The big news for Baume & Mercier at SIHH 2019 was the release of the Clifton Baumatic Perpetual Calendar. The addition of a Perpetual Calendar complication helps elevate the prestige of the Baumatic collection — which was introduced last year to rave reviews — and showcases the brand’s technical capabilities. To go along with the Perpetual Calendar, Baume & Mercier also updated the entry-level Baumatic with a multitude of other options featuring either a gradient blue dial or a rose gold case. In total, five new references joined the Clifton Baumatic collection at SIHH 2019 (not including the Perpetual Calendar). Here’s what you need to know about the latest line extension for Baume & Mercier.
The original Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic series included two dial color options in black or white. The case material was entirely stainless steel other than a single two-tone model with a solid rose gold bezel. The new options include a solid 18k red gold case with a satin finish in its COSC-certified iteration (distinguished via a crosshair placed on the dial’s central axis) on a black alligator strap or a gradient blue dial that comes on either an integrated five-row stainless steel bracelet with a mix of polish or satin finish or a black alligator strap. Both blue dial options are available in either the COSC-certified design with the crosshair or without it.
Other details about the new models remain similar to last year’s time-and-date hero piece. There’s a date window at 3 o’clock and a nicely-done crosshair in the center of the dial for the COSC-certified versions. The lancet hands, trapezoidal indexes, small Arabic numerals at the end of the indexes, and dotted minute track all add to an overall streamlined appearance. The BM13-1975A caliber boasts a five-day power reserve and is visible through a sapphire exhibition caseback. The rotor features additional Côtes de Genève decoration.
There are a few notable differences between last year’s introductions and this year’s models. For the red gold model, the case diameter has shrunk from 40 mm to 39 mm in a bid to keep the price accessible. The movements inside each of the new Baumatic models will not include one of the Baumatic’s original defining traits: a silicon hairspring. Last fall, the New Journal of Zürich reported that Richemont was being restricted in their usage of silicon due to patent claims by the Swatch Group, Rolex, and Patek Philippe. The threesome are a part of a consortium that backs the Swiss micro-engineering firm CSEM.
Blue was certainly on trend at Richemont HQ this year as Baume & Mercier was not alone with their introductions. Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre both released a number of pieces in a variety of blue tones such as the Master Ultra Thin Moon Enamel. The blue Baumatics are quite good looking with their degradé effect, and the fact that the new dial color won’t come at a premium is a positive. Prices are yet to be confirmed but the COSC-certified blue dial will be priced around $2,500 on an alligator strap while the bracelet version will be priced slightly higher. The red gold model comes in at a very appealing $7,000 making it one of the more affordable solid gold dress watches on the market today.
