An excellent watch should make ownership easy, but this is precisely where people mess up. Baume and Mercier watches combine the Swiss heritage of fine watchmaking with practical designs, making them a great starting point for any watch collection. However, the same qualities that make them approachable also make them vulnerable to being purchased without much consideration. Here are some mistakes people make when shopping for a watch from this company and how to avoid them.
Not Learning the Collections First
Watches made by Baume and Mercier are divided into various categories, such as Clifton, Riviera, Classima, and Hampton, which have different concepts of design. While Clifton is classic and dressed-up, Riviera is a sports model with its iconic twelve-sided bezel. Classima is timeless and multifunctional, while Hampton is characterized by its rectangular Art Deco design. Those who overlook this aspect risk ending up owning a watch they cannot use in combination with other clothes or in any other way.
Ignoring the Movement Type
Automatic, quartz, and Baumatic movements all have different day-to-day characteristics. The automatic movement requires consistent wear or use of a winder to remain precise, whereas the quartz movement operates off batteries and requires little maintenance. The Baumatic movements have a higher power reserve and magnetic field resistance than both of these models. Not knowing which movement your watch has when purchasing it ranks high among the most common buyer’s remorse stories.
Skipping Authenticity Checks
Due to their resell value, counterfeit or misdescribed listings appear. Make sure that the listed references, serial numbers, and paperwork match up with either the retailer or manufacturer directly. Avoiding this trap is as simple as buying from reputable sources.
Shopping on Price Alone
While a low cost may seem attractive, it probably entails a discontinued reference, a well-used secondary-market timepiece, or an offering that does not come with its box or papers. Before comparing prices, it’s important to identify the buyer’s priorities to ensure comparable timepieces, not just the cheapest one.
Overlooking Fit and Sizing
The diameter of the case and the distance between the lugs influence how a watch fits around the wrist more than most people realize. The 42mm Riviera and the 39mm Clifton are two very different-sized watches despite their relatively close sizes. This is another area where trying on watches becomes crucial.
Forgetting About Service and Warranty
However, mechanical watches require regular maintenance, and the terms of warranty differ according to the point of purchase. Those who ignore these terms will have to pay for maintenance, which the manufacturer could have covered, and find that their watch is not under warranty.
Buying With Confidence
This problem can be easily avoided through proper research and purchasing the watch from a trusted source. At Watches & Beyond, one will find an assortment of Baume and Mercier watches to choose from.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common mistake when buying Baume & Mercier watches?
Purchasing the watch without gaining a complete understanding of the collection and type of movement involved is the most common mistake made by collectors.
Are Baume & Mercier watches a good investment?
While not primarily investment watches, some of these references certainly do have high value when sold on the secondary market.
How can I verify a Baume & Mercier watch is authentic?
Check the reference and serial number with the help of an authorized retailer or directly with the manufacturer, and be careful of listings that lack their original papers.
Do Baume & Mercier watches require special maintenance?
While automatic or Baumatic versions require servicing every few years, quartz watches merely need to be replaced periodically.
Which Baume & Mercier collection is best for a first watch?
Classima is often the first recommendation for classic design and flexible sizing options, but Clifton may be recommended if you want something a little more dressy.
How long does a Baume & Mercier watch typically last?
Provided regular servicing is carried out, both the case and movement are engineered to withstand decades of use, and many watches are passed down through generations as heirlooms.
Is it better to buy new or pre-owned?
When purchased new, they come with a comprehensive warranty and the original box and papers included.
