Category: Baume & Mercier Replica

SIHH 2016 : Presenting Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph CompleteCalendar

Post author By ukwatches
Post date July 18, 2016

They are classic timepieces which contain solid movements, and are versatile. Now, Baume have added another complication to the range – meet the Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar. This is not the first Clifton featuring a calendar feature; for example there was the Retrograde Date and Big Date, but is a new combination.

So let’s look at the dial, which is, in keeping with the brand and this collection, classically laid out. The layout will also hint at the inside, for those famliiar with such things.

In recent years Baume & Mercier’s Clifton range has entrenched its position as ‘the’ collection for those wishing to enter the world of luxury replica watches via Baume.

Baume & Mercier have decided to emphasie legibility at a glance by using different coloured hands for different indications. The time is as per convention, with the two hands on the central axis, and a small seconds sub dial at 9 o’clock with rhodiumed hands. There is also a day/ night indicator at 9 o’clock and a 24 hour scale with a gilt hand. The hand with the arrow-tipped point on the central axis points to the date, there are two windows at 12 o’clock with the day of the week and month, and a moonphase at 6 o’clock.

Now for the chronograph function, which is indicated by the blued hands with its seconds noted by a long blued hand. The 30-minute counter is at 12 o’clock and the 12-hour counter is at 6 o’clock circling the moon.

The rest of the dial is faithful to the Clifton replica watches, with silvery white main-plate and metallic applied indices.

Coming on a alligator straps, these are replica watches that aren’t about pretending to be anything other than what they are – replica watches to be used for functionality and not fashion, and for longevity. For those wanting to enter the world of luxury replica watches and want something with more than one useful function on it, this is another classic offering from Baume & Mercier.

Inside the usual Clifton 43mm case is the automatic Valjoux 7751 (what I mentioned at the outset about the dial layout hinting at the movement, for those who are interested or know such things) finished with an engraved rotor, adorned with Geneva stripes, blue screws and perlage on the mainplate and bridges.

Tags Baume & Mercier, chronograph, Hands-on, SIHH 2016, Switzerland, Watch Profile, watches

Baume & Mercier Replica

SIHH 2016 : Replica Baume Mercier Clifton Chronograph CompleteCalendar

Post author By ukwatches
Post date January 24, 2016

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In recent years Baume & Mercier’s Clifton range has entrenched its position as ‘the’ collection for those wishing to enter the world of luxury replica watches via Baume. They are classic replica timepieces which contain solid movements, and are versatile. Now, Baume have added another complication to the range – meet the Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar. This is not the first Clifton featuring a calendar feature; for example there was the Retrograde Date and Big Date, but is a new combination.

So let’s look at the dial, which is, in keeping with the brand and this collection, classically laid out. The layout will also hint at the inside, for those famliiar with such things.

The rest of the dial is faithful to the Clifton replica watches, with silvery white main-plate and metallic applied indices.

Tags Baume & Mercier, chronograph, Hands-on, SIHH 2016, Switzerland, Watch Profile, watches

Baume & Mercier Replica

Replica Baume Mercier Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar Hands On

Post author By ukwatches
Post date December 7, 2015

Baume & Mercier offers nicely made replica watches with quality Swiss movements, for reasonable price. Their replica watches are typically the entry-level to the world of luxury replica watchmaking and we can ensure that they will provide great pleasure to those seeking an elegant, classic timepiece to be worn on a daily basis. One of our favorite here is the Clifton, that we reviewed in a rather complicated edition, the Retrograde Date. Another edition is about to be launched at the 2016 edition of the SIHH, with even more complication displayed on its dial. Here is the Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar.

As said, the execlllent replica Baume & Mercier Clifton is certainly our favorite of the collection, both because of its nicely shaped case and elegant dials and because it boasts the more complicated displays of the brand. It exists with a large date and power reserve, with retrograde indications, with a chronograph or more simply with a small second. For the 2016 edition of the Salon International de la Haute Horlogerie (understand the SIHH), Baume & Mercier mixes calendar indications with a chronograph, for a replica watch that will give quite a complete package.

