“Les Exceptionnelles” collection is the result of creative and aesthetic reflection to which Baume & Mercier has devoted itself for the second consecutive year. Weaving poetic links between watchmaking and fashion, this collection showcases the contemporaneity of the House.
Inspired by a myth
Promesse “Les Exceptionnelles” collection is a creative manifesto, affirmed this year in three new cuff bracelets inspired by the celestial constellation: Coma Berenices, or Berenice’s Hair. According to mythology, Queen Berenice II of Egypt promised to sacrifice her long hair in exchange for her husband’s safe return from war. Despite the King’s opposition, the Queen fulfilled this promise in the temple of Aphrodite. Seduced by the offering, the goddess then took the locks up to the heavens and fixed them in the sky to form the constellation.
Baume & Mercier has chosen to recount this shining story of femininity using pearls – the symbol of perfect beauty – and Ariadne’s thread. This celestial constellation is celebrated with three limited edition designs, limited to ten pieces each. At a time when a woman’s hair was emblematic of absolute femininity, separating oneself from one’s locks was seen as a symbol of self-assertion and personal emancipation. The brand celebrates this frame of mind with a creative and poetic manifesto, paying tribute to the aspirations of contemporary women: to be free and happy, above all by being themselves.
A combination of haute couture and watchmaking
For this edition, Swiss craftsmen have manufactured three styles, each limited to ten pieces. Both a jewelry piece and a watch, each of these modern and ultra-feminine accessories adorns the wrist with delicacy and taste. With exquisite craftsmanship all eyes are drawn to these multi-faceted cuffs.
The Cosmos
Synonymous with freedom and creativity, the Cosmos is the flagship model of the new trio. Directly inspired by the Coma Berenices constellation, it reveals the Promesse moon phase dial against a deeply romantic swathe of midnight blue raw silk. Embroidered with Akoya pearls and silver thread, the fabric evokes the stardust of this celestial myth.
The Cosmos © Baume & Mercier
The end result? Well, in theory, a more even, inherently secure chronometric performance and greater long-term accuracy. Granted, we are going to have to withhold judgement until we’ve tested one in the real world. However, for now, it is interesting to watch as an increasing number of brands move away from Nivarox (and by extension, the Swatch Group), instead choosing to create proprietary technologies as a way to compete. Despite being the oldest adage in the novel, it is also the most intriguing saying to watch firsthand — innovate or die, right?n accession to the distinctive hairspring, the 18-jeweled, hand-cranked BM12-1975M movement itself hums along in a familiar 4Hz over the course of its generous power reserve of about 90 hours. Nicely finished with deep Geneva stripes, blued screws, and circular graining all visible under the exhibition caseback, the motion itself is also adjusted in five places for accuracy.The 18k red gold instance of the Baume & Mercier Clifton Manual 1830 watch is 42mm broad and 8.9mm thin, using a water-resistance rating of 50m, and it includes a black aligator strap. The reference M0A10359 Baume & Mercier Clifton Manual 1830 is available today, though it’s being made in very small amounts, apparently only sold in Europe, and is retailing for a price of $12,045. An extension of this Baume & Mercier Capeland Shelby Cobra watches we covered, these bits were created with specific drivers’ heritages in mind and deliver all the super-charged aesthetics that we have seen so far from that team-up. Let’s take a little time to see what’s different this time around.
Insolence
With its midnight blue lambskin, accentuated with a row of natural pearls, Insolence represents glam-rock. The association of these two sensual materials brings a “Haute Couture” touch to the Promesse 30mm which features a midnight blue sunray guilloché dial. Both chic and rebellious, its presence imposes with character and insolence and symbolizes powerful women and the absence of conventions.
Poetry
A 1920s spirit infuses Petite Promesse. Its chainmail fringed with Akoya pearls is like a miniature Milky Way, the fine craftsmanship highlighting its delicate format. Mounted on a white lambskin bracelet with Akoya pearls, the case is entirely set with diamonds, offering a refined touch to this poetic cuff with a very “couture” feel. An ultra feminine and fashion creation.
