Baume and Mercier Clifton Automatic Moa 10378 Review

The R.Eastward.M album of 1992, "Automated for the people" remains an iconic record that many xl-somethings expect back on with fondness. The name of the album was taken from "Weaver D's", a restaurant based in Athens, Georgia. The phrase means the clientele automatically receive whatever they want. For instance, "does the burger come with fries?", "Automatic!".

Apart from the obvious link to the self-winding calibre plant in this new timepiece from Genevan make, Baume & Mercier, some may question my choice of (sub)title. Withal, all will be revealed in due course.

The dial

Recently launched at SIHH 2013, and earlier already introduced hither on Monochrome, the model is available in four variants, silver or black dial, strap or bracelet. I am immediately fatigued to the black dial version with brownish alligator strap. It bestows warmth to its wearer. Moreover the presence of steel, black punch and brown leather ways endless possibilities for coordinating the timepiece with your wardrobe.

The Clifton range takes inspiration from a former 1950s Baume & Mercier timepiece. Whilst classical information technology does not expect unduly retro, thank you to the color combination and the conscientious reinterpretation by the Baume & Mercier design team. Indeed, information technology confers a timeless quality and should retain appeal for decades to come.

The hour and minute easily are sword-shaped. They are elegant and refined. A subsidiary seconds display is located above half-dozen o'clock. The give-and-take, "Automatic", spans the display, reminding the wearer that this is a self-winding motility. Even numbered hours are marked with Arabic numerals. Odd numbered hours are represented with practical lacrimal styled batons.

The chapter ring is detailed with strokes, alternating between long and short, representing thirty second steps. Every five minutes, Arabic numerals feature, presented in small-scale, yet legible text. A engagement display is located at iii o'clock. Through the aperture, the silver text, depicted on a black background, is readily legible and harmoniously blends with the residual of the dial.

Those readers who enjoy history, should notation the proper noun proudly proclaimed at the top of the dial, "Baume & Mercier". The brand with the Greek alphabetic character, PhI, for its logo, has been in being since 1830 and has been delivering fine timepieces ever since.

The case

Whilst I adore the Clifton 1830 with its gorgeous 18-carat crimson gold case, I accept information technology may prove besides costly for some. This automatic timepiece is presented in a stainless steel instance, making it more affordable than its ermine clad, older blood brother.

The combination of stainless steel with a black dial is farther enhanced with the judicious use of satin and polished surfaces. The majority of surfaces feature a satin-brushed stop. However, the bevelled edge of the caseband is highly polished, as is the crown and the caseback. This blend of finishes is beautiful and is no doubt the production of many hours of patient experimentation in the design studio, seeking the best result.

The caseback features a sapphire crystal to afford a view of the Swiss movement and is secured with iv retaining screws.

The holistic approach to design excellence is obvious. Have the horns for instance, they arc downwardly, ensuring a comfortable fit for a wide array of potential wearers. The strap is fitted with a triple folding squeeze with security button-pieces. This type of fastening, ensures greater longevity for the strap and I personally observe them more comfortable to vesture than the cheaper pivot buckles institute on other, sometimes more expensive timepieces.

The movement

Swiss motility specialist Sellita take provided the automatic movement and it is beautifully executed. The first thing you observe with the Sellita SW 260-1 calibre is the Côtes de Genève stripes on the rotor. They sit adjacent a radiant sunray motif.

The bridges are adorned with circular graining and blackness and rhodium-plated screws are pleasingly presented. I would have preferred blued-steel screws, but this is a pocket-sized detail in what is otherwise a worthy movement at this price point.

Decision

We go along avoiding the elephant in the room, the price. I seldom mention price equally it tin can fluctuate in different markets due to variation in taxation. However, I will make an exception in this case. At the press conference, Baume & Mercier revealed a worldwide recommended price for this watch of 2500 CHF excluding VAT. At the fourth dimension of writing this is approximately € two.022 / £1756 / $2653 (excluding VAT), representing fantastic value for money.

This brings me back to the championship of my article. This latest model from Baume & Mercier has a multi-talented appeal. Handsome looks, a quality Swiss movement, historical references and attainable pricing? Automatic. The Baume & Mercier Clifton Automatic Hours, Minutes, Small seconds, Black dial (ref.MOA 10053) is a worthy "automated for the people".

This article is written by Angus Davies, guest contributor for Monochrome Watches and editor of the UK website, Escapement.uk.com

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Source: https://monochrome-watches.com/baume-et-mercier-clifton-automatic/

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