baume mercier 172 limited

Want to know what Baume & Mercier will be presenting at the 2010 Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (SIHH) in January? Well you don't have to wonder anymore. The Classima Executives XL Chronograph Complete Calendar watch will be centered stage at this prestigious event. The classically shaped round case measures 42mm in diameter, plenty of space to include all the great features offered on the watch. Its silvered dial features a stamped "grain d'orge" guilloche pattern at center and a satin silvered surface on the outer section. The sub dials on the watch have a concentric circle pattern at the chronograph counters. The brand has chosen to use leaf-shaped hands in an oxidized black finish as indicators. The Extra Large Chronograph is animated by the ETA-Valjoux 7751 caliber self-winding mechanical movement, one that was based upon the legendary 7750 caliber movement. In a rather untraditional move for the brand, you can control the start, stop, and return to zero operations of the chronograph via cam switching rather than a column wheel. The movement allows for a power reserve of approximately 42 hours. All the fine details of the movement are visible through the transparent sapphire exhibition window in the case back. The watch has been carefully crafted to offer a water resistance that is rated for 30 meters. The Classima Executives XL Chronograph Complete Calendar timepiece is completed by an alligator leather strap with a polished stainless steel folding clasp displaying the Baume & Mercier signature.

Some men's watches get noticed right off the bat, others grow on people over the years and still others require a celebrity connection before they really catch on. Most famously, a particular Rolex chronograph was a commercial flop for decades before it was discovered that Paul Newman wore that very model. Since then, the Paul Newman Daytona has become the holy grail of vintage watch collectors. Just this past week, the watch world discovered a new bit of celebrity that may change the course of a run-of-the-mill watch forever. In late May, Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay threw a perfect game. Last month, he thanked his teammates by buying 60 of them brand new Baume & Mercier watches. Not a bad deal for anyone involved. 70 Uniqueness The Baume & Mercier Riviera sport chronograph is a fairly basic luxury chronograph. It has been a part of the B&M lineup for several years and never really caught on as a popular seller. But, now that Halladay has made the watch famous (he gave watches to not only his teammates but also the bat boy and the team’s PR folk), it may benefit from a surge in demand. Each watch Halladay gave out was inscribed with the recipient’s name on the caseback and a box reading, “We did it together. Thanks, Roy Halladay.” The watch itself may not be that unique, but we know there are at least 60 very special Riviera Sports out there somewhere. Read more 75 Durability The Riviera Sport chronograph features a Valjoux-based automatic chronograph movement, a movement that is shared with many other high-end timepieces. The casing is in traditional stainless steel with a matching steel bracelet. The watch features a divers bezel with 15-minute hash marks, and considering the caliber of the movement and well-known brand name, the Baume & Mercier Riviera Sport should be a long-lasting watch. Think of the Riviera Sport as a less expensive alternative to the high-end yachting watches from Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe. Also, just think, if it’s good enough for the entire Philadelphia Phillies organization, it’s good enough for you.