Cooper Posted on June 07 2022

BAUME OCEAN II - THE NEW EDITION

UNDER EMBARGO TILL JUNE 8th 
TO BE PUBLISHED ON WORLD OCEAN DAY 

 

THE NEW BAUME OCEAN II

BUOYED BY THE SPIRIT OF COLLABORATION
THAT UNITES WATCHMAKING WITH ECOLOGY

Continuing to focus on ecological ethics in its development and creative processes, BAUME & MERCIER unveils the new BAUME OCEAN II, crafted from upcycled materials in collaboration with the Belgian NGO Waste Free Oceans (WFO) and the Spanish organization SEAQUAL INITIATIVE. These two leaders in ocean protection, with which the House has been working since 2018, collect plastic pollution from the oceans and to transform it into innovative products. A pioneer in applying this plastic upcycling principle to the luxury world, BAUME & MERCIER is proud to support this global action. A true circular economy project, it brings a new dimension to the brand’s vision of watchmaking in the search for a compromise between bold design and an ever more exacting respect for the environment while upholding traditions.

OCEAN PROTECTION: IT’S ABOUT WORKING TOGETHER

BAUME & MERCIER chose to launch its new BAUME OCEAN II on June 8th, joining the worldwide momentum for this annual ocean and climate conservation day which originated with the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio. World Ocean Day is designed to raise awareness among the general public, encouraging people to take concrete action on that day in favor of the planet. It is a special day for BAUME & MERCIER, which enthusiastically supports Waste Free Oceans. Since it was founded in 2011, the NGO doesn’t just remove pollution from the oceans: it has developed a complete economic system based on the reclaim and reuse of rubbish and its conversion it into new-generation materials. A compelling mission, considering that two to eight tons of plastic may be pulled out of the ocean each day. The collection and recycling are part of a global action with a long-term scope. Moreover, WFO also associates fishing professionals with these clean-up programs:  When fishing quotas are reached, or if the weather does not permit offshore operations, fishing crews can devote their time to extracting plastic, which the WFO partners then purchase and recycle. Each participant is a precious link in an increasingly long, solid human chain dedicated to the future of the oceans. WFO puts the recyclers in contact with the processors, and assists in designing the finished products and bringing them to the market. BAUME & MERCIER is participating as one of the final links in this cooperative project. Indeed, the product being brought to the market couldn’t have been developed without all the links preceding it.

Similarly, SEAQUAL INITIATIVE leads a relentless battle against the ocean’s plastic pollution. By providing plastic a second life, the organization offers the planet a second chance. The plastic is gathered, washed, and then processed to become SEAQUAL® MARINE PLASTIC at SEAQUAL INITIATIVE plants before being sent back into industry to become new, sustainable products.

BAUME & MERCIER shares the pragmatic yet considerate views of these two remarkable organizations, and the new BAUME OCEAN II watch embodies this common vision.

 

THE USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS

The case of the new BAUME OCEAN II model is made with marine debris plastic that is recovered throughout the world by WFO and then processed. Special attention was brought to the selection of the material to ensure that it is of a high quality in terms of performance and durability. The watch case features a recycled plastic cover produced by WFO, composed of 80% plastic waste gathered by the NGO that has been mingled with 20% fiberglass in order to reinforce its resistance.

By combining a movement protected by an aluminum container with the case that clips onto it, the innovative structure of the BAUME OCEAN II brings life to a creation that perfectly mingles design with Swiss watchmaking quality.

THE ASSERTION OF A UNIQUE DESIGN

Illustrating the expert design of BAUME & MERCIER, the new BAUME OCEAN II glows, hypnotizing the eye with its unique look. The great purity of the sun satin-finished oceanic blue dial is heightened by the ideal proportions of the shapes and finishes so distinctive of BAUME & MERCIER. In keeping with the distinctive aesthetic codes that have brought success to BAUME, the model maintains the off-center knurled crown at 12 o’clock reminiscent of pocket watches, as well as articulated lugs in black anodized aluminum. The reworked case is open-worked on the side instead of being solid, revealing the blue anodized aluminum container that protects the movement. The blue vibe and openworking emphasize the athletic line of this exquisitely designed timepiece, while white transfers contrast with the blue background to lend the piece a depth evoking the ocean. Based on the strength of its design expertise, BAUME & MERCIER has gone one step further into its original approach to displaying time by replacing the large minute hand with a small hand in the shape of a bird’s beak to create the illusion of a single central hand.

