WATCH & JEWELRY /
SIHH&BASEL
March 30, 2015
Baume & Mercier | SIHH 2013 New Watch Collection
Timeless, Simple Classic Style
The Highly Anticipated Round Men's Model, "Clifton," Has Arrived
Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier continues to present new collections this year, following its bold renewal in 2011. The slim, round-cased "Clifton" is characterized by its simple, timeless classic style and excellent cost performance.
Text & Event Photographs by SHIBUYA Yasuhito
In 2011, the long-established watch brand "Baume & Mercier" underwent a bold renewal with the brand concept of "a watch that accompanies life's important moments."SIHH (Geneva Salon)Among the exhibiting brands, its approachable and likable brand image has further evolved with this year's attractive new models.
Following the highly popular round-cased chronograph"Capeland," the new release is the slim, round-cased simple watch collection "Clifton." The basic style, like Capeland, is inspired by museum pieces from the 1950s when Swiss-made watches dominated the world in both quality and design. The elegant and classic atmosphere exuded by the sunray satin-finished dial embodies the image of "traditional Swiss watches born from craftsmanship."
The flagship model to first draw attention in the collection is the "Clifton 1830," featuring a red gold case and a meticulously crafted thin manual-winding movement. It radiates a refined vintage charm.
Beyond this, a diverse range of models are available, including the automatic "Clifton Automatic" with small seconds, and the "Clifton Complete Calendar" with a full calendar function. What unites all these models is their exceptional cost performance. Prices are astonishing, with automatic models in stainless steel cases with leather straps starting at ¥250,000, and red gold case & leather strap models around ¥500,000. If you are considering purchasing a simple watch, this collection is a must-see.
Clifton 1830
The Flagship Model, Gleaming in Red Gold
The manual-winding model with an RG case, designed to satisfy and impress watch enthusiasts, has arrived as the icon of the Clifton collection. This classic masterpiece is a faithful reproduction of a museum piece. The movement, visible through the sapphire crystal case back, is from La Joux-Perret and features exquisite finishing details such as blued screws, sunray-finished gears, and Côtes de Genève on the mainplate.
Manual-winding, RG case, alligator strap, case diameter 42mm, see-through back, 50m water resistance, ¥1,202,250 (estimated price). Scheduled for release this autumn.
Clifton Complete Calendar
The Perfect Full Calendar Model for Business Professionals
This automatic model features a "full calendar function," with a window display for the month and day of the week at 12 o'clock, a moon phase display at 6 o'clock, and a pointer-style date display around the perimeter of the dial. While many models of this type emphasize a very classic aesthetic, this Baume & Mercier model stands out for its clean, modern finish that avoids being overly classic, making it a significant appeal.
Automatic, SS case, alligator strap, case diameter 43mm, see-through back, 50m water resistance, ¥420,000 (estimated price), scheduled for release in April.
Clifton Automatic (41mm)
A New Classic & Cool Standard Watch
This is the standard model of the new collection, a small seconds model with a strong classic feel, but like the full calendar model, its appeal lies in its exquisite design that is "not overly classic." It is a simple watch that men of all generations can wear for a long time. For those who prefer a modern taste, the black dial is recommended, while for those who prefer a classic taste, the silver dial model is recommended. The price is also attractive, with the alligator strap version starting in the early ¥250,000s and the SS bracelet model in the early ¥260,000s.
Automatic, SS case, SS bracelet, case diameter 41mm, see-through back, date display, 50m water resistance, ¥262,500 (estimated price). Scheduled for release in May. Alligator strap version is ¥252,000 (estimated price). Scheduled for release in April.
Clifton Automatic (39mm)
The Best Value Gold Model
This solid gold case, three-hand model is a "hidden gem" of the new collection. It features an even simpler dial design than the 41mm automatic model, a case size of 39mm that fits comfortably on the wrists of Japanese men, and an astonishing price of mid-¥500,000s for a solid gold case. This is a model that we highly recommend for adult men who are reaching an age where gold suits them.
Automatic, RG case, alligator strap, case diameter 39mm, see-through back, date display, 50m water resistance, ¥551,250 (estimated price). Scheduled for release in April.
Baume & Mercier
Tel. 03-3288-6335
http://www.baume-et-mercier.jp/



