The timelessness of Baume & Mercier is showcased stunningly by a new men’s collection and a reinterpretation of the feminine Linea line. The masculine Clifton Collection is directly inspired by a Baume & Mercier Museum heritage piece that dates back to the 1950s. The launch of the new Clifton collection signals the birth of a new classic for Baume & Mercier.
Headlining the collection is the Clifton 1830, which is the most accurate representation of the historical model. Its 42mm polished and satin-finished 18K red gold case shields its opaline silver-coloured dial with a domed sapphire crystal that evokes those of yesteryear watches. A small-seconds subdial decorates the 6 o’clock position, while its 12 o’clock position bears the two-century-old watchmaker’s emblem. Its manual-winding mechanical 7381 movement by La Joux-Perret is showcased through its sapphire case back.
The Clifton Automatic is available in two sizes, each bearing an automatic Sellita movement with a date display at the 3 o’clock position. The smaller 39mm version, in an elegant 18K red gold case, features a silver or anthracite dial, without a small-seconds subdial. The larger 41mm version, with a small-seconds display, is housed in a polished and satin-finished stainless steel case. Both are available with similarly finished stainless steel bracelets or alligator leather straps.
Another new model in the Clifton Collection is the Clifton Complete Calendar, which features a moon phase at its 6 o’clock position on a silver- or blue-coloured dial. This is complemented by a day and month display. A 25-jewel Dubois Dépraz movement is visible through the back of its 43mm case, while an alligator leather strap and a triple folding clasp secure the watch to the wrist.
For the ladies collection, Baume & Mercier has chosen Canadian actress Emmanuelle Chriqui of The Mentalist and Entourage fame to be the face of its current Linea Collection. The versatility of this elegant model is best exemplified by its interchangeable bracelets, which ensure that the timepiece always offers a different look and is never rendered out of style by seasonal changes in colours. This year’s new 27mm Linea watches are offered with quartz or automatic movements — both bearing a pretty mother-of-pearl dial with snailed finishes. The quartz models come attached with woven lambskin watch straps hued in various vivacious colours from the key shades of the Spring/Summer 2013 season, while those with the automatic movements come adorned with diamond indices and elegant metal bracelets.
Go back to Moments of Rapture – The breathtaking pieces that stole the limelight at this year’s SIHH