An old adage says, “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks,” yet it doesn’t really apply to all circumstances. Take watchmaking for example, where Swiss brands remain at the top of the ranks not only because of their rich history and watch-making tradition, but also because of their ability to transform with the changing times. Even brands offering timepieces at the cheaper end of the price spectrum have come to embrace newer technologies as well, even introducing ground-breaking features that revolutionize the entire watchmaking industry altogether. Such is the story of Baume & Mercier and its most modern timepiece yet—the Clifton Baumatic 5 Days Chronometer.
Compare Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic Prices Online
Release Date: September 2018
Price: $2,790
Centuries after Baume & Mercier started making watches in 1830, it still keeps up with the fast pace of life and timekeeping technology nowadays. Its most recent venture, the use of silicon technology for its movements kept the whole watchmaking industry talking, a proof that being “one of the oldest” doesn’t mean you have to get left behind in terms of advancements.
Specifications
- Case: Stainless steel; height 10.3mm; diameter 40mm
- Front and back: sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback
- Water resistance: 50 metres
- Functions: Date, hours; minutes; central sweep seconds
- Movement: BAUMATIC BM12.1975A (self-winding) movement
- Power reserve: 5 days
- Strap: Blue leather strap (pin buckle: stainless steel)
Pros
One look and you’ll know that the Clifton Baumatic means business. Stripped off with ostentatious details, the watch retains a luxurious looking design that has an air of elegance to it. Setting apart the timepiece from all other watches of Baume & Mercier, or the entire Richemont Group for that matter, is the brand’s incorporation of silicon components to its design, including the escape wheel, the hairspring, the anchor, and the balance spring. Added to that are other details that amp up the watch’s performance—anti-magnetism feature and highly accurate movement included—and you have a totally impressive timepiece.
Cons
There’s not much to say about the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic’s low points, only that it may not be ostentatious enough for some who prefer flamboyance over performance. If that’s the case, then it won’t be the fault of the timepiece—maybe they’re just looking for the wrong watch at the wrong place.
Compare With
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Image credits: Hodinkee (featured image), Monochrome Watches, Lugaro, Time and Watches, A Blog To Watch (featured images)
