Baume & Mercier is a high-end luxury watchmaker with a fascinating 180-year history. In 1830 entrepreneurial brothers Louis-Victor and Joseph-Célestin Baume established the business. With incredible drive and determination they rapidly expanded the company within a relatively short space of time. This pioneering spirit led to a positive global recognition. By 1895 the brand had won a staggering ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals.
In 1918 the business changed its name from “Frères Baume” to Baume & Mercia. At this stage in history the more contemporary wristwatch was gradually replacing the traditional pocket watch. Within a year the company was awarded with the prestigious Geneva Hallmark, which honours the highest level of craftsmanship within the watch industry. From 1988 onwards the Richemont Group has owned the brand.
Baume & Mercia is synonymous for producing a range of classically inspired watches. The Clifton 10060 is a wonderful example of their enormous skill and one of my personal favourites. With dimensions measuring 42mm x 8.5mm this isn’t a particularly large watch by modern standards. These proportions should appeal to a wide variety of buyers. I would also imagine it would feel very comfortable to wear on a daily basis. Primarily this is down to the slim round case design and use of opulent 18K red gold in production. In my opinion this gorgeous timepiece would look stunning with formal attire.
Visually the Clifton 10060 has a refined yet understated appearance. The opaline silver-colored dial perfectly compliments the raised gold Arabic numerals. I love the simplicity of the design, which adheres to the finest levels of traditional watchmaking. There is a tender delicacy about this composition that is integral to the success of the design. Other effective details include the slender hour/minute hands and small second counter located at 6 o’clock. Essentially Baume & Mercier have fused timeless charm with subtle modern styling.
Beneath the elegant polished 18K red gold case lies the sophisticated Caliber ref 7381. This hand wound movement comprises 21 jewels and oscillates at a frequency of 21,600 vibrations per hour. Each component has been meticulously assembled and decorated by hand. The La Joux-Perret Manufacture has designed the mechanism to Baume & Mercia’s specifications. It also is visible through the watches’ sapphire crystal case back. Functionally the watch features hours, minutes, small seconds and a power reserve of 90 hours. The Clifton 10060 is also water resistant to a depth of 50 metres.
The Clifton 10060 has a hand sewn black alligator strap with a matching 18K red gold clasp. Priced for the discerning at: $13,950.
You can read more of Steve’s thoughts on watch design here