Founded in 1830 in the heart of the Swiss Jura, Baume & Mercier embodies a legacy of precision and design, reflecting the vision of its founders, William Baume and Paul Mercier, who combined classicism with creativity, tradition with modernity, and elegance with character.
Launched in 2013, the Clifton collection continues this heritage with its refined curves, impeccable craftsmanship, and understated sophistication. From casual to formal styles, the Clifton timepieces cater to diverse preferences, featuring advanced complications such as calendar and moon phase functions. At the core of this line is the Baumatic movement, renowned for its precision, resistance to magnetic fields, and five-day power reserve. Its meticulous finishes, visible through a sapphire case back, showcase the brand’s dedication to craftsmanship.
The collection draws inspiration from the 1950s – a golden era for style and innovation –evoking the elegance of the period’s tailored menswear and iconic figures like Cary Grant and Steve McQueen. Baume & Mercier also made technical strides during this time, introducing some of the first calendar watches, water-resistant models, and intricately crafted chronographs.
Today, the vintage spirit of the 1950s resonates in modern fashion and watchmaking, as the Clifton collection brings this timeless allure into 2024. Embodying discreet luxury, it appeals to the contemporary gentleman who values fine materials, tailored designs, and innovation. For him, a Baume & Mercier watch is more than a timepiece – it’s a statement of character, sophistication, and a passion for excellence.
One of the best-loved facts about Baume & Mercier’s Clifton line is its versatility and ageless style. This makes it a favourite for those seeking luxury watches that balance classic design with modern sophistication.
Key highlights that make it a standout include:
- Balanced design: The Clifton watches feature sleek lines, well-proportioned cases, and minimalist dials that appeal to a broad audience.
- Mechanical excellence: All Clifton models house reliable mechanical movements, including impressive complications like perpetual calendars and moon phases, presented at accessible price points for luxury watch enthusiasts.
- Everyday wearability: The watches are designed to transition effortlessly from casual settings to formal occasions.
The Clifton Baumatic, in particular, has gained significant acclaim for its five-day power reserve and enhanced accuracy, setting a benchmark in functional luxury. Baume & Mercier’s in-house movements also come with an impressive eight-year warranty.
“With the launch of The Clifton Baumatic Perpetual Calendar in 2017, Baume & Mercier’s flagship model became one of the watch industry’s most sought-after perpetual calendar watches. Not only is it one of the most well-priced self-winding perpetual calendar watches available on the market, but its in-house Baumatic movement also has a five-day power reserve, surpassing this specification for most other luxury watch brands,” says Ted Hellström, Merchandise Executive at Jewelvest (Murdocks, Tanur Collection, The Diamond Works).
The watch is available in 18K pink gold or stainless steel.
Baume & Mercier offers a patinated leather strap when purchasing any Clifton watch. Available in six classic hues – greyish black, blue, green, burgundy, brown, and purple – they complement a gentleman’s wardrobe, offering effortless coordination with any outfit. Their versatility makes them perfect for any time of day, special occasions, or a quick style refresh.
Crafted from smooth calfskin with tone-on-tone stitching, the straps feature subtly polished patinas that give them a vintage allure. This aesthetic reflects time’s passage and highlights fine leather’s nuanced beauty. The collection’s strap combinations with dials in shades like white, blue, black, grey, chocolate, and green allow for endless personalisation.
Thanks to a reliable curved spring bar system, the interchangeable straps can be swapped without tools. They are secured with either a stainless steel or rose gold (750/1 000) clasp, available as a folding clasp with security push-pieces or a pin buckle.
This offer will be valid at Murdocks, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, while stock lasts. In addition, a selection of key pieces will be at Murdocks for a limited time only (until approximately mid-January).
