Baume & Mercier
SIHH 2018: The New Baume & Mercier COSC-Certified Baumatic
So, when Zimmermann decided the time was right for a new B&M calibre, the specifications were based on client expectations – namely the experience of the client with after-sales service. Although the return rate of Baume & Mercier watches within their warranty period has always been low – only about 4 per cent – this was still considered too high. So, over a period of time, every watch returned, from more than 100 countries, was analysed to discover why it had stopped or experienced a reduction in accuracy.
The Richemont “change” that Zimmermann refers to is the creation of a Research and Innovation Hub consisting of around 50 experts working on precious metal research, casing and bracelet advancement, surface treatment technology, movement development and straps and skins design. Working alongside these experts and the Manufacture Horlogère ValFleurier, the creative and technical teams at Baume & Mercier have been able to develop the brand’s first self-winding proprietary movement – the Baumatic BM12-1975A calibre.
Although a watch is considered antimagnetic if it is able to withstand a magnetic field of 60 Gauss, the new Clifton Baumatic is resistant to at least 1500 Gauss, thanks to the use of the non-ferromagnetic elements. While the use of silicon reduces loss of efficiency due to friction, as well as increasing the time between servicing intervals. The material is also antimagnetic, light and resistant to corrosion, temperature and vibration.
Finally, in order to meet the new recommended servicing guidelines of five year intervals (as opposed to the previous three-year guideline), the Richemont R&I Hub developed new lubricants, which have all undergone rigorous stress testing simulating more than 10 years of intense use making maintenance cycles for the Baumatic watches considerably longer than in the past.
Clifton Baumatic Technical Specification:
Movement
Proprietary self-winding calibre Baumatic BM12-1975A; hours, minutes, seconds; date; 120-hour power reserve; 4Hz, COSC-certified
Case
40mm polished/satin-finished stainless steel; sapphire crystal caseback; water-resistant to 50m
Strap
Interchangeable black alligator-leather strap with slate-grey stitching