The reputated watchmaking company Baume & Mercier has recently introduced its new 2010 release – the Classima Executives XL Chronograph and Complete Calendar watch. This new model expresses a striking balance between functionality and elegance. Day, date, month and moon phase functions have been added to this chronograph watch, in which the so-called “Complete Calendar” is highlighted.

Yes, it is the “complete calendar” rather than the “perpetual calendar”, that has been applied in the new B&M watch. Instead of at least $10000 for a higher end model with a popular “perpetual calendar”, a much lower price is available for this new watch. The difference between the two functions lies in whether the watch requires adjustment for date or not. Equipped with a “complete calendar”, the user need adjust the watch five times per year to account for the March, May, July, October and December to account for the prior month not having a full 31 days.

As with the overall design of the timepiece, I can feel the indelible influence of the Patek Philippe Vintage Collection. However, similarity in creation is understandable. Date with central pointer in 18-carat red gold, day and month through a window at 12 o’clock, moon phase at 6 o’clock, constitute the “complete calendar”. A 24 hours counter lies at 9 o’clock. The silver-colored dial features a pattern of “grain d’orge” guilloché décor, under the protection of a glareproof sapphire crystal. The 42mm case in in polished steel, with a crown adorned with a Phi symbol.

A high-end mechanical self-winding ETA 7751 sports the watch. The see-through sapphire crystal caseback reveals an oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève”, as well as circular-grained bridges and blued steel screws. The black alligator strap is fitted with an adjustable triple folding buckle. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters, and brings a good chioce for those who are looking for a calendar watch but don’t want to spend too much for a perpetual calendar.