It is no surprise that the Baume & Mercier Clifton collection has garnered universal praise. The essential ingredients of this line of watches are restrained classical looks, combined with an understated elegance. While the trend of making funky watches with unusual time telling displays continues unabated, sometimes, all we want is a stylish and timeless design that just feels right.
The Clifton Collection hits the mark on all these scores, and this is telling as it was inspired by a piece that the company made during the 1950’s. Obviously, certain design work resonates deeply and all the more, even after 60 years. I would certainly recommend that you hold any watch from this collection in your hand should you get the chance to, and marvel at the way the whole package is so balanced and beautiful.
I mean, just look at the shape of the case and the way the roundness flows into the lugs. The crown is similarly well proportioned, retaining functionality, but being small enough to not disturb the flow of the shape.
The new addition, the Clifton GMT, adds the useful dual timezone complication to the family that so far had consisted of time only and complete calender pieces. Basically, if you’ve withheld buying a Clifton on the basis of not having a piece useful enough for your worldwide travels, then your excuse has vanished.
Coming in a brushed satin-finish steel case pleasantly sized at 43mm, there are two dial variations to choose from; a silvery dial or anthracite dial with sun satin finish. Completing the look is the black strap with silver dial and the brown strap with the anthracite dial. Completing the strap is an adjustable triple folding buckle with security catch.
Movement wise, the watch is powered by the ever reliable ETA 2893-3. If you’re familiar with watches with this movement, you’ll know how it works. A GMT hand extends from the center of the dial with a red-tipped arrow pointing at the 24 hour track ringing the dial. This hand makes a complete revolution once a day and allows you to set it for a different timezone than the one that you are in. Completing the specification of this watch is the date function that resides at 3 0’clock.
It’s worth noting that the way Baume and Mercier have designed this 24-hour track is simply stunning in terms of readability and subtlety. Using this watch on a daily basis, it is easy to ignore the 24-hour track, yet be able to refer to it easily when required.
These two new versions of the Clifton GMT launching this month come in at a relatively wallet friendly 3,300USD, and will give you yet another choice to consider for a classic looking GMT. baume-et-mercier.com