Description
Baume & Mercier Classima Executive Retro (Ref. 65542): timeless elegance with a touch of the past
Baume & Mercier, a Swiss watch brand with a rich history dating back to 1830, has long been synonymous with affordable luxury watches that masterfully combine classic design with precise Swiss craftsmanship. The Classima collection is a pillar of the brand's offering and embodies this philosophy - offering elegant, timeless timepieces for everyday wear and more formal occasions. Within this range, there is also an interesting variant with the "Executive Retro" label and the specific reference 65542, which adds a subtle touch of nostalgia to the traditional look.
Design: classic with retro accents
The 65542 stays true to the aesthetic codes of the Classima collection, but with a few elements that hark back to watch designs of past decades, typically from the mid-20th century.
- The case: The watch has a classic round case, most often made of polished stainless steel. Its diameter is usually around 39 mm, which was a common size for men's social watches at the time of this model's creation (probably early 21st century) - distinctive enough, but still elegant and comfortable to wear.
- Dialer: It is here that the "Retro" character manifests itself. The dial is typically silvery white or slightly cream, often with a fine sunray or smooth surface. Dominant elements tend to be:
- Roman numerals: The elegant black Roman numerals on the positions of the watch give it a formal and traditional look.
- Blue hands: A distinctive retro element is the often used steel hands, heat-treated to a blue colour (blued hands). This detail, typical of classic watchmaking, contrasts beautifully with the light-coloured dial and adds a touch of sophistication to the watch. The shape of the hands is usually leaf-shaped (feuille) or similarly classic.
- Datebook: There is also a handy date display function, usually located in a discrete window at the 3 o'clock position.
- Glass: The dial is protected by a durable sapphire crystal, which is standard in quality Swiss watches due to its high resistance to scratches.
Machine and Functionality
The heart of the Classima Executive Retro 65542 is the reliable Swiss automatic movement. Baume & Mercier often used proven calibres from external suppliers such as ETA (e.g. ETA 2824-2 or its variants) or Sellita. These machines are valued for their robustness, accuracy and easy serviceability. Automatic winding means that the watch is wound by the movement of the wearer's wrist. In addition to the basic display of hours, minutes and seconds (via a central seconds hand), the watch offers the aforementioned date function. Water resistance is usually basic (30 or 50 meters), which means resistance to splashing water and rain, but the watch is not designed for swimming.
Strap and Style
This model was most often delivered on a high quality leather straptypically made of black or brown alligator or calf leather, finished with a classic thorn buckle or an elegant fold-over buckle with the brand's logo. The leather strap underlines the social and elegant character of the watch. Thanks to its restrained design and size, the watch is very versatile - it fits both with an office suit ("Executive") and with less formal smart casual outfits.
Target Group and Availability
The Baume & Mercier Classima Executive Retro 65542 was aimed at men looking for a classic, elegant and reliable Swiss watch from an established brand that wouldn't look too flashy, but would still be a testament to good taste. The "retro" elements will appeal to those who like design with a historical legacy.
As this is an older reference, the 65542 is no longer in regular production. Interested parties can find it on the secondary market (pre-owned), for example on specialist watch portals or in second-hand shops. The price will vary depending on the condition of the watch, the availability of the original packaging and documentation.
Conclusion
The Baume & Mercier Classima Executive Retro ref. 65542 is a great example of how the timeless elegance of the Classima collection can be combined with subtle retro details such as blue hands and Roman numerals. They represent a solid, well-crafted Swiss automatic watch that still looks very tasteful today and offers a piece of watchmaking tradition at a relatively affordable price in the used watch market.
