ReviewIn-depth Review: The Baume & Mercier Clifton Club Collection
Discover Baume & Mercier's foray into the world of sporty timepieces with a modern, simple and accessible watch
May We Recommend
Baume & Mercier pretty much turned a new leaf at the SIHH 2017 exhibition. Especially with the introduction of the Clifton Shelby Cobra Daytona (which we featured here) and the Clifton Club (the watch we have here), the brand has smoothly moved towards more consumer-friendly, sporty and active timepieces. They have always had an inclination towards dress watches, so the collection of timepieces released back then definitely came as a (pleasant) surprise. Identified as a new category of young men, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club is dedicated to the ‘gentlesportsmen’ (a word coined by the brand itself). They represent the younger generation of men who maintain a fine balance between their active lifestyles and their social lives.
About the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club
This is a watch that makes no promises of bringing great history onto your wrist, neither does it derive any inspiration from a cult classic. And that is its most attractive feature. It is a watch that is just the way it is: a modern, good looking, highly functional, eminently athletic, well-finished and well-priced timepiece. Nothing more, nothing less. The Baume & Mercier Clifton Club handsomely represents features and aesthetics that cater to the younger and more active generation of watch enthusiasts.
42mm stainless steel case, illustrious curves and knurled bezel
With a clear aim to offer this watch as everyday wear, the stainless steel case of the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club is appropriately sized at 42mm. The use of stainless steel (a light material) further establishes the ‘everyday’ aspect of the watch. Visually, the combination of a satin finish and polished surface on the case works really well. It further elaborates the curves of the case, which is the Clifton’s signature detail.
However, if you are someone who has comparatively slimmer wrists, fear not. Despite the size, the case height of the watch is only around 10.3mm, which isn’t ultra-slim but helps negate the largeness of the dial. This also allows the watch to easily slip beneath your shirt cuff.
The integrated screw-down crown features arcing crown protectors and the screw-down caseback provides the watch with a water resistance of a 100m. Now we need to talk a bit more about the caseback here. The screw-down caseback perfectly captures the philosophy of the Clifton Club collection. It features the collection’s distinctive heraldic bearings that legitimises the wearer’s entry into the ‘Club’. The presence of the Clifton Club coat of arms symbolises the values and athletic connotation Baume & Mercier as a brand has, and will always honour.
Another noticeable part of the case is the immaculately designed unidirectional knurled bezel that is available in grey and black variations. Here too, the finish is great with polished edges and a vertically satin-brushed top. Furthermore, the orange triangular index at 12 o’clock on the engraved 60-minute scale, provides the bezel with a welcome dash of colour. Talking about the 60-minute scale, here too the brand has gone a step ahead to bring greater precision to the table. The rotating bezel features 120 notches instead of the usual 60, providing ultimate precision with two notches per minute. This definitely adds weight to the sense of exclusivity associated with the Clifton Club.
If Looks Could Kill
Each dial from the collection is created with a stepped design that adds a sense of depth to the otherwise flat surface. What stands out significantly is the dash of colour on the inner flange, that has a thin outline in orange. The large hour and minute hands match the baton-like applied indexes. As expected, the presence of Super-LumiNova on the hands and indexes makes the dial highly legible.
A discreetly integrated date display window whose disc matches the colour of the dial is placed at 3 o’clock. Another bit of colour is provided by the arrow-shaped second’s hand coated in bright orange, that matches the colour of the inner flange. The watch represents an ideal mix of classical tones and an ultra-modern sporty appeal. Overall, with a handsome and clean dial, and spiffy aesthetics, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club definitely brings home the modern character of horology.
Automatic Sellita SW200 with high shock resistance, 48 hours power reserve and a date display function
Keeping in mind the sporty exterior of the watch, the brand has ensured that the engine also caters to a similar use. While the watch might not be a true diver’s, despite having some of its features (read: water resistance, unidirectional bezel and high legibility), the brand understands the importance of accuracy and resistance. Hence, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club is powered by a Swiss mechanical self-winding movement, the Sellita SW200. It is a well-known and highly reliable movement that has been tested for shock resistance to 550G. The Sellita SW200 is an ETA clone offering the basic hour, minute, seconds and date display function. The movement also beats at a frequency of 4Hz and clocks in a decent power reserve of 48 hours. Yes, the Seillita SW200 is not necessarily a groundbreaking movement, but it certainly gets the job done. An appropriate choice, the movement definitely represents a very high performance to cost ratio.
Available in an ‘All-Road’ calfskin leather strap lined with rubberised orange calfskin, three-row polished & satin-finished stainless steel bracelet and black vulcanised rubber strap with gills
The Baume & Mercier Clifton Club is finished with an ‘All-Road’ calfskin leather strap. Emanating a casual vibe, the strap features a stamped sailcloth-like fabric texture. Additionally, it has an orange rubberised calfskin lining for that extra sporty appeal. This pop of colour goes well with the other orange accents on the dial and bezel. The use of a high quality leather strap ensures a higher quotient of resistance against UV rays, dryness and wetness. The triple folding buckle guarantees security and ease of opening. Rightly called an ‘all-terrain strap’, Baume & Mercier claims that it can be worn easily 24 hours of the day. The other options include a three-row polished and satin-finished stainless steel bracelet and a black vulcanised rubber strap with gills; both exceptionally smart and durable variations.
Why Should You Buy It?
Let’s make it clear from the get-go, do not buy this watch if you are looking for a collector’s piece (if you are, then you’d rather go for the Clifton Club Shelby Cobra Daytona).
Now, if you are looking for a well-executed watch with a modern personality, casual appeal and value for money, then this is the watch for you. With a starting price of INR 145,000, Baume offers an array of features in an immaculately executed timepiece. A true tool watch with its 100m water resistance and automatic movement, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club is a properly handsome, functional watch; like we said, you can literally wear it all day long! Even when compared to competition like the Longines Sport, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club is superior in quality and overall aesthetics.
Discover the Baume & Mercier Clifton collection
The Baume & Mercier Clifton collection is available at Ethos Watch Boutiques.
What’s your take on the Baume & Mercier Clifton Club? Let us know in the comments section below!
Clifton club is refinement at its best.