Timeless Luxury: The Baume & Mercier Linea Interchangeable Wrap Watch
There is no denying right now a wrap watch is totally on trend. You have La Mer (been there done, that) and then you have Hermes which is covetable, but expensive and you can’t change the band. Now, if you are like me and had to have the Michele watch as soon as it came out about 12 years ago because you could change the bands, but never wear it any more then I have the watch for you! Enter the Baume & Mercier Linea 10036.
There are two reasons I don’t wear my Michele Deco watch anymore (in fact I am contemplating selling it on eBay). One, is I got tired of seeing everyone and her sister wearing one. When I bought one nobody really knew about them. I stopped wearing mine about the time I noticed several of the ‘Real Housewives of New Jersey’ wearing them the first season (admit you watch it too!). I splurged on the diamond version with a work bonus and added about 6 bands! I was so thrilled to be able to change the bands as often as I changed my moods which leads me to the second reason I tired of my Michele watch. I must have broken a total of about 20 nails trying to change the bands before I just gave up. One day I marched out and bought the stainless steel band and left it on permanently. I gave my bands away. Let someone else ruin their manicures.
Anyway, I have fallen in love with the Baume & Mercier Linea 10036 watch which isn’t all that much less expensive than the Hermes selections, but has easy-to-use interchangeable bands. Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier is the 7th oldest timepiece brand in the world, having more than 180 years of watchmaking experience. The watches are 100% Swiss made and it is the only international luxury timepiece option in the $1,500 – $5,000 price range.
The Baume & Mercier Linea encompasses timeless elegance yet is a modern take on the brand’s classic Linea. This 27 mm Linea version comes in polished and satined finishes. With its round, feminine lines, Linea is available in an array of faces and dials including stainless steel, two-tone (stainless with either yellow gold or rose gold) or with diamonds. While most come with stainless steel bands, all give you the option of changing the bands to leather and leather wrap styles in several colors (which you can buy separately). The Baume & Mercier Linea 10036 comes with a light brown wrap around calfskin strap and warm ecru stitching for a casual chic appeal.
I love the versatility of the Linea, thanks to the innovative interchangeable strap system that gives me the ability to accessorize the way I want to. This interchangeable strap system is so incredibly easy to use that the strap or bracelet can be changed in a snap …without damaging a finger nail! The ingenious system is simple, yet totally secure. I swear I have left the house wearing one strap with another tucked in my bag for changing on the fly. It’s that simple.
Take a look:
Now I just need the wine colored wrap band and my watch options will be complete! OK, for now. After all I reserve the right to change my mind as easily as I can change these bands!
Baume & Mercier Linea Collection
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– Lauren Dimet Waters
Baume & Mercier Linea 10036 (courtesy of Baume and Mercier)