Driven by a tried-and-true Swiss Made self-winding mechanical movement, water-resistant to 30M and equipped with a 38-hour power reserve, the new BAUME OCEAN II was meticulously assembled at the BAUME & MERCIER watchmaking workshops at Les Brenets, in the heart of the Swiss Jura.

A 100% ECOLOGICAL SEAQUAL® YARN STRAP

The new BAUME OCEAN II boasts – with even more panache, considering that it is made of 100% recycled plastic – a woven strap in upcycled PET with lighter blue overstitching. The edge is remborded and lined with black cork for improved comfort in wear. The interchangeable strap may be detached and changed thanks to a system of recycled walnut buttons. It’s as easy as unbuttoning a shirt, no tools required.

AN ECO-RESPONSIBLE SHOWCASE

BAUME & MERCIER wasn’t going to stop at the watch design: the house wanted to follow through on its aspirations. The idea was to present the new BAUME OCEAN II model, like its predecessors, in a hexagonal recyclable cardboard box with a felt lining in recycled polyester.

5% FOR THE PLANET

Because solidarity requires more long-term assistance, BAUME & MERCIER is committed to donating 5% from the proceeds of the BAUME OCEAN II watch to its two partners, Waste Free Oceans and SEAQUAL INITIATIVE. Those 5% – a reference to the Earth’s five oceans – will help organize further operations aiming to combat marine pollution.

THE BROAD INFLUENCE OF WASTE FREE OCEANS

BAUME & MERCIER chose to make Waste Free Oceans a special partner because the organization embodies the values of authenticity and proximity that the house considers essential, and because its openness to the world is so inspiring.  Waste Free Oceans has conquered the planet, both literally and figuratively, in its twenty years of existence. Its marine pollution collection and recycling activities have ramped up throughout the world, attracting ever more passionate environmental activists into its gravitational field. Heavily implicated with the European Parliament and the United Nations, WFO coordinates a number of projects with the assistance of local communities, companies and organizations. It raises awareness about environmental challenges among children through educative programs. Its scope of action includes both mass consumption products and luxury creations. From a budding awareness to involvement in the field, each step is a victory that BAUME & MERCIER applauds.

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TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN

Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection.

With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle.

The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).

TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).

 

TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).TWO NEW BAUMES FOR MEN AND FOR WOMEN Two new BAUME watches, with Small Seconds and Date functions and quartz movements, join the collection. With a streamlined round case in black PVD steel equipped with a crown at 12 o’clock and articulated lugs characteristic of the BAUME collection, this new model asserts a sports aesthetic for men with a 41 mm dial in satin-finished slate-gray with a white minute track, a strap in natural cork with black overstitching – interchangeable simply by pushing a button –, and a black pin buckle. The very elegant feminine version features a 35 mm 5N PVD steel case with a white opaline dial, a black minute track, and an interchangeable black cotton strap with a natural cork lining and a pin buckle. Both models are water-resistant to 3 ATM (approximately 30m).

Founded in 1830 at the heart of Swiss Jura, the Baume & Mercier watch manufacture enjoys international renown. From its workshops at the heart of Swiss Jura to its headquarters based in Geneva, the Brand offers its clients the very finest timepieces. Borne by a complementary balance between an artistic approach to shape and watchmaking innovation in the service of the client, the Baume & Mercier House continues to mark the history of watchmaking by passing down the design and watchmaking expertise that is the Brand’s legacy. This savoir-faire perfectly corresponds with the spirit of cooperation between the Brand’s founders William Baume & Paul Mercier: where classicism meets creativity, tradition meets modernity, and elegance meets character... In a more contemporary way than ever. In 2021, Baume & Mercier unveils new, exacting models that demonstrate the Brand’s change of direction as it sets its sights on new horizons. Today, more than ever before, Baume & Mercier is designing a collective, collaborative, responsible watchmaking approach shaped by design and creativity in order to lay the ground for cooperation and the sharing of experiences. Still in step with the times, the Brand is proud of this dynamic energy and of its attentiveness to social progress.

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