The beautiful Linea Collection with its nicely finished stainless steel case and a mother-of-pearl dial proved to be so popular among the target audience that it would be a crime not to introduce yet another, more upscale iteration. Now available in an even more expensive combination of materials, the 2011 Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea 10073 mixes solid 18-karat rose gold with high-grade stainless steel.
Since it was less than six weeks ago that we published the “initial impressions” review regarding the refreshed Linea line (I am talking about the aforementioned refs. 10070 & 10090, of course,) I won’t waste even a minute your and my own time retelling the story of how beautiful the watch is: it is indeed pleasant to look at and is elegant as well.
I will only state once again that the main selling point is not the way its fixed bezel is finished or the movement is decorated: the Swiss watchmaking brand tries to win your heart with their proprietary interchangeable bracelet system that lets you easily swap the bracelet for a strap and back depending on the dress you wear tonight or simply if you feel the urge to change something about your appearance.
On a more practical note, it would probably be a lot easier to replace a worn-out strap with a new one without paying a visit to your local service professional, although the system may limit your choice of aftermarket straps and bracelets.
Again, the only difference between this new Linea Two-Tone and its predecessor is the new combination of materials that adorn this timekeeper.
The updated version has its fixed steel bezel and central parts of the bracelet that were made from the same metal swapped in favor of finely polished rose gold. Ditto the elegant setting crown. Frankly, I would prefer the bezel to be a rotating one in order to use it as a second time-zone indicator, but, well, that’s just me.
According to the watchmaker (or at least that’s how I understood them), the new timepiece is going to be powered by either the well-known ETA 2892-A2 or its high-quality clone Sellita SW300.
Both are outstanding self-winding calibers with a good reputation and dependable design and have their oscillating weights branded and decorated with a Cotes de Geneva pattern that makes them pleasant to look at through the sapphire crystal on the back.
The watch will cost around $4500, not much for such a beautiful and elegant piece, and basically in the same niche as other so-called “two-tone” timekeepers with the same basic functionality.
See also: Patek Philippe 10 Day Tourbillon 5101R in rose gold
WWR Verdict
Originality 4/5
Build Quality: 5/5
Usability: 4.5/5
Overall Legibility: 4/5
Nighttime Legibility: 1/5
Value for Money: 4/5
Overall Rating: 4/5
Photos: Baume et Mercier
Baume & Mercier Two-Tone Linea 10073 specification
Movement: Automatic, Caliber ETA 2891-A2 or Sellita SW300, Swiss Made
Number of jewels: 21
Movement frequency: 28,800 vph
Movement decoration: Oscillating weight is branded and decorated with Geneva stripes
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Power reserve: 42 hours
Case: Stainless steel
Bezel and Crown: 18-karat Rose gold
Shape: Round
Size: 32.00 mm
Case height: 10.00 mm
Dial: Silver, sunburst finish
Numerals: Arabic (engraved on the bezel)
Hour Markers: Rose gold, applied
Hands: Rose gold, polished
Water resistance: 50 meters
Strap: Easily interchangeable satin strap or a two-tone rose gold/steel (mixte) bracelet
Crystal: Sapphire, antireflective
Back: Sapphire