Baume & Mercier launched its redesigned Capeland watch at the SIHH exhibition in Geneva in 2011. In this watch test feature from our archives, WatchTime gives this luxury-sport chronograph the once-over, with original photos by OK-Photography.
The watch has a harmonious design featuring a brown sunburst finish on the dial, a stainless-steel case and a brown leather strap. We found the dial especially attractive, with its color scheme of brown, red, black and white and its subdials in a symmetrical tri-compax arrangement. We also liked the narrow hands and the different levels on the dial. Thanks to tachymeter and telemeter tracks, it?s possible to calculate speed and distance. However, the size and position of the displays tend to make the watch hard to read. The reflective chronograph hands, the overly long minutes hand and the modest amount of luminous material on the hour and minutes hands and at 3, 6, 9 and 12 o?clock also decrease the overall legibility of the watch. A narrow bezel and dramatically curving lugs direct your eyes to the dial. We liked the convex crown, which fits snugly against the case and is adorned with the brand?s logo. The crown?s shape and fluting make it easy to grasp and hold. The generously sized chrono pushers are also easy to use.
The case has simple yet careful finishing. Even in the extended position the crown remains securely seated. However, the lugs have some sharp edges. The caseback is secured with six screws. It is curved, whic...