Baume & Mercier, one of the well-established Swiss names of traditional luxury watchmaking, is under the spotlight with its Clifton Baumatic 10469 model that redefines the price/performance ratio.
The luxury watch industry is not very open to innovation. When I say this, I am not saying "no innovation at all", of course, but think about the automobile industry, for instance... Or the IT sector... Then I think what I mean gets clearer.
Today, the locomotive of the luxury watch industry is the sports watch group. Or more versatile models, let’s say. While timepieces that can adapt to almost any environment remain the preference of the masses, the dress watches are more popular within their loyal fan base. If we think about the innovation issue, I mentioned at the beginning of the article specifically for the dress watch concept, this becomes even worse because the codes of this concept are very clear. So, what type of innovation could make this concept, which has such strict rules and mostly liked by its own enthusiast base, more interesting? Let me answer, the price range... The price range is where the subject of our review today, Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 10469, shines.
Before I go into the details of the model, I better talk about the prestige side of the matter as I'm sure there are enthusiasts(!) among those who read these lines that want to refute my argument above using brand prestige. Baume et Mercier is one of the oldest brands of Swiss Watchmaking Industry... Its establishment date is 1830. It is obvious that the brand, which is known for its entry-level or mid-level models to date, has made significant improvements especially in terms of movements in the past few years including a spectacular Perpetual Calendar. Now let's move on to the review, shall we?
Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 10469 is among the new models introduced by the well-established brand within the scope of SIHH 2019. The collection, which is introduced as a large product group with different versions, sheds light on the current point the brand has reached in terms of watchmaking over the years.
The model I have here for review comes with an 18K rose gold case, with a diameter of 39mm and a height of 10.74mm. The finishing of the case, where satin and polished surfaces are used together, has been applied with great care. The water pressure resistance of the case, which is equipped with sapphire crystals on both sides, has been determined as 5 ATM / 50 meters per its segment. While the thin bezel of the case adds a stylish yet strong look to the model, the short lugs made of polished bevels provide a comfortable and secure feel on the wrist. The alligator strap positioned as close as possible to the case, the Baume & Mercier signed 18K rose gold buckle and the elegant winding crown are among the finely thought out details.
The model's dial features a cream-tone background. Offering a perfect harmony with pink gold accents, the dial hosts Dauphine style hands and thin elongated hour markers. The date window is located at 3 o'clock position on the dial, which carries all the classic dress watch codes. The texts 5 Days and Chronometer on the dial refer to the movement beating at the heart of the model.
Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 10469 beats with the Caliber BM13-1975A. Based on its predecessor BM12-1975A, this new movement also serves as the base caliber platform of the brand. 21 jewels self-winding movement operates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800vph) and offers an impressive 120 hours (5 days) power reserve when fully wound. Bearing the C.O.S.C certification proudly with its accuracy rating of -4 / + 6 sec per day, the movement draws attention with its recommended service period of 7 years. Also, the movement, which offers 1,500 Gauss magnetic resistance, is enjoyed through the sapphire crystal case back with its gold-plated and perforated tungsten rotor as well as its well-balanced decoration.
At the beginning of the article, I highlighted the 'price' parameter. Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 10469 is available with a price tag of 7200,00 USD (USA list) for all these aesthetic and mechanical features. I think the model offers the most successful price/performance ratio of its kind with its specs that respond to almost every requirement for a basic, three-hand automatic dress watch.
