Horological Meandering

The neo-retro wave strikes again: B&M Capeland Flyback

 

A few days ago, I had the chance to see and to handle this flyback chronograph by Baume-Mercier: the Capeland Flyback which was introduced at the 2011 SIHH.

The design of this watch is inspired by a 1948 Baume-Mercier Monopoussoir: the dial and the hands are similar. Baume-Mercier, despite a very large case (44mm) managed to design a balanced and charming dial IMHO. But, and there is always a but in a story..., the date window spoils a bit its beauty. The point that has surprised me a lot was its location on the dial. Of course, due to the size of the caliber, it was not possible to put it closer to the bezel. But it cuts the spiral scale ! What a pity !

The case is bulky and curvy. You have the feeling to wear a pebble on the wrist. Crown and pushers are quite big too. In fact, you way think that everything is a bit too big for an elegant watch. And yes, that's the true: something smaller and thinner would have been welcome even. Hopefully the shape of the lugs brings a touch of elegancy.

Caliber comes from Lajoux-Perret. I like the way Lajoux-Perret works its caliber: you clearly see different layers and even if the finishings are basic, you don't find any flaw on it. I regret the presence of these blued screws which don't have any added-value here.

Watch is comfortable on the wrist... if your wrist is large enough.

The beautiful dial with the two scales:





And sadly the date window which cuts the scale. You will also notice the size of the pushers and of the crown.

The Lajoux-Perret caliber:

On the wrist. Hopefully, the the lugs are short. The watch has a strong presence and if you are not disturbed by the date window, you will appreciate a lot the combo hands & dial. 

This watch is very worthy attempt from Baume-Mercier to give a new dynamic to its collection and to move to another segment. Price is coherent with this strategy (6.000 EUR with VAT) which is a bit expensive for a SS chronograph powered by a quite basic Lajoux-Perret caliber. We know that IWC sells its Portuguese at a higher price but not very far from this one and the IWC image is not the same than Baume-Mercier's. On the good side, the package is very nice (the box is really well-made) and the chronograph has the flyback feature.

If you like this neo-retro wave, if a date window is mandatory and if you are not afraid by the size, you may be seduced by this Baume-Mercier.

Thanks a lot to the team of Hall of Time in Brussels.

Fx

This message has been edited by foversta on 2011-05-02 13:25:50