By John Galt
Baume & Mercier have released pictures an specs for their new piece, the Clifton automatic big date and power reserve being released at SIHH next month.
The case measures at 43mm and is made of polished stainless steel with a nice satin finish. In my opinion a great size for everyday wear whether it be shirt and tie or more casual, definitely drawing its inspiration from 1950s models. The dial also has a nice satin-finish just like the case with lovely gilt Arabic numerals which look beautiful. The minute indicators are blue but not bright enough to take the eyes away from the hour markers and give a nice contrast. The big date window is just below 12 O’Clock with black on white numbers. Directly below at 6 O’Clock is the power reserve with a nice blue hand that works with the seconds indicators around the outside of the dial. The main hands are gilded to give a dressier feel.
Baume & Mercier have added an exhibition caseback to it so the beating heart of the ETA-based self-winding calibre can be seen. The oscillating weight is engraved with the Greek letter Phi, a symbol of the golden ratio or divine proportion and also the brand’s logo. The power reserve is on this watch is 42 hours.
The Clifton automatic Big Date and power reserve is water resistant to 50 meters and finished off with a brown alligator strap with triple folding clasp.
The price is to be released at SIHH 2015 but is rumoured to be around the 3,400EUR mark.
Conclusion
The more I see of the recent Baume & Mercier pieces the more I am impressed by them. Their predominately every day pieces have been altered slightly to give a modern feel just like this one with it’s hint of blue, now finally getting the recognition they deserve. I for one will be keeping a keen eye on them. For more info, please visit baume-et-mercier.com
John Galt – Contributing Editor
John Galt caught the horology bug 4 years ago on his first visit to a London watch show and has snowballed since; John has become an avid writer and blogger of timepieces of all kinds, from everyday timepieces to modern Luxury Haute Horology, his favorite brands being HYT and Greubel Forsey that push the bounders of modern watch-making. John keeps a keen interest in the UK watch scene with their many emerging brands and timepiece’s. John Galt currently contributes watch related articles for online publications in the UK and USA. You can follow John on Twitter @johng73 Read his articles here.
