Baume et Mercier Classima Magnum XXL Review

Case: Titanium

Case Diameter: 45mm

Bezel: Stainless Steel

Crystal: Sapphire

Dial: Black

Bracelet: Sailcloth And Rubber

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 40 hrs

Water Resistant: 1000m

HEV: Yes

A Little History And Perspective

   The Baume & Mercier Capeland S XXL (model #8319) mens dive watch has been discontinued since 2006 AND is quite possibly one of the best dive watches ever made. The Capeland S XXL 8319 can be hunted down in the secondary market and is rare find, more on this later. What Baume & Mercier was able to do was make an extremely functional, aesthetically cool looking, affordable dive watch. Watch enthusiast love a great dive watch, so why did this one not survive? One reason I believe, that being the dial color made of a yellow woven kevlar. This gives the dial a very unique look, but being yellow it is not as versatile. There have been a very limited number of black dialed versions spotted. I’ve only every seen one and that was on a watch forum. The black dial is so limited, there is basically zero information on this version and it was not a Limited Edition piece. Why not have a yellow and black dial in regular production we will never know. This simple fact alone could have possibly kept the watch in production, black will almost always out sell any other color option.

   If you venture out into the various different watch forums and do a search you find only high regards for the 8319 and unlimited proud owners. Along with many whom hope to be owners since the online gray market sales are out of stock permanently. Not long ago the B&M Capeland S XXL retailed for about 3.5K and could be found readily available on sale for about half MSRP into the year 2008. In a strange twist of fate now that the 8319 can not be found a cultish following has developed. When a S XXL 8319 pops up for sale on one of the watch forums, it usually sells or has offers within one hour. Even the “auction site” will only see maybe one per month up for sale. Fueling those looking for this increasingly rare diver.

The Information

   The Baume & Mercier Capeland S XXL 8319 Yellow Dive watch is supported by a titanium case and features a stainless steal bezel. The case is 45mm and has a lug width of 22mm, this lug width helps balance the watch very well. The dial is made of yellow woven kevlar with applied indices, date at 3 o’clock, and lume that will rival the best. Baume & Mercier uses their onion crown (one of my favorites) on the right side of the case at 3 o’clock and a helium release valve on the opposite side at 9 o’clock. The movement is an ETA 2892-A2, with a 42 hour power reserve. The domed sapphire crystal is amazing, gives the dial an incredible visual depth. The thick domed sapphire and the helium release valve give the 8319 a water resistance of 1000m. The Capeland S XXL comes with two straps, one rubber, one black sailcloth strap, and a changing tool. 

   To think at one point you could get this watch brand new, with the upgraded ETA 2892-A2, HEV, 1000m WR, two straps, strap changing tool, domed sapphire, kevlar dial, applied indices, insane lume, all for around $1,500! It was actually a fantastic price point at 3.5k. This makes it the best dive watch pound for pound money could buy AND still can today if you are lucky and fast enough to find one. Good luck hunting!

  The Capeland S Automatic #8124 is a nice sporty/dress watch. The high polished bezel, with brushed 1-15 minute counter is gorgeous. This Capeland has a great combination of high polish and brushed finishes throughout the watch. The black face is deep black in color with a grey subdial seconds. In the Capeland series, Baume et Mercier uses sword hour and minute hands, a personal favorite for Watches And Reviews.

  There is a date window at the 3 o’clock position, visible through the sapphire crystal. The bracelet has brushed center links, accented nicely with polished links. The screw down case back and crown help ensure the water resistance of 200m. The Capeland 8124 is powered by an automatic ETA 2895 movement, with an estimated 42 hour power reserve.

Pros - Very versatile, sporty/dressy, reliable brand

Consideration - Beautiful crisp edges of the bezel might be “magnate” for dings

Baume et Mercier Capeland S XXL 8319 Review

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 41mm

Lug Width: 20mm

HEV: No

Crystal: Sapphire

Bracelet: Stainless Steel

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 42hrs

Water Resistance: 200m

Baume et Mercier S Capeland 8124 Review

Case: Stainless Steel

Case Diameter: 44mm

Bezel: Fixed

Lug Width: 22mm

Crystal: Sapphire

Strap: Black Rubber

Movement: Automatic

Power Reserve: 48hrs

Water Resistance: 200m

  Baume et Mercier has released the largest Classima version to date. It is called the Classima Executives Magnum XXL (ref. 8852), it comes in at 44mm. This Classima has a well balanced design, that can been worn as a sport or dress watch. That said, it does not really “press the envelope” in the overall design of the dial. The Classima Magnum XXL is powered by a Valjoux 7753, a nice proven movement. The chronograph subdials are easily read and spaced appropriately. I do like how the pushers are integrated into the crown guard, this flows quite nicely. Back to the dial, the indices and hands have applied SuperLuminova for night time viewing. Noticeably missing is a date window, the benefit is a visually less busy dial.

  The case back uses a triangle shaped sapphire window for viewing of the movement, this is a nice touch. The strap uses a triple folding clasp, which is works very well. There are grooves on the case side, adding a more unique feel to the overall look of the Classima Magnum XXL. The watch has 200m of water resistance and is a definite benifit for this chronograph. W&R would not consider this a scuba diving watch, though, it has the water resistance if you wanted.

Pros - Versatile, case back view of movement, water resistance

Consideration - A lot of watches to consider once you hit this price point