Press Release 2013
Since 1830, the Swiss Maison d’Horlogerie Baume & Mercier has made
it a point of honor to create watches that are appreciated for their balanced design, the quality of their movements and the rare quality that each creation possesses of representing a glimpse of luxury in a form that is both beautiful and accessible. Never has this business philosophy been more apparent than with the introduction of the Clifton watch. This collection of men’s watches is inspired by a museum timepiece that dates back to the 1950’s.
Each timepiece is pared down to the purest essentials, from the hand-wound mechanical version in 18K red gold (Clifton 1830), to the automatic version crafted in the same gold, with various, different components adorned in polished satin-finish steel. These highly refined watches with uncluttered sun satin-finish dials, or featuring the bolder sophistication of a triple calendar display and moon phases, are aimed at those who wish to combine the art of living with elegance. This year, Baume & Mercier is also unveiling the quartz Linea 27 mm series featuring interchangeable straps in hand-woven leather in various colors, created in collaboration with the Canadian actress Emmanuelle Chriqui, as well as two new mechanical models from the Linea 27 mm collection. In their own unique way that is both luxurious and timeless, each of these new creations fully epitomizes the art of living, chosen by Baume & Mercier to define its own vision of time.
Clifton: making every day a part of history
“Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality.” Louis- Victor & Célestin Baume, 1830
A timeless collection The Clifton collection, the Maison’s newest addition, represents a milestone in Baume & Mercier history. It showcases the very quest for excellence that shaped the destiny of this company, founded back in 1830 by brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume in the heart of the Swiss Jura Mountains. This new line embodies the visionary spirit of its founders whose motto has always been, “accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality.”
Yet the Clifton collection also displays the dynamism brought by Paul Mercier in 1918. This shrewd businessman and leader laid the foundations for a business philosophy that was open to the world. He also contributed to bringing Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship to a wider audience. These values, in line with the expectations of the public, have given life to the Clifton watches, timepieces whose forms take inspiration from successful Baume & Mercier models from the 1950s. Their position in the watchmaking world renders these pieces true icons of accessible luxury; these watches have the added advantage of being available at more moderate prices, placing them within the reach of a wider clientele. Appealing to those who wish to combine the art of living with elegance, the design of this new collection was purposefully inspired by models from the Baume & Mercier Museum’s collection and revisited to fulfill contemporary directions, both in terms of size as well as functionality.
Baume & Mercier Clifton: urban times
Revisiting the “Golden Fifties” Blending tradition with modernity, Baume & Mercier presents Clifton, a new line of men’s watches inspired by the models that had their heyday in the “Golden Fifties”. This decade is considered the golden age for wristwatches and is marked by the creation of elegantly designed timepieces. A legacy of this era, the Clifton line is both urban and classic, from its clean lines right down to its finishes. Powered by Swiss-made mechanical movements of acclaimed quality, this new collection embodies Baume & Mercier’s 183 years of watchmaking expertise. It was created specifically for a male clientele wishing to purchase a timepiece to accompany them through every moment of their lives, transcending both personal and professional spheres.
Clifton: striking the perfect balance between classicism and modernity
The source of perfection Baume & Mercier sought inspiration for its notion of balance and harmony from ancient times. This concept evoked by the Greek symbol “phi� (the Golden Ratio), which has adorned every creation for decades, is found in every detail of the Clifton models; from the case through to the dial, right down to the lines of the hands. On the strength of its past and its 183-year history, Baume & Mercier has made quality a core value which presents itself in all aspects of daily life. This is why the Maison has chosen to equip all Clifton watches with high-quality, Swiss-made mechanical movements that are hand-wound by qualified watchmakers in the Manufacture in Les Brenets.
Urban and timeless style Baume & Mercier has benefitted from its Swiss culture, as well as all of the other places it has come to work with since the 19th century, such as London, Sydney and Philadelphia, and turned it into a powerful asset. The Maison has given life to a fluid style that expertly blends elegance with timelessness. This strength, so integral to the Clifton collection and evocative of 1950’s New York, can be seen in the clean lines of the cases crafted in gold or steel, as well as in the unique and bold approach to time displays.