At first, the dial of the new Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar might appear a bit clustered, a bit busy, as it features no less than 8 hands, 3 sub-dials and 3 windows. You’ll have the indications of the time, of a complete calendar and a chronograph. However, the layout remains quite clear and cleverly executed, thanks to hands in different colours.

timing: 2 hands on the central axis, that indicate the hours and the minutes, plus a small second running in the sub-dial at 9 (these 3 hands are silver-coloured) and finally a day and night indicator in the sub-dial at 9, with a 24h scale and a gilded hand.
calendar: 1 hand on the central axis points the date that is printed on the periphery of the dial, 2 windows in the sub-dial at 12 indicate the day of the week and the month and finally a window in the sub-dial at 6 indicates the moon-phase.
chronograph: indicated by blued hands (to set apart from the rest of the indications). The chronograph seconds are on the central axis with a long blued hand, the 30-minute counter is at 12 and the 12-hour counter is at 6 (circling the moon)

Many indications that in the end remain clearly separated. The rest of the dial is faithful to the other Clifton replica watches, with a silvery white main-plate and metallic applied indexes, still with this typical and elegant font. This display is easily recognizable and gives clues on what ticks inside the replica watch: the automatic Valjoux 7751. This robust movement boasts 42 hours of power reserve. It is here finished with an engraved rotor, adorned with Geneva stripes, blue screws and perlage on the main plate and bridges. The movement is visible through the sapphire caseback.

The Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar comes with the same elegantly shaped case as the rest of the Clifton collection. It measures 43mm, a case that wears actually quite nicely, as we’ve seen in our review, but that we’d like to see reduced at 40mm or 41mm, for a more understated elegance). This stainless case is brushed on the top and the side and features a nice chamfer that runs on the sides of the replica watch, from a lug to another. It will be delivered on a black alligator strap and a folding clasp.

The Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar will be officially introduced during the SIHH 2016 (starting on the 18th January 2016) and will be priced at 4,800 Euros in stainless steel and 5,450 Euros in stainless steel with a gold bezel. www.baume-et-mercier.com.

Tags Baume & Mercier, Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograp

Baume & Mercier Replica

Replica BAUME MERCIER : JadePromesse

Post author By ukwatches
Post date November 13, 2015

If we go back a bit over a year ago to elegant Replica Watches & Wonders 2014 Baume & Mercier launched a special edition of their sucessful Promesse line, with red lacquer, to mark the occasion. This year they followed up with another limited edition of eight pieces, this time with a jade bezel. It is the newest member of the pieces that they call Emblematic’ replica watches.

The new Jade Promesse is in the same 34mm case as its red predecessor, with sixty-one diamonds surrounding the oval stone bezel and silver-coloured guilloché dial in what they call a “drapé” design. With the use of jade perhaps more than with the use of red lacquer, Baume et Mercier have tapped into a stone that bears great sentimental and symbolic value to its intended audience. Not just this, but as Design Product Director Alexandre Peraldi told me during the fair, there was a lot of trial and error innvolved in finding the right jade and managing to cut a piece of jade into this shape. When you look at how thin it has to be in order to fit into this, you can completely understand what a difficult process this must have been.

Inside is a Swiss quartz movement, which is the only thing I’d have changed about this replica watch. Engraved on the back is “Limited Edition”. Coming on a glossy white alligator strap, the Jade Promesse is a rather attractive piece, it’s just a shame about the movement. It would have been fitting had something like jade, which is about longevity as much as many other things, been pared with a movement intended for longevity.

[Horologium attended Replica Watches & Wonders 2015 by invitation of Richemont Australia]

Tags Baume & Mercier, Hands-on, Hong Kong, Limited Editions, Watch Profile, watches, Women's watches

Baume & Mercier Replica

Replica WATCHES WONDERS 2015 : Baume Mercier Clifton 1830 PocketWatch

Post author By ukwatches
Post date October 12, 2015

In this the year of its 185th birthday Baume & Mercier has chosen to mark it with an unexpected offering that was launched in Hong Kong at Replica Watches & Wonders – a five-minute repeater pocket replica watch.

