Baume & Mercier Capeland Chronographe Owner Review : Chic, romantic and simple

If I like chronographs, certainly for the feeling of being able to control the duration in the measurement of the duration, the balance of the dial is important to me. Also it seems to me that only the arrangement of 3 sub-counters positioned at 3/6/9 allows to preserve it and to bring an aestheticism to something that could seem too busy. Exception to the rule, this Baume&Mercier Capeland Chrono from the early 2000s with its sub-counters installed at 6/9/12 o'clock. I don't know if it's because they are as if recessed into the dial, if it's because of the slightly dated typography, the grace of its domed glass or the phi which harmoniously fills the space at 3 o'clock but I find it incredibly charming. It is for me the last trace of the high-end Baume&Mercier that I dreamed of when passing in front of the Arfan storefront in Paris. It looks smaller than it is because with its 39mm diameter, its 45mm lug to lug and especially its 15mm thickness, it is anything but slender. Very comfortable, especially thanks to its 5-link bracelet which is reminiscent of a certain Breitling, its weight reminds you of its presence. Even if we come across them regularly, I have long sought this combination of gray dial/black sub-dials on a steel bracelet, all in good condition, the most beautiful configuration in my opinion of this chic chronograph which is ultimately all in simplicity.