The Whole Shebang - the Baume & Mercier Clifton Collection For 2014
Lots of use of the term "line extension" with regard to the Baume & Mercier Clifton collection pieces on show at SIHH 2014. These watches are new-ish, that is, new to Europe, but not actually new having already been showcased at the Watches & Wonders Fair in Hong Kong late last year.
What is of note is that the line really has been extended - so much so that there now lies a mighty £42K between the price points of these two new Baume & Mercier watches, the Clifton Chronograph and the Clifton Flying Tourbillon.
Firstly the Clifton Flying Tourbillon.
A nicely proportioned dial opening for the flying tourbillon demands attention and the diminutive numerals and understated styling of this piece allow it complete dial domination. The piece will be available in a 45.5mm 18ct red gold case and inside the Calibre specially created for Baume & Mercier by Val Fleurier is meritorious for its exemplary finishing.
Now the Clifton Chronograph.
I have no doubt that this will be a crowd-pleasing model, because it is indeed a handsome piece. The dial is well balanced with the branding and the day/date apertures offering symmetry to the trio of counters on the left. The elegance of 1950's styling lends itself perfectly to its design and with a Valjoux 7750 inside its 43mm stainless steel case there really is nothing not to like.
Baume & Mercier CEO Alain Zimmermann who oversaw the creation of the Clifton models must really have been quite chuffed with the good press which this collection has received - since its release last year I have yet to read a bad review. The creation of a Flying Toubillon, a Haute Horlogerie addition is hardly a risk, afterall just 30 pieces will be made, and it has been created with eyes firmly on the still lucrative market in the East but it does perhaps make a statement to the industry - the Clifton is a strong collection, one which will be nurtured .... and whose line extension-capability knows no boundaries.
More at Baume & Mercier.