Named after the year in which they were founded, the Clifton 1830 Pocket Replica Watch’s five-minute repeater function, courtesy of a movement provided by Dubois-Depraz Called the D73, chimes the hours and then the number of five minute intervals past the hour. It may not be as precise as a minute repeater, but with Baume et Mercier wanting to keep the cost of it down, as much as anything, it makes sense. For those unfamiliar with repeaters, activation is via the (traditional) protrusion on the side of the case.

The movement, visible through the case back, has skeletonised bridges and blued screws. Power reserve is forty-six hours.

On the front it is pure Clifton in its clean dial with red gold Arabic numerals and indices, and an opaline silvered dial.

At 50mm in diametre with a thickness of 14.4mm, it is in 18k red gold and comes on a black calfskin leather strap, which makes it a lot lighter in terms of being able to be used. You’re not likely to have it anywhere near water, but don’t worry if there’s a small splash onto it, it’s 5ATM.

Admittedly the booth was rather noisy when we listened to it, but upon activation the pocket replica watch was audible but with a touch of could-be-louder. However, in a nice touch the pocket replica watch comes with a JMC Lutherie ‘resonance tray’ soundboard made of spruce wood and Kevlar. Putting it atop makes it louder as well as providing an interesting ‘stand’ for it. Perhaps for the bedside?

The new anniversary Clifton 1830 ‘Emblematic Piece’ pocket replica watch comes in a numbered limited edition of 30 and costs AUD70,000.

[Horologium attended Replica Watches & Wonders 2015 by invitation of Richemont Australia]

Tags Baume & Mercier, Hands-on, pocket watches, watches, Watches & Wonders 2015

Baume & Mercier Replica

ON THE WRIST :Replica Baume & Mercier Capeland ShelbyCobra

Post author By ukwatches
Post date August 24, 2015

A little while back I attended the Sydney launch of luxury fake Baume & Mercier’s tribute to the classic Shelby Cobra racing car, and got some ‘quick and dirty’ photographs of both the models, stainless steel and red gold.

When I was asked by Baume et Mercier Australia a number of weeks later whether I wanted to have the stainless steel version for a little while, I naturally answered in the affirmative. The blue stripes on the dial are subtle, had proven elusive in the lighting conditions on day of the launch, and I wanted to try and capture it. Also, I’d never really spent time with a Capeland, so it would be an opportunity to have, on a broader level, some experience with something from this collection.

Firstly, let us revisit the basics.

The dial is dark blue with a sunburst finish, and has two discreet racing stripes in a slightly lighter blue that are a reference to the Cobra’s stripes, as opposed to the car’s white stripes. The hour and minute hands reference steering wheel spokes and there is a laser-cut cobra, the Shelby logo, on the seconds hand. The chronograph sub-dials are a contrasting silver, and designed to look like dashboard gauges.

Inside this 44mm case (which is bigger than many of its Capeland siblings) is a La Joux-Perret Calibre 8120 with a 42-hour power reserve and perlage finishing on the main plate and bridges. The La Joux-Perret 8120 is a modified 7750. Its presentation is fairly utilitarian and you can see it all through the engraved case back.

At 14.9mm it is the same thickness as other Capelands such as the 10082 and 10084, to give two examples, so for those who are familiar with the Capeland collection, you will have a fair idea of the Capeland Shelby’s heft and how it fits on the wrist. It isn’t a small replica watch, but if you’re comfortable with replica watches from about 43mm upwards, you will be fine with this replica watch. The play of light on the blue stripes is perhaps its most attractive features; a nice discreet reference to the tie-in but ‘general’ enough as a decorative item to have broader appeal. The Cobra logo is something that is probably going to appeal more to the Cobra fans.

In terms of the chronograph functionality and the ‘feel’ of the pushers, for the sample replica watch that I was loaned they were what a friend calls within the normal deviation for this movement, so for those familiar with it, there are no surprises; the reset on this particular replica watch was slightly smoother than the start/ stop pusher.

The strap is black alligator with red calfskin rubber-like lining, contrasting grey stitching and on a folding clasp. This lining is quite comfortable, and even though I tried it during winter, it struck me that makes it would be particularly good for warmer months for wearers for whom the combination of heat, perspiration and leather is an issue.

