For the upcoming Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie that will be held next month in Geneva from 19 to 23 January, Baume & Mercier has prepared several novelties. One of the most interesting is surely the new Clifton Automatic Big Date and Power Reserve Watch.
Baume & Mercier Clifton Automatic Big Date and Power Reserve Watch
The watch is housed in a classic-looking 43mm case which is crafted from polished and satin-finished stainless steel. The case is both modern and elegant. The top of the lugs and bezel is brushed, while a very stylish mirror polished beveled angle runs from one lug to another. The new Baume & Mercier timepiece is sealed against the ingress of water of up to 50 meters (about 165 feet).
Baume & Mercier Clifton Automatic Big Date and Power Reserve Watch Front
Underneath the front sapphire glass lies uncluttered silver-colored dial which comprises gilt Arabic numerals and indexes. The main hands are also gilded to give a dressier look to the new Clifton model. The dial is crafted from an opaline base which is finely brushed with a sun ray pattern. This elegant newcomer features two useful complications. A large date window which is composed of two separated discs is placed at the 12 o’clock position, while a power gauge is situated on the opposite side at the 6 o’clock position where a small blued hand indicates the power reserve.
Baume & Mercier Clifton Automatic Big Date and Power Reserve Watch Back
The heart of the new Clifton Automatic Big Date and Power Reserve timepiece is a Swiss made mechanical self-winding ETA-based caliber which is visible via the see-through sapphire crystal case back. The beautifully made and flawlessly finished mechanism beats at the rapid frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz) and promises no less than 42 hours of power reserve when fully wound. The movement is built on 30 jewels.
The oscillating weight is personalized with snailed decor and Côtes de Genève décor and it is visible on the back side of the watch. It is engraved with the Greek letter Phi which is the brand’s logo, but it is also a symbol of the golden ratio or divine proportion.
Baume & Mercier Clifton Automatic Big Date and Power Reserve Watch Dial
The Baume & Mercier Clifton Automatic Big Date and Power Reserve (ref. M0A10205) is attached to a square-scale brown alligator leather strap and secured to the wearer’s wrist with a triple folding buckle with security push-pieces. The retail price has not been released yet and it is not expected before SIHH 2015, but I assume it will be around $4,000.
