Baume & Mercier launch affordable watch range for young professionals

Swiss luxury watchmaking company Baume & Mercier have expanded their renowned ‘Classima’ range to now include watches starting at just over $1000.

The ‘My Classima’ collection is aimed at young professionals and aspirational watch consumers who may not yet be able to afford a high-end Baume & Mercier timepiece, but still want a genuine Swiss watch that is mechanically meticulous and beautifully-designed. They will be available at selected US retailers from November.

These new models, a line extension of the Classima collection, are advertised as the perfect gift for a relative or protegé, or even to celebrate a promotion of personal achievement of one’s own.

As such, the timepieces are incredibly versatile. Available in three case sizes for both men and women, the stainless steel watches come in 31mm, 36.5mm and 40mm in diameter. Each also has the option for either a genuine leather strap (in either black or navy blue depending on the size) or a stainless steel bracelet.

The dial design features the traditional, simple Classima look – sleekly shaped minute and hour hands, applied Roman numerals and an uncomplicated date window at 3 o’clock. Behind the solid steel caseback – which the company encourages you to engrave – is a dependable Swiss quartz movement.

This is a savvy step by the watchmaker, paring back the watches of their Classima collection to open up their consumer base without sacrificing quality or reputation. Even a similar watch, in the Classima collection, would cost over $2,500 – which shows that in introducing these timepieces, Baume & Mercier are ahead of their time.