Perhaps the Capeland Shelby Cobras are aimed foremost at owners and admirers of the cars after which they are named, but with the exception of the cobra on the seconds hand, the other references are discreet enough that the replica watch will probably have broader appeal on purely design grounds. For those who have been interested in getting a Capeland but been wanting something slightly different, you may want to take a look.

An important thing to note is that the stripes are only as clearly defined as they are in this photo under certain lighting conditions, at certain angles. At night, for example, or in a dark restaurant, they can barely be seen.

Watches of Switzerland is the exclusive Australian retailer for the Capeland Shelby Cobras, and the RRP is $5690.

Tags Baume & Mercier, chronograph, Hands-on, Limited Editions, On the wrist, Sydney, watches

Baume & Mercier Replica

Replica BAUME MERCIER : Capeland Shelby® Cobralaunch

Post author By ukwatches
Post date July 6, 2015

Earlier this year Baume & Mercier announced two limited edition chronographs to commemorate a new partnership with legendary racecar manufacturer, Shelby American, Inc. When you think about Baume & Mercier car partnerships aren’t what comes to mind, but such partnerships are common in the replica watch world, so perhaps in that sense it is unsurprising.

Founded by racing driver Carroll Shelby, Shelby-American Inc created one of the most famous and recognisable sports cars, the Shelby AC Cobra.

Let’s start with a bit of history.

In September 1961 Carroll Shelby wrote to AC Cars in Surrey, England, asking if they would build him a car modified to accept a V8 engine. AC agreed, provided a suitable engine could be found. After some failed attempts he ended up with Ford, who offered a newly developed engine. In January 1962 AC Cars fitted the prototype chassis with a 260 ci Ford V8 for testing. The chassis was moved to L.A. in February, and Shelby and his team started road-testing it before putting it into production.

AC exported completed cars (sans engine and gearbox) to Shelby in L.A., where they had engines and gearboxes added. The first 75 Cobra Mk1 models had the same engine as the prototype. The remaining 51 Mk1 were fitted with the For 289cu in (4.7L) V8 and from there, the company grew, with different chassis and engine combinations used. However, with only 1,003 Cobras produced in the three years until its end in 1965, kit versions have become immensely popular in their own right, and Sydney owners formed part of its local launch.

Carroll Shelby’s success reached its pinnacle in 1965 when his cars won Division 3 (Over 2000cc) at the FIA Championship’s International Championship for GT Manufacturers, with Ferrari beaten into second place. To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Championship win, Shelby are building fifty Shelby Cobra 427s, and Baume & Mercier are partnering with them by creating some matching replica watches.

In late June 2015 Baume & Mercier Australia officially launched these two new models in Sydney, and I was invited to see them ‘in the metal’.

The Baume & Mercier Cobra collection consists of 44mm sized steel and red gold chronographs based on their Capeland model. The differences between the two Shelby models lie in the case metal, movement, and the dial design.

The stainless steel version is in a limited production of 1,965 (self-explanatory) and the red gold, in a numbered limitation of 98 pieces in tribute to Carroll Shelby’s Cobra racing number.

Firstly, the stainless steel version.

The dial is dark blue with a sunburst finish, and has two attractively discreet racing stripes in a slightly lighter blue (they were impossible to capture in the lighting conditions on the day I took thes photos) that are a reference to the Cobra’s stripes, as opposed to the car’s white stripes. The hour and minute hands reference steering wheel spokes and there is a laser-cut cobra, the Shelby logo, on the seconds hand. The chronograph sub-dials are a contrasting silver, and designed to look like dashboard gauges.

Inside is a La Joux-Perret caliber 8120 with a 42-hour power reserve and perlage finishing on the main plate and bridges. The La Joux-Perret 8120 is a modified 7750.

For the red gold version, the dial is markedly different, with the chronograph sub-dials left blue. Apart from the metal, the hands are the same as for the stainless steel version.

Movement-wise, the ‘flyback’ on the dial is the giveaway for the red gold version. It uses the La Joux-Perret 8147-2, an automatic movement that is also based on the ever-reliable 7750, but highly modified to incorporate a flyback function, which is visible through the laser-engraved case back with the collection name and the late Carroll Shelby’s signature. Unlike the other model, this one only features two sub-dials – a small seconds at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock.

