Baume and Mercier are a slightly offbeat brand for most watch collectors in the UK. Yes, they are Swiss, part  of the giant Richemont Group. But Baume lacks the luxury cachet of IWC, JLC, Panerai or Cartier. It’s seen as a starter brand, one for the poorer watch fans.

OK, the Classima model is relatively inexpensive, with models starting at £1650. Using a Sellita SW200 movement helps reduce costs. The new for 2022 Classima is a 42mm all-rounder, in black, pastel green, or a wine dark red dial colour.

Three hander, date window, steel case. Roman numerals for that old school look. It’s a decent watch, but yeah, for that money you can buy a striking Indie brand watch with the Sellita SW200 inside it, that has more features, more depth resistance…more style frankly.

When you look at what Tissot are doing this year, or Rado’s latest Captain Cook models, you can see that £1650 is better spent elsewhere.

Here’s the blurb from B&M;

The Classima is the round watch with perfect proportions that is so delightful to wear that it becomes a second skin. It is a classic that has been perennially fashionable since 2004, and Baume & Mercier is delighted to reveal trendy new looks for it each year. Innovative materials are combined to create contrast, while various fresh colors offer a creative touch.

The Baume & Mercier Design Studio plays with the composition, experimenting and making special variations on the Classima collection each year. The Classima is back in 2022 with four new self-winding watches for men and women, to mix or match. Round without being focused on shape, modern yet original, elegant yet casual: with the Classima, it’s all about enjoying yourself. The Classima, the ideal first Swiss timepiece for watch newcomers.

A STREET STYLE LOOK INSPIRED BY THE NATURE

Baume & Mercier revisits the street style codes in a play of materials and timeless shades. Khaki is in the spotlight, with a versatile palette ranging from sand beige to olive green, offering a natural effect that adapts to every style.  With two large-sized models for a casual yet refined look, Classima explores this trend with elegance and understatement: khaki and sand hues, and a mixture of canvas, slate and steel… The Brand unveils two looks that will become essential for the summer season, evoking adventure and nature.

Each watch features a 42 mm polished steel case with a screwed back and a self-winding movement with a 38-hour power reserve.