The unique becomes accessible Baume & Mercier gave life to the Clifton line, whose ambition is to manifest all the force of an era and the dynamics of major international cities. Thus, at the heart of this collection is the idea that a fine watch should have a movement that perfectly corresponds to its esthetics. These Clifton timepieces, whose charisma and overall balance find their ideal expression in urban landscapes, display the hour, minutes and seconds thanks to a small seconds hand and a date display in an aperture. Adorned with a steel case measuring 41 mm in diameter, these watches are mounted on an alligator strap or metal bracelet.
The 18K red gold versions are, in turn, offered with a 39 mm diameter. They, too, are driven by an automatic mechanical caliber and their dials feature a date aperture and a seconds display using a central second hand. These timepieces are mounted upon an alligator strap, bringing sophistication and refinement to the wrist. As a member of this new family with such a bright future, which so expertly meets the needs of urban living at the beginning of this third millennium, fine watchmaking enthusiasts are sure to appreciate the 43 mm steel version driven by an automatic caliber and endowed with a Complete Calendar complication (day, date, month and moon phase).
Clifton 1830 Clifton 1830: the luxury of pure design Indeed, purists will be particularly drawn to the Clifton 1830 model, which could be considered the cornerstone of the collection. This watch in 18K red gold, measuring 42 mm in diameter, and traditionally worn upon an alligator strap, houses a caliber of the La Joux-Perret manufacture which is manually-wound and is said to be the most accurate interpretation of the historical model from the Baume & Mercier Museum. This museum piece, as the archetypical urban timepiece, served as a go-to reference for this new watchmaking collection.
Clifton Automatic Hours, Minutes, Small seconds Silver-colored dial With a diameter of 41 mm to meet the demands of the modern-day wearer, this piece is adorned with a round, polished and satin-finished steel case with slender and curved horns for optimal placement on the wrist. The subtle equilibrium of this traditionally styled timepiece, waterresistant to 5 ATM, is set off by bluedsteel hands driven by an automatic mechanical caliber visible through the sapphire crystal case back. This Clifton model is mounted on a black alligator strap and closed by a triple folding clasp, with security push-pieces.
Clifton Automatic Hours, Minutes, Small seconds Black dial The reflection of a more defined character due to its black, sun satinfinish dial, this Clifton watch bestows upon its wearer a more contemporary and dynamic spirit. Presented with a brown alligator strap and featuring a 41 mm-diameter polished and satinfinished steel case, this watch boasts a central hour display, a direct-drive seconds hand at 6 o’clock and a date display in an aperture at 3 o’clock. Both efficient and expertly finished, this timepiece houses a Swiss-made self-winding caliber, which can be observed through the sapphire crystal case back.
Clifton Automatic Hours, Minutes, Small seconds Silver-colored dial, Steel bracelet This watch boasting a silver-colored dial and a design inspired by models from the 1950’s, exudes a more contemporary feel thanks to its steel bracelet. Solid and water resistant up to 5 ATM, this 41 mm diameter piece with slender and curved horns molds perfectly to the wearer’s wrist. This traditional watch, with its sun satin-finished, silver-colored dial and Arabic numerals, powered by a mechanical self-winding caliber visible through the sapphire crystal case back, was conceived to meet all that is required of it, in every context.
Clifton Automatic Hours, Minutes, Small seconds Black dial, Steel bracelet Arguably the sportiest of all the pieces in the Clifton collection, this automatic mechanical watch featuring a slate black dial adorned with a sun satin-finished, as well as a steel bracelet, was designed to satisfy the desires of a younger or more dynamic clientele. Discreet and possessing a rare efficiency, its dial is endowed with a small seconds hand at 6 o’clock and a date aperture located at 3 o’clock. This elegant and accomplished timepiece is powered by a Swiss-made mechanical selfwinding caliber visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
Clifton Complete Calendar Moon phase, Silver-colored dial This watch from the Clifton collection, the archetype of urban timepieces from the 1950’s, is here revisited with a case in polished satin-finished steel, but with a more modern diameter of 43 mm. In addition to the time displayed on this version’s dial, it displays the date, the day and the month, as well as the moon phases contained within a large aperture located at 6 o’clock. Powered by a Swiss-made mechanical selfwinding caliber (Dubois Dépraz 9000), visible from the sapphire crystal case back, this resolutely urban timepiece has been finished with expert attention to detail. It is mounted upon a black alligator strap and closed by a triple folding clasp, with security push-pieces.