My favourite of the two? The stainless steel purely on design/ colour grounds.

For those interested, at the 2015 North American International Auto Show a 3D-printed 1965 Shelby Cobra was on display. Here is a short video of its construction.

Both models come in a box with an miniature of the 427 Cobra. For those who get the red gold model, you will also receive an attractive large hardback book detailing the full history of the Cobra. There were two red gold pieces allocated for Australia. On the night of the Sydney launch at Replica Watches of Switzerland, one was sold to someone with a Cobra. A fitting new home.

Tags Baume & Mercier, chronograph, Hands-on, Limited Editions, Sydney

Baume & Mercier Replica

Replica Baume Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date – Full Review

Post author By ukwatches
Post date September 22, 2014

High quality replica Baume & Mercier is a classic brand that may not create the same enthusiasm as Rolex or Omega. BUT it is a brand that pleases a large audience because of its timeless elegance. For this reason, it should not be underrated and should be regarded as a luxury product with mass appeal, possessing a discreet and ‘reasonable’ appearance – it is a replica watch that is certainly not made for the hard-core replica watch lovers, but for people who just want to wear a beautiful replica watch on a daily basis. And we have to keep in mind that these people comprise the majority of customers. For that reason, we wanted to try a replica watch that every man could enjoy: this is a Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date, one of the most complicated of the Clifton range.

The Clifton range is large and composed of simple 3-hand replica watches, a chronograph equipped with a Valjoux 7750, a high-end edition based on a manually-wound movement made by La Joux Perret and a complicated calendar edition with retrograde hands. The Clifton collection is certainly the most elegant and modern made by Baume & Mercier. The other collections are more classical or inspired by vintage replica watches.

Because we love replica watches and complications here at Monochrome-Watches, we chose to review this Clifton Retrograde Date, a replica watch of reasonable cost that still features a complicated layout. It shows enough originality and indications on its dial to please any replica watch enthusiast and to create the illusion of a very complicated replica watch. Once again, the goal of the Richemont Group with B&M is not to compete with Breguet or Vacheron-Constantin, but to please a large audience, from young active men to more discreet but established people. Don’t expect any heightened eccentricity or a grand-complication from the brand. Instead, you’ll find elegant, archetypal and very well-made replica watches suitable for wearing on a daily basis. The Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date embodies all of these standards perfectly.

Overall appearance

Classical really is the best word to describe the Baume & Mercier Clifton, even though that might not be the first impression for some. One aspect of this timepiece that I experienced during the review was others’ polarized reactions to it. On the one hand, it seemed to strike replica watch collectors and industry insiders as somehow too conventional. But on the other hand, the majority of casual enthusiasts saw the Clifton as an elegant and very high-end replica watch. Assessing its complicated layout, they also overestimated when guessing at its price-tag.

I’ve been wearing this replica watch during the summer, both with sporty and casual outfits and also during business meetings with formal clothes. And every time, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date found the right place on my wrist. A natural fit for weekends with its large stainless steel case, it was also elegant enough for a suit and tie combo. The association of a brown strap with a bright dial certainly prevents the Clifton from being ostentatious; it practically blends into the crowd. However, lots of small details – the shape of the case, the layout, the hands and indexes – lend it a more refined and high-end feeling. And aren’t details and restraint hallmarks of real luxury?

Features

A closer look at this Clifton reveals deeper layers than the casual observer would attribute to a merely elegant replica watch. (Here comes the really interesting part for us!) Whereas the masses are wearing 3-hand replica watches, the Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date allows access to the world of complications, and for a reasonable price. It comes with practical features (day and date indications, power reserve function) but all displayed ‘differently’ than we’re used to seeing. No apertures or rotating discs here for the indications, but rather, hands. And each is moving in a specific way – one rotates; one is a gauge; one is retrograde and makes instant jumps.

