Baume & Mercier hasn't traditionally gotten a lot of attention from the watch collector elite, and that's OK — they may not be the most exclusive, in-demand watches of the moment, but they pack a lot of punch for their weight class, and offer a tremendous value for the enthusiast-minded!

Buried deep within the Baume & Mercier catalog is an array of design-forward, avant-garde, precious metal timepieces that are very much en vogue today.

Take for this Baume & Mercier piece dating back to the 1950s. It features a 26mm 14K yellow gold ‘ellipse’ case with an acrylic crystal, an unsigned yellow gold crown, a ‘bark’ textured bezel, and an incredible, brutalist-inspired, integrated bracelet with a hook and lock clasp, as well as a matching ‘bark’ finish.

Wow.

The bracelet is truly something to behold in person. It combines the usage of geometrical shapes from Brutalist design with ornamental decoration seen during the Art Deco period. The case and first bracelet link are one solid structure, which then transition into multiple articulating links with irregular shaped lattice patterning and hand finishing.

The champagne dial features a sunburst finish with applied, ‘black line’ quadrant indices, a matching black ‘pencil’ handset and a manually-wound Calibre 775 movement within.

If this piece had any of the more recognizable brand names on the dial, you would be looking at a 10x price tag. With its stunning looks, and solid 14K yellow gold construction, this piece offers up an incredible value.

Sure you can own any ol’ cocktail watch with an integrated bracelet.

But this piece is more than that. It’s a statement piece and a natural-born conversation starter.

*Due to the design of this bracelet, sizing alterations may require custom work. Lead time after measurements are established is 4-6 weeks.*