Christmas Watch Reference Guide

Jad · 2021-12-20T09:37:21Z

Explore the Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic, a chronometer-certified timepiece with a 120-hour power reserve. Discover collector insights on its design, proprietary movement, and value within the luxury watch market.

Jad's discovery of a Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic in a Milan boutique window sparked a lively discussion among collectors. His original post, featuring striking images of the timepiece, invites the community to share their perspectives on the brand and its distinctive movement. This article synthesizes the ensuing conversation, highlighting why this particular model and the Baume & Mercier brand continue to captivate enthusiasts.

I was looking at this nice watch window in Milan, and found this new Baume et Mercier.
We do not see them often here, the dial case material combination looked so nice.
I thought of sharing these pictures and would love to hear your comments about this brand and the “simple” movement which is very basic in terms of decoration but nevertheless Chronometer certified and 120 hours power reserve

Key Points from the Discussion

The Clifton Baumatic's design, particularly its three-hand configuration on a modern yet classical dial, is highly appealing, though the inclusion of a date window is a recurring point of contention for some collectors.
Baume & Mercier, especially the Baumatic series, offers excellent value and a unique proposition within the luxury watch market, often being less commonly seen than other brands, which is a significant plus for collectors seeking exclusivity.
Some collectors hold Baume & Mercier in high regard, even comparing its significance to maisons like F.P. Journe or Roger Dubuis due to personal connection and appreciation for its offerings, such as the Classima.
While some Baume & Mercier models historically used Sellita movements, the Baumatic series features a proprietary movement developed by ValFleurier, a shared manufacturing facility within the Richemont group, which also supplies similar movements to other Richemont brands.
The Baumatic movement, despite its 'simple' decoration, is chronometer-certified and boasts an impressive 120-hour power reserve, indicating a focus on performance and reliability over elaborate finishing.
The use of silicon components in modern movements, as seen in some Richemont group calibers, contributes to enhanced performance and durability, making them robust and easily serviceable.

The Discussion

amanico

Dec 20, 2021

It makes me strangely think of...

Ok, this one even more...

Jad

Dec 22, 2021

Yes indeed

Chronometers with

eklektik

Dec 20, 2021

My feeling is that they stand with Longines and similar brands

The movements are Sellita usually, since ETA stopped selling their production outside of Swatch group. Finish is good, inspiration may come from elsewhere as pointed by Nico. They should be rather bulletproof and can be repaired anywhere. I look forward to reading other point of view. Best, E.

Jad

Dec 20, 2021

Thank you for your kind comment

The movement in this one is not Selita nor ETA they claim it is manufacture movement.

India Whiskey Charlie

Dec 20, 2021

"The BaumaticTM BM12-1975A caliber"

It's a proprietary movement developed by ValFleurier, the shared facilities owned by the Richemont group. A similar movement exists in other brands owned by Richemont.

Jad

Dec 20, 2021

You mean BM13-1975A?

Thanks for the info, I didn’t know they were part of Richmond

Key Points from the Discussion

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