The upcoming limited-edition Baume & Mercier Classima Automatic Jumping Hour (ref. MOA10039 aka 10039) is basically a more affordable version of their gorgeous William Baume Jumping Hour (ref. M0A08857) model in 18-karat rose gold that was released just a few weeks ago in an ultra-limited run of just 40 piece. This one, however, is coming in a slightly larger body, featuring a more simple (and also more elegant) decoration of its silver dial, and available in many more examples.
Like the aforementioned model from the William Baume collection, the Classima Jumping Hour features the same dial layout, which is dictated by the very same caliber that powers the piece: a jumping hour display at 12 o’clock, an off-centered minute hand display in the upper half of the dial, and a small seconds display at 6 o’clock.
The styling of the dial is slightly different, though, and I must say that this “working class” version looks even more imposing than the member of the William Baume collection that it is based on. Mainly, thanks to its silvered dial with its exquisite “barleycorn” motif that reminds me of watches made by Breguet, as well as several yellow gold accents in the form of minute and second hands, some indexes on both chapter rings, and the trapezoidal framing of the jumping hour window. Although I often find the combination of gold and steel sort of plebian (this is purely subjective, I know,) in this particular case the mix is done with tons of style and discretion that I, truth be told, never expected from the brand.
Compared to the more expensive version, this Classima Automatic Jumping Hour is also slightly bigger with its stainless steel case diameter increased from 41 to 42 millimeters.
There is no info on the case’s thickness, but if they managed to keep it at the same 9.6 mm (and there is a good chance that they did since the watch is still powered by the same ETA 2892-A2-based Dubois Depraz 14400 automatic movement that animated the base model and is known for its high accuracy and dependability,) it may look even slightly leaner than the original, which would be great for a vintage-styled dressy timekeeper that it is*.
The total production is limited to just 500 units. Although the relatively high number of timekeepers scheduled for production makes them less desirable for collectors and mere mortals looking for something “exclusive” on a relatively low budget (B&M will offer the piece at a recommended price of USD 5000, which is about four times less than MSRP of the aforementioned William Baume model,) Baume & Mercier apparently has high hopes for this new model and plans to present the timekeeper at the upcoming SIHH 2011 industry event to be held in Geneva, Switzerland in January next year.
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 5/5
Overall Legibility: 4.5/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
See also: Delaneau Amazone Blueberries 1608
* UPDATE ON CASE THICKNESS: As I understand, the thickness of the stainless steel version was marginally increased by just 0.4 mm to ten millimeters.
Photos: Baume & Mercier
Baume & Mercier Classima Jumping Hour (ref. MOA10039) specification
Price: $5000 (MSRP)
Movement: Automatic, Dubois Depraz 14400, based on ETA 2892-A2, Swiss Made
Functions: Jumping Hour, minutes, seconds
Power reserve: Up to 44 hours
Cadence of balance: 28,800 vph
Jewels: 27
Case: Stainless steel
Shape: Round
Size: 42.00 mm
Case height: 10.00
Dial: Silver
Numerals: Arabic
Hands: Steel, gold-plated
Water resistance: 30 meters
Strap: Black natural leather; deployment buckle with a push-button
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire