Impressions of the Baume & Mercier Unveils Clifton GMT Power Reserve, SIHH 2017

It’s January and we all know what that means: recovery from the holiday season, new goals for a new year and SIHH news and updates. One of our favorite brands, Baume and Mercier, has given us a sneak peek at one of the brand’s latest pieces, the Clifton GMT Power Reserve.

The Clifton line is one of Baume and Mercier’s most celebrated collections and the latest addition to the series will be a sure favorite. The watch comes in a modern 43 mm steel case with polished and satin finishes, highlighting the collection’s hallmark double bevel. At first glance the sun-satin finished deep blue dial attracts the eye and from there the real story on the dial of the watch starts to play out: a GMT.

A favorite companion to any frequent flyer, the GMT complication is featured prominently at the 12 o’clock position via the dual time display. As the eye moves across the watch, the power reserve indicator is easily legible at the 6 o’clock as well as the date at the 3 o’clock. The white print against the blue dial shows well from a legibility standpoint and the watch is well proportioned for maximum readability. The look is super sleek with blue and white and tiny red accents that are sure to thrill any watch lover.

Turning the watch over will reveal that the Clifton GMT Power Reserve is powered by the self-winding Soprod 9035 caliber and offers a 42 hour power reserve. The 50m water-resistant sapphire crystal case back is held in place with four screws and displays high end finishes with its circular-grained plate and bridges, blued steel screws and oscillating weight decorated with “Côtes de Genève.” The watch features curved lugs to ensure that the black alligator leather strap with square scales, tone-on- tone stitching and a triple folding buckle with security push-pieces, fits as comfortably as possible. The piece will retail for $3,690  — real steal for a good Swiss movement and great design.