Baume & Mercier has announced it will be launching a new line of men’s watches, called Clifton, at the SIHH watch fair in Geneva this coming January. We’ve obtained some info and photos of some of the new watches, whose design is inspired by a vintage 1950s Baume & Mercier watch.The Clifton collection is, according to Baume & Mercier, an evolution of the brand’s old Classima line. The watches have round cases and a look the company calls “contemporary and modern,” which includes a distinctive double-beveled design for the case. The watches are available with either stainless steel or 18k rose gold cases and alligator leather straps. Prices for the models will range from $2,700 to $6,300; Baume & Mercier says they will be in stores (and available online) in April 2013.
Below are photos of the three models for which the brand has released information. The two steel-case models (Ref. MOA 10052 with satin-finished silver-colored dial and Ref. MOA 10053 with satin-finished black dial) contain an automatic Sellita SW260-1 movement that has been decorated with circular graining on the bridges and snailed pattern on the rotor. In addition to hours and minutes, these models have a small seconds subdial and date indication. Both have 41-mm cases and power reserves of 38 hours.
The Clifton model in the rose-gold case (Ref. MOA 10060) is powered by a different movement, a manual-winding La Joux-Perret 7381 with a double barrel and 90-hour power reserve. This movement’s decorations include circular graining, cotes de Geneve, and blued steel screws. The small-seconds hand is also in blued steel. The dial is domed and opaline silver-colored. The case is also slightly larger than those of the steel models, at 42 mm.
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Dear Mark, thanks for your informative reporting. The one on Baume & Mercier’s most recent flyback chronograph was interesting; yet, I’d like something a bit more expansive in regard to how this particular flyback rates against former B & M flybacks such as the Hampton Spirit with the DD31030 caliber approximately 8 years ago, or others that you regard as useful information. Also, Baume & Mercier’s pedigree in the history of fine watchmaking is quite distinctive; yet, despite having wonderful calibers such as La Joux-Perret in their watches, is there any indication that they will be developing an in-house movement any time soon? They certainly owe it to themselves and to their fans. Sincerely, Charles Rizzuto
good.watch.but.lack.movements..not.enough.jewels