Baume & Mercier is well-known for its reasonably priced watches. Some consider Baume & Mercier watches as luxury watches but to the well-informed watch enthusiast they actually fall to the entry-level position of high-end watches which is still very impressive considering their price and their fascinating designs. This year’s SIHH, it launched the new model-Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar.
The Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar, on the other hand, trespasses against my idea about the brand. The once simple and classical watchmaker is now sporting even more, complicated timepieces which of course is superb. The elegant 43 mm stainless steel case of the Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar features nice lines and smooth textures which are the basic components of elegant watches. I have no serious complaints against this watch although dressier watches typically sport lesser width case dimensions such as 40 mm or 41 mm. What I like about the case though is its chamfered sides in brushed steel. The lugs are pretty neat too including the large crown and the 2 pushers for the chronograph.
More simple design is present on the silvery white dial even though it appears quite busy at first since they are situated at the 12, 6, and 9. The month and date are oddly placed at the 12 o’clock making an unsuspecting fellow to miss it if they are more pronounced to finding it at the traditional placement of the calendar at the 3 o’clock. The hands are very nice and highly legible plus the blued seconds hand signify a more relaxed urgency compared to the usual red seconds hand by typical Swiss chronograph watches. The metallic indices also add elegance to the overall appeal of the watch mixing it with a more readable font design. I also like the chronograph at the 6 o’clock indicated by blued hands for the 12-hour counter circling the moon.
Its power is provided by the automatic Valjoux 7751 sporting 42 hours of power reserve. It is crafted with an engraved rotor which is visible from the caseback where the Geneva stripes is also proudly displayed including the blue screws and perlage on the main plate and bridges.
