The Baume & Mercier Clifton ref. 10055 is a very inexpensive and nicely executed complete calendar with moon phase. Reminiscent of other iconic complete calendars in the market, this Baume & Mercier is the most affordable option when it comes to this type of complication with a timeless design.
Even though the watch is very classic looking, it is fitted with a stainless steel case measuring 43mm in diameter and 12.25mm in thickness that makes the watch look more current —based on today's standards where watches are larger than they used to be 20 to 30 years ago.
This elegant looking timepiece features a sun satin-finished silver-colored dial with gilt applied Arabic numerals, markers and 'dauphine' hands. In addition to telling the time, it provides the day of the week and month information in two small apertures at 12 o'clock —right above the central pinion—, the date via a central hand with a small red tip and moon phases in a large aperture at 6 o'clock. The number 31 on the calendar chapter ring is marked in red to add a nice matching touch to the red tip on the date indicator hand.
This timepiece is fitted with an automatic calibre that provides a power reserve of 42 hours when fully wound. The calibre is fully visible through the display case back and while it is nothing really fancy or out of this world, it is nicely finished with some 'perlage' on the bridges and 'Côtes de Genève' on its rotor.
This watch is fitted with a black alligator strap —that is somewhat stiff and might need a good break-in period— with a triple folding buckle with security push buttons on the sides and a very clever system where the strap never gets marked by the pressure of the deployant buckle when adjusting it to the right length. The strap is a perfect match to the elegant and timeless design of this complication. In order to ease the setting of the date, day, month and moon phase on this watch, there are four very discreet and conveniently located push-pieces on both sides of the case.
On the wrist, this watch wears very comfortably and true to its size on a 7-7.25" wrist. While on the picture below the watch might appear to sit high on the wrist, it can easily be tucked under a french cuff without any problems. The watch feels solid but not top heavy and its wrist presence is spectacular. The watch is also available with a gorgeous —very seventies looking— blue dial as ref. 10057.
Sticker Price $4,950 USD. For more info on Baume & Mercier click here.
