Baume and Mercier

[rickybouy]

Hi All,

not a regular poster on this forum but thought i'd pay a visit and contribute. What are peoples thoughts on above brand i have never really considered them before i have a modest collection, omega seamaster, carrera and a few vintage omegas, and i now fancy something a bit dressier, i like the monaco but for some reason it doesn't quite do it, i tried a few merciers and have been offered a fairly good discount here in Dubai, an wanted to know if anyone owns one or has any info on these, regarding movement etc and quality, they seem alot of watch for the buck!

otherwise any other suggestions would be welcome, budget is around 1.5 gbp's

Kind Regards

Rick

[Merritt]

I have a B&M titanium watch which is now 15 to 20 years old.. Donated as a gift to my father from King Hussein I & has the royal crest on the face etc. Anyway - I have never been able to find any information on its background but I do know that every time it needs a battery change it has to go back to Geneva at a cost of £300.

I have found B&M customer service to be shocking & said battery change usually takes 3 months.

Personally I would never buy a watch from them based on my experiences so far.

Cheers

Steve

[rickybouy]

Cheers Steve, Impressive that your dad was gifted it though!! i was asking the question as i had the same fear, when i asked how much the replacement straps were, the salesman said around 250 gbp!!!! madness, think i'll keep looking for something a bit more special, thanks for the reply, and just out of intrest what was your fathers connection to recieve the watch in the first place?

Cheers Rick

[Merritt]

Hi Rick,

He used to be an aircraft engineer for Royal Flight Oman & frequently used to travel with the aircraft. Some of the wealthy travellers used to 'tip' the crew after the flight which is how he came to own it. Unfortunately he passed away in 2000 and I inherited it but don't dare wear it for fear of loosing it (plus the batteries are too expensive!!)

Cheers

Steve

[rickybouy]

Hi Steve,

I think if i was to inherit also i wouldn't wear, just because i'd like it to be left for the future, so i don't blame you! I live in Dubai at the moment although i'm a northern boy! but i have heard numerous stories like your fathers, where wealthy Arab's give watches as gifts, a friend of mine was working in Abu Dhabi which is the emirates next door to Dubai, and he was running late "in traffic" on arrival the c.e.o and owner of the firm opened his draw and gave him a rolex (gold mind!!!" and told him this would help him from being late in the future!!

ever since i always try to late for meetings although it;s not yet paid off

Cheers Rick

[Asterix]

Interesting - My grandfather was given a solid gold B&M back in the 70's by the guy that now heads up Qatar Airways - at the time he was the Qatari minister for aviation. It's rather gaudy (unusual for the Arabs eh?) and it's now in my father's care - he never wears it as the services are extornionate and it keeps crap time.

I'm looking forward to having it melted down when I get it.

[rickybouy]

Interesting another no no, think i'll pass then, Asterix so your a fellow Dubaian?? how do ya find it been here long??

[Asterix]

Nearly 5 yrs mate.

It's not bad - I'm pragmatic about the place. Nowhere is perfect and every city has its good and bad points.

Had enough of the heat though - I get very bored of it around August. Back to the UK for a few weeks at the end of August for a freshener.

Notice on your profile that you are a CD - I'm in PR & Marketing - you based in Media City?

Edited by Asterix on Tuesday 5th August 16:20

[jimbouk]

Do not write off B&M, I agree their customer care and turnaround time is not impressive!

I've had one of theirs for the last 18 years, first few times it used to go back to Geneva for a service and replacement battery taking three months. Now it goes to a reputable local jewellers, they do the battery whilst I wait, haven't had it serviced for about 15 years, probably should though it only every needs adjusting when the clocks change!

[rickybouy]

Hi Asterix,

I am in the same mindset as you mate, i really disliked it for the first year but like you say everywhere has pro's and con's and in the current economic climate i am quite happy too be here, bar the heat!!! i am also flying back mate around 4th of september for two weeks with the missus, cant wait! i am on my third job in as many years normal dubai prolems, i used to be in media city now i am cd at bates pangulf down at deira city centre, where you working? i see you got a cayman i was/am thinking of getting one although the 6 month wait for spec seems a little long!

Cheers Rick

[Asterix]

BPG eh?

Employed a few of the PR guys for a while and happily let them leave.

Not saying that about BPG per se - just the standard of some of the people here are woefully short of what would be considered professional in a more developed market. Goes for the clients as well.

I love the saying - Clients get the advertising/marketing/services they deserve - nowhere else I've been is that more pertinent than the Middle East.

The Cayman S - awesome bit of kit Mines in to have a geo set up and LSD fited at the mo - I teach for the Porsche Club UAE at the track days - They'll start again after September. Yoiu shoiuld come down and have a look at some of the cars.

[rickybouy]

Totally agree mate, i have interviewed so many people since being here and have to employ the best of a bad bunch, most would not even get through the door in london! but you are so right the just as bad, if not worse and it pays the bills and savings so it's ok, the same day to day problems are what i had in the UK, deadlines etc.

Very interesting about the Porsche club mate, i have seen lots about them but don't know too much, i test drove a 911 4 convertible about 9 months ago but passed, felt a bit fat! i used too have a 350z here but sold it as it was out of warranty and at the moment got a new gti, cant beat it for price 92k fully loaded but i am planning my purchase around xmas then the missus will use the gti. Cayman on list as is sl55, thoughts?? would love a gt3 or turbo 911 but too expensive as is gtr. i'd love t get into track days here, done a few driving experiences in UK at castle combe so may take you up on a nose around. did you order the cayman or buy a specced one?

Cheers Rick