It is nice to meet again in AMURA, where I am looking forward to start a pleasant tradition. This time, I would like to share with you the most innovative and unique within the world of art and mechanic creativity.

To begin, I will discuss the topic of space-time. The four dimensions of the known universe are height, width, depth and time. Definitely, Baume & Mercier dominates that universe by creating the perfect harmonic balance, represented by the Greek symbol Phi, which for decades has decorated the creations of this manufacturer. Such quality distinguishes every detail of the Clifton models.

During its 183 years of history, Baume & Mercier has made ​​excellence its fundamental value, which is consistent day in and day out. This manufacturer of superior watches has chosen to equip all Clifton models with nothing but high quality. The Swiss-made mechanism of each watch is manually assembled by qualified watchmakers at its factory in Les Brenets, Switzerland.

Baume & Mercier balances Helvetian culture and its openness to the world, since the brand began during the nineteenth century in London, Sydney and Philadelphia. The result is a fluid style of timeless elegance. The distinctiveness of the Clifton collection is an evocation of New York in the 50s, like the iconic lines of boxes in gold or steel and especially the unique graphs of the time indicators. The collection is based on the idea that a beautiful watch must move at the same height of its aesthetics.

Thus, the Clifton watches, where charisma and balance join their natural habitat in the city, indicate the date, the hour, minutes and seconds, by a small second indicator. The steel models have a box 41 mm in diameter that can be worn with an alligator leather band or a metal bracelet.

Versions in 18 carat red gold have a 39 mm diameter box. They are equipped with an automatic mechanical caliber and include a calendar window in the face. It has a central second indicator. These models are sophisticated and sober, wrapping the wrist by an alligator leather band.

Fine watchmaking enthusiasts will immediately appreciate the 43 mm in diameter steel watch, driven by an automatic caliber and equipped with a full calendar including moon phases.

Purists will be fascinated by the 1830 Clifton model, the cornerstone of this collection. This 18-carat red gold watch is 42 mm in diameter and is traditionally worn with an alligator leather band. It has a handmade La Joux-Perre caliber, and aims to be the most accurate interpretation possible of the historical model which is at the Baume & Mercier Museum, the archetypal of the urban watch which rises to the creation of this new watchmaker universe.

The model 10,052 Clifton indicates hours, minutes, small seconds and a calendar in a silver dial; it has a diameter of 41 mm, in line with current watchmaking standards. It is equipped with a round polished and brushed steel case. Its slender and curved handles allow for a better adaptation to the wrist. The traditional look of this watch, which is water resistant to 5 ATMs, (approx. 50m), is accentuated by the blue steel hands powered by an automatic mechanical gauge visible through the sapphire face. This model comes with a black alligator leather strap and a triple folding clasp with safety push buttons.

At any rate, dear reader, if we’re speaking time and space, beauty of design, functionality and high technology, Clifton is a great choice.

Text:  Luis Peyrelongue ± Photo: Peyrelongue