This new piece in 18K red gold, powered by a manually wound calibre by the manufacture, is the exemplary urban watch intended as the most authentic re-edition of the historical model that has inspired the entire Clifton collection.
Some choices, as soon as they move outside the framework of generally accepted taste, position those who make them as opinion-formers. It is unusual to opt for manual winding in a world where most people still believe that automatic winding is the quintessence of mechanical watchmaking. But for those who can read between the lines and are familiar with the highest levels of Fine Watchmaking, someone with a hand-wound watch is recognized as a design lover who looks beyond conventional thinking. This simple, refined watch, with its curves and straight lines, merges into the wrist. At first glance, there is nothing to suggest its important difference and its emotional power. Yet it has been created to form a close bond with its owners. It is a marvelous example of balance and classic design, almost as if inspired by the best of the Maison’s models from the “Golden Fifties” but with its dimensions adapted to meet the requirements of modern trends. This is a discreet timepiece that says nothing about what makes it different; it is firmly a watch of its time, appealing only to the initiated. For this reason, it will be the choice of those who appreciate elegance in the office and will accompany its owners through all of life’s important moments.
A 42 mm watch made from an ingot of red gold
This watch is considered the foundation of the Clifton collection. It has a diameter of 42 mm and is made from an ingot of 18K red gold. Its fineness has been created by artists who are devoted to offering the best of traditional watchmaking while meeting the highest contemporary standards. With its polished and satin-finished case, this piece is magnificently presented. Here its dial is curved to match the domed sapphire crystal whose “Chevée” shape is identical to that of the acrylic watch glasses of the past.
A meticulously crafted dial
The domed disc in silvered opaline, with the small seconds counter inset at 6 o’clock, is set with numerals and indices that are individually applied then meticulously riveted from behind.
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A Manufacture caliber adapted for Baume & Mercier
Delicate and deliberately simple, this watch is fitted with a Manufacture caliber adapted for Baume & Mercier by the La Joux-Perret Manufacture. This exceptional mechanism, ref 7381, has a power reserve of 90 hours once its barrels are fully rewound. Visible through the transparent case back it has all the features that will enable it to survive the passing years without becoming out of date. Each piece has been optimized to avoid any problems, including a balance operating at 21,600 vibrations per hour. This movement, worthy of the fine chronometers that have amply proved Baume & Mercier’s expertise, is the pride of the watchmakers who created it and will also be the pride of its owners with its superior finishes that meet the standards of a Manufacture caliber. Bridges decorated with “Côtes de Genève”, the circular-grained bottom plate and the delicately blued-steel screws can be admired through the transparent sapphire case back.
This new piece, in an 18K red-gold case that is water-resistant to 50 meters, is a demonstration of expertise pushed to the very limit.
“Accept only perfection. Only Manufacture watches of the highest quality”
Clifton 1830
