At present time, it’s rare to encounter an innovation that rattles the watchmaking industry at its core, especially when it comes to basic timepieces that aren’t intended for complicated uses. This age-old craft has had its time of constant innovation that today, we’re just reaping the benefits of old discoveries and continuing to expand according to incredibly advanced and brand new technologies. The newly-announced Baumatic from Baume & Mercier will likely change that with its promising features.
Compare Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Prices Online
As announced at the SIHH 2018, the Baumatic will come out in September. Its release will signify another achievement in the realm of silicon technology by the brand as well as the Richemont Group, moving it up closer to the ranks of the Swatch or Kering Groups.
Baume & Mercier has been an avenue to refine the silicon technology. First through the use of a silicon balance spring in last year’s Clifton Manual 1830, its presence in the Baumatic’s movement makes the watch the most technologically-advanced basic timepiece that will soon be in the market. Priced at US$2,790.00 upon release, it reflects exactly the worth of the Baumatic’s complex quality while opening up potential for a commercial market.
Specifications
- Case material: Steel
- Dimension: 40mm
- Movement: Bauem & Mercier Cal. BM12-1975A
- Power: 120 Hours with automatic winding
- Water resistance: 50meter / 5ATM
PROS
Baume & Mercier boasts of four things in their Baumatic models: “anti-magnetism, autonomy, accuracy, and durability.” Majority of these positive remarks about the watch is owed to the brand’s Twinspir technology, which makes use of silicon to enable and enhance its movements. The material allows a high level of resistance to magnetism, which follows that greater accuracy is ensured.
The Baumatic doesn’t compromise on giving the exact time. It’s further prioritized by fulfilling the quality of legibility in the lancet-like minute hands pointing to prominent minute markers and noticeable Arabic numerals signaling the hours. Due to its technological advancements, the Baumatic is also equipped with the capacity of a chronometer in the entire duration that its 120-hour power reserve allows.
CONS
The Baumatic watches come in two options: one as a chronometer with COSC certification and the other with only the promise of a chronometer’s function. While there are no significant differences in efficiency, at least one thing is compromised in each version that can’t be found merged in just one piece.
The chronometer Baumatic comes with a COSC certificate. Aside from the extra cost from acquiring it, the watch doesn’t have any other extra features. On the other hand, the non-chronometer Baumatic saves you at least $200 from the mark-up that the COSC certification adds, but its chronometer-like functions are not given proper and official recognition. Additionally, the silicon materials are a world away from the mechanical watchmaking tradition, so it’s yet to receive a wide acclaim.
Featured image credit: Hodinkee
Source: Hodinkee
Source: Watch Insider
