What would The Great Gatsby wear today? Probably the Clifton watch. A round case, clean lines, elegant curves. In 2013, Baume & Mercier unveiled this creation inspired by a model from the 1950s. Immediate success: it quickly established itself as the watch of the modern gentleman. Twelve years later, the Maison brings this iconic model back into the spotlight. Still infused with its retro soul, the Clifton now enjoys a contemporary reinterpretation: a 39 mm case and six dials in total—three revealed last spring, and three new ones this fall. Designs made to be worn on the sands of a chic seaside resort just as well as on the avenues of cities around the world… all powered by the Baumatic movement.
Change of caliber
Launched in 2018, Baumatic is far more than just a movement for Baume & Mercier. Its mission? To offer a mechanical movement that is reliable, elegant, and easy to live with—without blowing the budget. Behind this achievement lies a true story of collaboration and patience. For over five years, the ValFleurier watchmaking manufacture (Richemont), the group's Research & Innovation division, and Baume & Mercier combined their know-how to create a movement that is both high-performing and accessible. The result lives up to the promise: 120 hours of power reserve—that’s five full days—made possible by a single barrel and a Nivaflex mainspring. A feat born in Les Brenets, in the Swiss Jura. And because every detail matters, the sapphire case back reveals a horological spectacle: perlage on the bridges, sandblasted and snail-brushed plate, gold-toned openworked oscillating weight adorned with snailing Geneva stripes—not to mention the exclusive Baume & Mercier engraving. Every finishing touch emphasizes the mechanics and justifies the name of the collection: Clifton Baumatic.
New breath of life
On the design front, the watch’s curves have been reimagined. The case shrinks from 40 to 39 mm in diameter, with understated elegance: domed sapphire crystal, a crown subtly integrated into the caseband, the return of the Arabic numeral at 12 o’clock, date window at 6 o’clock, and the signature cross at the center of the dial. Dial shades range from off-white to opaline salmon to gradient blue, with either grained or lacquered finishes. As for the new metal bracelet, it’s built to withstand anything. Entirely crafted from stainless steel, it resists heat, humidity, scratches, and shocks. The interplay of polished and satin-brushed finishes enhances its elegance, while the interchangeable system adds welcome everyday versatility.
A lifestyle by the water
Clifton Baumatic truly ticks all the boxes—even its name. Taken from the South African seaside town of Clifton near Cape Town—elegant and relaxed—the collection evokes that singular panorama: the Atlantic as a backdrop, villas perched on cliff sides, a cosmopolitan way of life. Faithful to that spirit, the Clifton Baumatic embodies refinement tailored for aesthetes who appreciate fine mechanics and reliability. Proof? Each watch comes with a six-year warranty extension, in addition to the standard two-year international guarantee. A way to combine style, precision… and peace of mind.
