One year ago I shared my first post on my own Baume et Mercier Capeland, so I thought it proper for the one year anniversary of How to be Swell I would again write about a Baume Mercier Capeland, only this time one that unfortunately isn’t in my personal collection. The Capeland flyback chronograph was part of their re design the year before last. The flyback is at the top of the Capeland series that was redesigned to a more classic shape and dial design harkening back to the gilded age of horology. Baume & Mercier describes it as: The sport-chic Capeland epitomizes a relaxed lifestyle and strength of character. This charismatic series resolutely embodies shapes, colors and authentic functions that uniquely represent the brand’s universe of seaside living at its best.

Their redesign was part of a larger marketing and brand identity shift coming from the brand. Their new tag line is “Life is about Moments” and I can say from personal experience with Baume et Mercier they truly believe in that line and embody it as a brand.  Their image is about celebrating life, relaxed living, and sharing moments with friends and family, showing scenes of life in the Hampton’s. And with all of this imagery they have the chops to back it up in their timepieces. When I had My second son I wore my Capeland to his birth, to one day give to him. The wonderful people at Baume et Mercier got wind of this and sent us a beautiful congratulatory gift, thus celebrating our moment with us, and living up to their brand philosophy.

The 180-year-old brand released this fantastic chronograph in its Capeland line coinciding with its new image. A La Joux-Perret caliber 8147-2 automatic bi-compax chronograph movement with flyback chronograph and date complications, resides in a 44mm case of either stainless steel or 18K red gold. The flyback chronograph function allow timing events consecutively without the need to reset each time.  The dial is patterned with a classically designed telemeter and tachymeter scales. Finishing off the vintage look are either blued or gilt Breguet hands beneath an anti-glare treated, “chevée” shaped sapphire crystal. The movement can be viewed through a sapphire caseback and features blued steel screws and a circular-grained finish on the main-plate and the bridges. The rotor is cut out with the brand’s emblematic Phi symbol, and features “Côtes de Genève” and snailed finishing. The steel version is priced at $7000, while the 18K red gold model retails at $18,000. This year they have added a third, limited ecition rose dialed version for $7900. In any finish this is a great watch and comes from a brand who easily proves that they know how to be swell.

(images courtesy of Baume et Mercier)

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