this is a beautiful watch, and I would really love to add it to my collection.

Photos: Baume et Mercier

Baume et Mercier William Baume Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition watch specification:

Price range: €21,200
Movement: Lajoux-Perret caliber 5000, hand wound, 21,600 vph, bridges decorated with Cotes de Geneve
Complications: Chronograph monopusher
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Rose gold, 18ct
Case diameter: 41 mm
Case height: 9.6 mm
Dial: Silver
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Alligator strap in dark brown
Crystal: Sapphire