Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea Automatic (Ref. 10073)

Dec 10, 2011 by Evgueni Matoussevitch 2262 views

Although the Swiss watchmaker has fairly recently updated its line of ladies watches with the beautiful Baume et Mercier Linea automatic wristwatch (refs. 10070 & 10090) that featured a nicely finished stainless steel case and a mother-of-pearl dial, the guys at B&M apparently decided that the watches were too popular among the target audience not to introduce yet another iteration of the watch that would be able to grab attention of those looking for something even more upscale. Now presented in another, more expensive combination of materials and called Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea Automatic (Ref. 10073,) the updated watch combines solid 18-carat rose gold and high-grade stainless steel.

Since it was less than six weeks ago that we have published the “initial impressions” review regarding the refreshed Linea line (I am talking about the aforementioned refs. 10070 & 10090, of course,) I won’t waste even a minute your and my own time retelling the story of how beautiful the watch is: it is indeed really pleasant to look at and is quite elegant as well.

I will only state once again that the main selling point of the watch is not the way its fixed bezel is finished or the movement is decorated: the Swiss watchmaking brand tries to win your heart with their proprietary interchangeable bracelet system that lets you easily swap the bracelet for a strap and back depending on the dress you wear tonight or simply if you feel an urge to change something about your appearance. On a more practical note, it would probably be a lot easier to replace a worn out strap for a new one without paying a visit to your local service professional, although the system may limit your choice of aftermarket straps and bracelets.

Again, the only difference between this new Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea Automatic (Ref. 10073) and its predecessor is the new combination of materials that adorn this timekeeper.

As you can see on the photos, the updated version of the watch has its fixed steel bezel and central parts of the bracelet that were made from the same metal swapped in favor of finely polished rose gold. Ditto the elegant setting crown. Frankly, I would prefer the bezel to be a rotating one in order to use it as a second time zone indicator, but, well, that’s just me.

According to the watchmaker (or at least that’s how I understood them,) the new timepiece is going to be powered by either the well-known ETA 2892-A2 or its high-quality clone Sellita SW300. Both are outstanding self-winding calibers with good reputation and dependable design, and have their oscillating weights branded and decorated with Cotes de Geneva pattern that makes them pleasant to look at through the sapphire crystal on the back.

The watch will cost around $4500, not much for such a beautiful and elegant piece and basically in the same niche with other so called “two-tone” timekeepers with the same basic functionality.

WWR Verdict

Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea Automatic (Ref. 10073) ladies watch specification

Price: Around $4500
Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2891-A2 or Sellita SW300, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 21
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Oscillating weight is branded and decorated with Geneva stripes
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case material: Stainless steel
Bezel material: 18-carat Rose gold
Crown material: 18-carat Rose gold
Case shape: Round
Bezel shape: Round
Case size: 32.00 mm
Case height: 10.00 mm
Lug width: No data
Dial: Silver, sunburst finish
Numerals: Arabic (engraved on the bezel)
Hour markers: Rose gold, applied
Hands: Rose gold, polished
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Easily interchangeable satin strap or a two-tone rose gold/steel (mixte) bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Case back: Sapphire