For Watches and Wonders 2024, Richemont-owned Baume & Mercier is expanding the Clifton Collection, introducing two additions in the Clifton Moonphase Date collection. Building upon the Clifton Moonphase line, Baume & Mercier once again taps the power of its in-house Baumatic five-day power reserve movement to propel these timepieces. The Baumatic movement remains the stalwart engine driving Baume & Mercier’s lifestyle watches. Encased in satin-polished stainless steel, these newcomers have either a gradated blue lacquer dial (M0A10756) or a gradated gray lacquer dial (M0A10758). These latest additions epitomize the ongoing evolution of the Clifton Collection, offering refined complications for everyday wear, priced under $5,000.

The watch case has a diameter of 39 mm and a thickness of 12.2 mm, crafted in satin-polished stainless steel. Introduced last year, this new case size complements the existing 42mm Clifton collection. This size is probably one of the best for all-around wearing for every wrist size. Safeguarding the timepiece is a domed scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, featuring an anti-glare coating on both sides. Secured by four screws, the caseback offers the option for personalized engraving, as noted by Baume & Mercier. The blue lacquer dial is elegantly paired with a quick-release blue alligator strap, adorned with beige lining, a two-tone blue-burgundy stitch, and a pin buckle closure. Similarly, the gray lacquer dial is accompanied by a quick-release black alligator strap, accentuated with beige lining, a two-tone black-blue stitch, and a pin buckle closure.

The blue lacquered dial reveals a harmoniously intense color shift. The indices, elegantly elongated and trapezoid-shaped, are adorned with riveted, faceted, and rhodium-plated accents. The hour and minute hands take on an alpha-shaped design, in rhodium-plated brilliance. Complementing these, the seconds and date hands also shimmer in rhodium-plating. Noteworthy is the date, showcased on a riveted, rhodium-plated ring encircling the polished, blue-lacquered, rhodium-plated moon-phase disk, adding a touch of celestial charm to the ensemble. The gray lacquered dial reveals a soft color shift. Inside, the time, calendar, and moonphase displays offer a delightful mix of colors and depths. The gold-tone indexes feature an elongated, trapezoid shape. The hour and minute hands boast an alpha-shaped design in lustrous gold plating. Similarly adorned, the seconds and date hands are also gold-plated. Notably, the date resides on a gold ring within the polished black-lacquered moon-phase disk, gracefully gliding against a backdrop of stars.

Through a sapphire crystal window, the mesmerizing self-winding Baumatic Manufacture movement BM14-1975 AC1 is unveiled, showcasing its intricately designed oscillating weight adorned with “Côtes de Genève” and snailed decorations. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour), this movement boasts an exceptional power reserve of 5 days, equivalent to 120 hours—a rarer feat in automatic movements. This extended power reserve ensures that your watch remains reliably ticking throughout the week, from Monday to Friday night, without missing a beat when you put it down. Baume & Mercier has embraced the Baumatic five-day power reserve for these latest releases, recognizing its performance in terms of magnetic resistance, autonomy, precision, and durability, all while maintaining affordability. Notably, its silicon balance spring offers antimagnetic properties, corrosion resistance, and heightened resilience to minor impacts and vibrations, rendering it an ideal movement for daily wear, ensuring longevity and reliability for years to come.

While these new Cliftons may opt for safe color choices, they seamlessly integrate into the expanding collection. The downsizing trend, evident across the market, enhances the watch’s appeal, catering to a wider range of wrist sizes. The blue and gray lacquered dials offer versatile styling options, effortlessly complementing various daily outfits, whether for a formal occasion or a casual day at home or in the office. Personally, I appreciate the versatility of a slightly formal watch paired with jeans and a casual shirt, or even further, with jeans and a T-shirt. While a bracelet option would have been a welcomed addition, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Moon Phase Date, priced at $4,900 USD, debuts this month. For more information, please visit the Baume & Mercier website.