Felix Scholz
The Clifton collection is an important mainstay in Baume & Mercier's roster (a little while ago we spent some quality time with the Clifton GMT and were pretty impressed), and the brand new Clifton 8-Day Power Reserve model ushers in?a new flagship model for the brand. This watch, which is powered by the IWC Calibre 59210, better known as the movement in?the IWC Portofino 8-Day, is an emblematic piece. It possesses all the attributes that make the Clifton what it is, but take it to next levels of technicality, elegance and prestige.The Clifton 8-Day is a limited edition, with only 185 pieces being produced. It's also a big watch, clocking in at 45mm across, 13mm high, and cased in 18k red gold it's a watch that makes an impression. But a marketing department following trends hasn't determined the size. The driving factor is in fact the large, and beautifully finished manually winding movement from fellow Richemont brand, IWC. It is?prettily finished too, the large plates are covered with C?tes de Geneve decoration, and punctuated by blued screws. As previously stated, this movement is not usual fare for Baume & Mercier, and along with the 50 odd grams of red gold, largely accounts for the AU $21,700 RRP. The alignment with IWC?is a big selling point for this special Clifton.But this watch is more than just the movement, the domed, silver coloured dial contrasts nicely with the applied Arabic numerals and indices, and polished dauphine hands. This, contrasted with the soft metallic lustre of the slightly domed dial must make the 8-Day a beauty on the wrist, full of depth and colour and sheen. The date and titular power reserve indicator are well implemented too.The Baume & Mercier Clifton 8-Day Power reserve takes everything that is good about the Clifton family and amps it up a notch. It’s a bold social climb for the brand in terms of price point and prestige,?but with the heavy red gold case and the movement pedigree Baume & Mercier still deliver bang for buck.SPECIFICATIONSCollection: CliftonReference: M0A10195Movement: Manufacture movement, manualCircular-grained finished plateBridges adorned with ??C?tes de Geneve?? decor, Phi logoBlued-steel screwsJewels: 30Power reserve: 192 hours (8 days) with one barrelFrequency: 4HzMovement adjusted to five positionsFunctions: H/M, Small seconds, 8 days power-reserve indicator, dateCase: RoundDiameter: 45 mmThickness: 13.0 mmPolished & satin-finished 18K red goldDomed, Antiglare scratch-resistant sapphire crystalSapphire case back secured with screwsEngraving : limited edition, one out of 185Dial: Domed opaline silver-coloredRiveted gilt Arabic numerals and indexesGilt and blued steel handsStrap: Square scales black alligatorBuckle: 18K red gold pin buckleWater-resistance: 5 ATM (approx. 50m)Gold weight (guaranteed minimum): 52,29 grAustralian Price: $21,700
09.11.14