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

Baume et Mercier will soon start selling its William Baume Monopusher Chronograph Limited Edition watch limited to only 20 units.

Although not as high-ranked in terms of brand value as Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Jaeger-LeCoultre or IWC, Baume amp; Mercier nevertheless produces reliable and nicely crafted watches.

To my taste, their Classima Executives 8659 model encased in a 18k rose gold body 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 “real” AP Royal Oak Offshore.

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 exquisitely guilloched silver dial with satin-finished elements looks especially great combined with rose gold hour indices 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.

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

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