From what I’ve been able to tell, this style of dial is called an open heart – it allows you to peer into the movement without having to resort to a display case back or skeletonization. I don’t know about you, but I like being able to see the mechanical bits whirling around on a watch. Today’s watch offers that, and a whole lot more.
It’s from Baume & Mercier’s Classima line, and is model number 8869. At first glance, it might just appear to be your “standard” dress watch. However, if you peek up at the 12 o’clock position, you’ll notice the opening in the dial that allows you to see part of the movement at work. This I like – very much. Sure, it’s great to hear a mechanical movement working away – but there’s just something entrancing about actually seeing it work.
I also enjoy the fact that the watch has a power reserve indicator above the 6 o’clock position. There’s just something practical (but certainly not necessary) to knowing exactly how much is “left in the tank”, so to speak, when it comes to a mechanical watch. Other amenities include:
- Automatic movement (Soprod 9040) with 40 hour power reserve
- 42 mm polished steel case; 10mm thick
- Sapphire crystals front and back
- WR to 30m
And of course, you have the stored B&M brand behind this particular piece as well. About the best price I could find for the watch is around $2400 from Amazon, though the stock there is (as of this writing) only at four pieces. In summary, there’s a lot to like about this watch, and I have a feeling I’ll be looking for more “open hearted” watches to bring to your attention.