Clifton Complete Calendar Moon phase, Blue dial With such visual impact, this version of the Clifton Complete Calendar commands attention thanks to its blue, sun satin-finished dial. As with every connoisseur timepiece, the case back of the 43 mm case, water-resistant to 5 ATM, has been opened up to allow lovers of fine mechanics to observe the components of its automatic movement (Dubois DĂŠpraz 9000). With such graphic potency and its essential calendar display, this complication version is mounted upon an alligator strap, which is closed by a triple folding clasp with security push-pieces.
Clifton Automatic 18K Red gold case Silver-colored dial This model in 18K polished satinfinished red gold features a 39 mm case whose double bezel form is reminiscent of a Baume & Mercier timepiece from the 1950’s. Powered by a Swiss-made automatic mechanical caliber, this watch is offered with a sun satin-finished, silver-colored dial that unites Arabic numerals with indices, and is mounted upon an alligator strap closed by an ardillon buckle. This luxurious instrument possesses a sapphire crystal case back to allow several of the movement’s components to be discovered, all of which are meticulously finished.
Clifton Automatic 18K Red gold case Anthracite dial The 18K polished satin-finished red gold of the case is expertly showcased through the contemporary sun satinfinished anthracite color of the watch’s dial. The warm gold tone captures the nobility and elegance of this timepiece, which is driven by an automatic mechanical movement, visible from the sapphire crystal case back. With a diameter of 39 mm this piece transcends all fleeting trends and is mounted on a deep brown alligator strap closed by an ardillon buckle.
Clifton 1830 This particularly sophisticated reference watch, inspired by a model from the Baume & Mercier Museum, will captivate those searching for a true collector’s piece. Offered with a diameter of 42 mm and crafted from an ingot of 18K red gold, this watch is the result of the work of artists devoted to providing the best of traditional watchmaking,while simultaneously 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 glass watches of the past. The domed, opaline silver-colored dial with a small seconds counter inset at 6 o’clock with snailed finishes, is set with riveted gilt Arabic numerals and indexes. The Clifton 1830 is fitted with a manufacture caliber adapted for Baume & Mercier by the La Joux-Perret Manufacture, which is visible through the sapphire crystal case back.
10060 *12000CHF
10055 *4200CHF
10057 *4200CHF
10058 *5500CHF
10059 *5500CHF
1830
10052 *2500CHF
10053 *2500CHF
*Worldwide recommended price-Excluded VAT. Available from April 2013
10099 *2600CHF
10100 *2600CHF
life’s simple pleasures Accompanying every one of life’s special moments, Baume & Mercier has always made it a point of honor to create women’s watches that are sleek and elegant. To evoke such a unique spirit, this watchmaker, founded in 1830 and unfailingly tuned in to contemporary trends, approached the young Canadian actress, Emmanuelle Chriqui. This artist, famous for her work on the series “Entourage” and “The Mentalist”, appreciates “the simple pleasures in life.” She perfectly embodies the natural elegance that is so characteristic of the Linea collection.
Emmanuelle Chriqui
A multi-dimensional icon In her own way, this multi-dimensional woman has the gift of being able to truly identify with the Linea collection. Sophisticated and refined, this watch has now become a true icon as it epitomizes a certain ideal of life; it is a carrier of timeless values and of contemporary elegance. The collection has seen its creative uses multiplied thanks to its interchangeable bracelets and straps, and now offers each Linea owner the freedom to reinvent their look as often as they wish.
“I enjoy nurturing multiple sides of myself, changing styles, inhabiting a character and expressing new emotions.�
A creative spirit To fully capture the spirit and trends of the times, Baume & Mercier is offering, with the help of Canadian actress Emmanuelle Chriqui, an assortment of woven leather straps in colors that correspond to the key shades of the Spring/Summer 2013 season. The goal is to find the perfect balance in bestowing an on-trend dimension to sophisticated and delicate watches, thus fulfilling the expectations of all women wishing to give new character to their watches, and to do so in a way that perfectly corresponds to how they feel at each and every moment.
Spring/Summer 2013 Limited Edition
Linea 10115 Spring/Summer 2013 Limited Edition Simultaneously balanced and multi-faceted, the Linea watch has a 27 mm diameter and a quartz movement, mounted on an orange, hand-woven lambskin strap. This shade was selected as a key trend from the Spring/ Summer 2013 season and is sure to resonate with women and provide a new dimension to this discreet and feminine timepiece. This watch in polished, satin-finished steel featuring a mother-of-pearl dial with snailed finishes demonstrates its versatility by offering the opportunity to change the timepiece’s interchangeable strap.