The strength and main features of this Baume & Mercier is to create an interesting display, complicated enough to please people who get bored with simple replica watches – and for a fraction of the price of a Vacheron-Constantin. If you look at the dial, you’ll find that the functions are at least as complicated as a Traditionnelle Day-Date and Power Reserve (maybe even a bit more complicated, since the Clifton’s date is retrograde). But the VC will cost you more than 25.000Eur. Of course, the Baume & Mercier is in stainless steel; of course the finish is not as fine, and human hands did not exclusively craft all the final operations; of course the Clifton doesn’t come with an in-house calibre. But these are features for the real aficionados. For an everyman who wants to buy a nice replica watch, this Baume et Mercier will give him more than he might expect, with an overall quality that is truly pleasing.

Dial and hands

The dial and hands of the Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date bring a certain originality to its largely classical aesthetic. The treatment of the dial itself, meaning the colours and the materials, is really traditional. The face is made with an opaline base that is slightly grained in a sunburst pattern. This finish gives off nice reflections – much more satisfying than a plain dial that might easily prove boring. The indexes and the main hands (hour-minute-second) are made of gold-plated stainless steel, with a mirror-polished finish. The secondary indications (day, date and power reserve) are distinguished by blued hands and black inscriptions. Overall, it is a nicely made face, with an elegant look and a good contrast between the hands and all the inscriptions. It is easy to read and provides lots of practical information.

The originality also comes from the layout – three secondary indications and three distinct ways to display them. The day at 9 uses a typical sub-dial with a rotating hand. The power reserve at 6 relies on a ‘gauge’. Finally, the date is indicated at 3 with a retrograde hand. Even if these indications are all different, the dial remains visually balanced and not overloaded. On the contrary, it creates a pleasantly complicated effect and enlivens a dial that could have been empty and too classical.

Case and Strap

The Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date comes with a 43mm stainless steel case, and a see-through caseback secured by four screws. Before going into the design and the comfort, let’s agree that the quality, for a replica watch priced under 5.000-Eur, is very good. First, the 3-part case feels heavy and very well assembled. You can’t feel any spaces or gaps in its adjustments and joints. The case has several finishes: the bezel is brushed, as are the sides and the tops of the lugs. We also note a very nice mirror-polished rim that goes from one lug to another. The transition between these two finishes is clean and precise. It gives the replica watch a refined design.

The case is basically classical in shape, but nice details, such as the lugs, do create some unique departures. In our previous article about the Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph, we were already attracted by this blended aesthetic. At that time, our Executive Editor Frank Geelen said “I cannot help seeing a resemblance with the lugs of the Universal Polerouter, one of Gerald Genta’s first designs. These feature the same “shaved” and angled shapes. On the Polerouter website (check here), you can find pretty much everything about the Polerouter. I’m saying this because I’ve always found the lugs of the Polerouter (and later Omega Seamaster Professional models, which featured similar lugs) to be visually very pleasing.” After handling the replica watch for a few days, we can tell you that at first, those lugs really resemble the Polerouter’s; and then, once on the wrist, they are really comfortable and look great. In terms of design, the Clifton Retrograde Date is not especially eccentric and does strike a classical note. However, the finish and details excite perennial interest.

We might have preferred a 40mm or 41mm case size, which would be more in line with the concept of a dress replica watch. However, Baume & Mercier’s approach with the Clifton collection is more about producing a refined, modern and classical replica watch than it is about fitting into a totally “dress-watch” mould. And regardless of the size, Clifton is very comfortable and feels balanced on the wrist. Sure, it could have been smaller – but neither is 43mm at all shocking. Plainly put, this replica watch is up-to-date and answers the demand for larger timepieces.

The strap is made of brown, quality alligator leather with square scales and a matching stitching. It comes with a triple folding clasp with security push-pieces. Once again, nothing conspicuous, but an appealing excellence. Another of those details worth noting is the curved shape of the strap between the lugs, which is both elegant as well as rare in this price range.

Movement

Considering the price-tag and the level of complication that the Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde offers, don’t expect to see an exceptional movement here. It applies the same concept that Montblanc uses for its Meisterstück Heritage Perpetual Calendar and Moonphase – a simple and robust base movement with a complication module added on the top, in order to reduce the overall price of the replica watch. The Clifton Retrograde relies on a Sopord ‘tractor’, the 9094. It’s an ETA 2892 clone that will power the replica watch for many long years without any issue. It has 30 jewels, ticks at a modern frequency (4hz, 28.800 bph) and boasts 42 hours of power reserve.

