Without a doubt, the Clifton collection is Baume & Mercier’s flagship line with new models and interesting complications surfacing all of the time. This collection takes much of its design cues from a collection that the brand produced in the 1950’s. This collection is distinctively dressy and is attuned to the very foundation of Swiss watchmaking. Today, Watch Marvel takes a close look at one of the basic models in this groundbreaking collection.
This model, just released at SIHH this year, carries a 41mm case diameter; which has been alternately brushed and polished giving this timepiece an air of sophistication. The main case is crafted from stainless steel, while the fixed bezel is composed of polished 18kt rose gold. The main crown on this model is ridged for the ease of use while setting the watch’s date and main timekeeping functions. This three handed beauty is fitted with a brown alligator strap secured using a double folding clasp with dual push button safeties. The leather strap also features gold toned contrast stitching which matches the gold accents on the watch.
The white dial features gold toned hands and gold toned hour markers. The hour markers on the even positions (2, 4, 6… etc.) are rendered as Arabic numerals, while the markers making up the other positions are displayed as teardrop indexes. The quaint minute track on the flange is displayed using printed blue Arabic numerals and black indexes. At the 6 position is the small seconds subdial, which does well to give this watch full look. Displaying the date is an aperture at 3 o’clock. Protecting the dial is a scratch resistant sapphire crystal. Conversely, there is another sapphire crystal on the reverse side of the watch that allows the wearer to admire the highly decorated movement.
On the oscillating rotor is a Cotes de Genève pattern which leads into a sunray brushed finish. The movement is automatic and carries a power reserve of 38 hours. Vibrating at 28,800 VpH is the balance wheel, which is considered to be the heart of the watch. The bimetal Baume & Mercier self-winding watch is water resistant to 50 meters or 5 ATM.
TAGS: Automatic Watches, Baume & Mercier, Clifton, Date, Exhibition Case Back, Leather, Mechanical Watches, Men's Watches, Power Reserve, Rose Gold, Sapphire Crystal, Selfwinding Watches, Stainless Steel, Swiss Made, Water Resistant