Linea 10116 Spring/Summer 2013 Limited Edition Thanks to the virtue of interchangeable straps, the Linea watch possesses a playful dimension, transforming into an on-trend piece. Housing a quartz movement, this watch boasting a snailed finish, mother-of-pearl dial with riveted indices, exudes high fashion with the addition of its beige, hand-woven lambskin strap.
Linea 10117 Spring/Summer 2013 Limited Edition With the purity of its immaculate white strap in handwoven lambskin, the Linea watch is a work of art transcending philosophy and time. Delicate and versatile in its design, and able to transform according to the wearer’s desires, this watch is also incredibly easy to use. Powered by a quartz caliber, this watch is worry-free when setting the time, and employing the interchangeable strap is also an easy task. Available in white for the Spring/Summer 2013 season, the watch features a white, mother-of-pearl dial with a delicately snailed finish.
harmony of shapes Delicate and feminine, the new Linea Automatic, available in a 27 mm case, possesses the presence of a timeless gem with the elegance of an unfussy time display. It is also imbued with the nobility inherent in watches powered by a Swiss mechanical caliber and automatically wound by the movements of its owner. Its sensible size, perfect curvature and the slim, reliable movement of excellent quality selected for this very reason, make it ideal for wear on a dainty wrist. But one thing that cannot be missed: the Linea is no run-of-the-mill watch. Ever since its launch in 1987, this beautiful timepiece, available in steel or two-tone, has been at the forefront of watchmaking creativity and has transcended the essence of what a women’s watch should be: an attractive adornment with the features and potency to arouse a visual emotion.
A delicate mechanism When we began to offer women’s watches with automatic mechanical movements, we were ensuring these accessories would see the years go by without a hint of aging, offering functional adornments with soul and a guaranteed future. This exquisite mechanism, the true heart of the watch, can be admired through the transparent case back. In their determination to always give their best, our talented craftsmen, master watchmakers and engineers are now proud to present women’s watches equipped with these high-precision movements, long believed to only be of interest to men.
An automatic movement visible through a transparent case-back This iconic watch, with its bezel so distinctively engraved in steel or in steel trimmed with gold and carrying the hour figures, has now reinvented its own legend, choosing to partner an automatic movement with innate qualities that well deserve to be revealed through the transparent case-back. This final choice will cast its spell over dynamic, multi-talented women, delighting those whose timeless penchant for watchmaking gems will express itself fully in using a movement reputed for passing unfailingly from one generation to the next. That’s why the Linea, a small miracle of sophistication, is worn on a steel or two-tone bracelet, designed with a flexibility that adapts to its wearer’s every movement without calling attention to itself. Yet this bracelet possesses a secret enabling it to adapt to every situation in life, thus meeting the expectations of all owners who are attached to their version of the Linea.
An interchangeable bracelet To make these wishes reality, Baume & Mercier have invented a bracelet incorporating a patented mechanism that makes it simple to remove without any tools. The Geneva-based company has also created a whole series of interchangeable leather straps and satin-finished bracelets, on offer in a wide range of colors, making this watch unique and in harmony with the tastes of every woman who wears it as a seductive accessory. This is an ingenious feature to be used without restriction, enabling this superlative timepiece to keep pace with changes in fashion, trends and the seasons. Available in top-quality steel or in two-tone, these two new Linea watches are powered by a Swiss-made automatic mechanical movement with a time display including a direct-drive center second hand and a discreet date window at 6 o’clock in the mother-of-pearl dial set with 11 diamonds. These two new models will reveal the true personality of their rightful owners: accomplished, liberated women.
10115 *1800CHF
10116 *1800CHF
*Worldwide recommended price-Excluded VAT 10115/10116/10117 : Available from April 2013 10113/10114 : Available from Sept. 2013
10117 *1800CHF
10113 *2850CHF
10114 *4850CHF
To find out more about Baume & Mercier: http://www.baume-et-mercier.com http://www.facebook.com/BaumeEtMercier http://twitter.com/baumeetmercier http://youtube.com/user/baumeetmercier