The finishing of the movement is, as you would expect, classical: rhodium plated bridges with circular graining finish, straight Geneva Stripes on the personalized, engraved rotor, and blued screws. Nothing spectacular, but it is clean. The see-through caseback is not especially necessary with such a movement but it will please the non-aficionados to have a view of the engine.

What about a sister from another brand? The Baume & Mercier vs. the Montblanc Timewalker

Those two share lots of similarities – same movement, same layout, same size – and are made by the same mother company, the Richemont Group. However, each has its own different personality: while the Clifton Retrograde Date mingles easily among the elegant and refined, the Montblanc goes by more modern and masculine codes.

Both share the same movement: the Soprod 9094. So the indications on the dial are the same, as well as the layout – same retrograde hand for the date, same power-reserve gauge and same sub-dial for the day. Both are comfortable and well balanced on the wrist. But once you go beyond the shared DNA and inner structure, the respective designs of these half-siblings part ways. Where the Baume et Mercier has a 43mm case, the Montblanc comes in a 42mm case and has a thinner bezel.

The main design difference, though, has to do with colour. The Montblanc has a full black dial, with a matching strap. The dial is more modern, less classical in its shaping. Same goes for the case, with its typical hollowed lugs (take a look here for a closer view) and fully polished finish. The Montblanc is priced lower than the Clifton, at 3.580-Eur – the Baume & Mercier is priced at 4.690-Eur. Considering that both share the same specifications and movement, we say that the choice between the two editions is just a matter of taste (the Baume & Mercier may have a little advantage in terms of quality and details, which justifies the higher price). If you’re looking for something very modern and inspired by design, go for the Montblanc. If you’re more drawn to a classical aesthetic, and use your replica watch in a business environment, the Baume & Mercier may be more suitable.

Verdict

The Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date is one of these objects that uses “default-mode” to its advantage. Let me explain. On the whole, there’s nothing at all wrong with it. It is classy, very well made, comfortable; and delivers useful indications within a complicated and original display. On the wrist, it is elegant and pleases the eye for a majority. But that’s also the main weakness of this replica watch. It is not shocking; it is good, but not outstanding; it will be seen as a fine timepiece, without question – but not as an iconic or timeless one. It is not a grail or dream replica watch. But keep in mind, this is the opinion of a replica watch lover and collector who is used to handling truly astonishing replica watches.

From a regular consumer’s standpoint, it’s clear that Baume & Mercier has embraced the concept of producing a high-quality timepiece with a non-aficionado market base in mind. The price is reasonable at 4.690-Eur, the details are pleasing, and the movement is robust and complicated enough to capture and keep its wearer’s interest. The Clifton Retrograde Date may not constitute a piece of haute horlogerie, but it is a solid choice for anyone who prefers to live outside of that world.

Pros

The useful complications
The interesting display
A very good overall quality and attention to details (case, dial and strap)
The elegant and refined look

Cons

The 43mm diameter (a 40/41mm would be more elegant)
No luminous material (even on the hands)
A certain lack of charisma and audaciousness and thus, a replica watch that collectors and replica watch lovers will mostly find to be too classical

Tags Baume & Mercier Clifton Retrograde Date Replica

Baume & Mercier Replica

ON THE WRIST : Replica Baume ＆ Mercier’s Clifton RetrogradeDate

Post author By ukwatches
Post date June 4, 2014

Earlier this year, I covered Baume et Mercier’s new Clifton Retrograde Date, which I first saw at SIHH 2014. Recently, I had the opportunity to test drive one for a month with thanks to Baume et Mercier Australia.

For those unfamiliar with the Clifton range, it was introduced in 2013 and has proven to be very successful for the brand, with its 43mm case and classically conservative dials having broad appeal.

When I first wrote about the Retrograde, I made a comment that it is my favourite Clifton model so far, both because of my fondness for retrogrades and because I thought that it was a good expansion to the range for those who like the core of the Clifton design but are in search of something a little bit different. So, after a month with it on my wrist, do I still feel this way?

