Baume & Mercier Lady 'Lucchetto Etrier'

Baume & Mercier has long excelled at creating pieces that feel as much like jewelry as they do instruments. The Lady “Lucchetto Etrier” (translates to padlock stirrup) is a perfect example of that philosophy, where form takes the lead and function follows with quiet confidence. Crafted in 18K yellow gold, the case takes on a distinctive equestrian-inspired silhouette, with elongated, stirrup-like bars extending above and below the dial. The result is something sculptural and slightly surreal — a watch that feels designed as an object first, and a timekeeper second. Its oval dial, finished in crisp white, is adorned with classic stretch 'Roman' numerals and slender hands, offering a refined contrast to the boldness of the case. It's fabulous.  Sized at 24 x 34mm and fitted to a black leather strap with a yellow gold pin buckle, it wears with a coolness that feels distinctly 1970s — a moment when traditional watchmaking began to loosen its collar and experiment with shape, proportion, and identity. Powered by a manual-wind movement with the crown at six, it remains rooted in classical mechanics despite its expressive design. Unconventional, elegant, and quietly confident, this is Baume & Mercier at its most playful and most interesting.