The short answer is ‘yes’.

I wear both vintage and modern replica watches, with my largest replica watch an aberration measuring 47mm, but with a personal preferred size zone of 36mm – 42mm. With this in mind, 43mm is at the upper end, but the Clifton case is not a big one to wear, and because the Retrograde is light, even those accustomed to sub-40mm dress replica watches may not notice the size as much as they think they would. The lugs are short and curved, and it’s not a hefty replica watch. It sits very comfortably, and during the month that I was wearing it, I found that I wasn’t that conscious of its size.

In showing the Retrograde to (watch) friends, there was some debate about the symmetry and balance of the dial, namely with regards to the size of the retrograde indicator. It’s large, but I don’t personally have any major balance issues with it – it cannot be too small within the context of the size of the dial, although perhaps there is a point about it being a fraction too close to the centre of the dial (a shorter indicator hand would allow for a slight move), but this would be nitpicking. The retrograde date is easy to see at a glance, even those with poorer eyesight, and this is a tick in its favour for me.

As mentioned in the previous post, the movement inside the Clifton Retrograde is the an automatic Soprod 9094 calibre (i.e. ETA 2892 with a Soprod calendar module), visible through the open case back. As you can see in the photograph, the movement is small – in fact it’s 25.6mm. The replica watch is 43mm. That leaves a lot of space, which is the reason for the size of the open section of the case back.

There has been some discussion by those who, because of the size and type of movement, are of the view that Baume et Mercier should have considered a closed back, perhaps with an engraving on the caseback. There are, as ever, arguments to be put on both sides of the open/ closed debate when it comes not just to this replica watch, but to those replica watches that use movements such as the ETA2892.

It is fairly much indispuitable that for the average replica watchnerd/ collector, if there is an open caseback then they want to see something quite decorated, a complex movement etc. However, don’t forget that the average replica watch consumer isn’t a movement geek and quite likes the idea of seeing a movement ‘do its thing’at the back of their replica watch; there is room for all of us.

This is the first replica watch with a power reserve indicator that I’ve worn for any period of time. What I learned from this was that I became hyper-aware of how much power was left, and I tried to keep it at a minimum of 75 per cent. One thing about this replica watch and its movement – if the power reserve is low, it doesn’t take very much wearing of the replica watch to get it back up to capacity again. I was pleaantly surprised at how even an hour or two of wearing it whilst working at a computer could make such a difference.

The Retrograde is a dress replica watch, but in wearing it, I found it versatile for both dressed up and down occasions; it is equally at home with a pair of black jeans as it is a suit. As mentioned earlier, it is light and as with the other Cliftons, sits easily and comfortably on the wrist. It was a replica watch I enjoyed wearing, and my thanks to Mathilde and Grace of Baume et Mercier Australia & NZ for entrusting it to me for a test drive.

The Australian RRP for the Clifton Retrograde Date is AUD7,200.

Tags Baume & Mercier, On the wrist, retrograde, SIHH 2014, Sydney

Baume & Mercier Replica

SIHH 2014 : BAUME MERCIER Clifton RetrogradeDate

Post author By ukwatches
Post date February 23, 2014

luxury replica Baume & Mercier

The emphasis throughout the luxury replica Baume & Mercier presentation at SIHH 2014 was on ‘affordable luxury’, with ‘quality’ and ‘price’ being keywords. With this in mind, amongst the new additions to the Clifton line announced by Baume et Mercier at SIHH 2014 was this, the Clifton Retrograde Date.

In a 43mm stainless steel case (12.05mm thick) and with the Clifton sapphire case back revealing an automatic Soprod 9094 calibre, this is probably, aesthetically speaking, my favourite Clifton to date, as I have a particular liking for retrogrades. In this instance, it is a retrograde date function – for those who don’t know what it is, the blue hand advances each day until the end of the month, whereupon it will snap back to the beginning, to start the new month.

As well as time and the retrograde date, this new model also has a power reserve indicator on the dial. The dial itself is satin-finished silver, with the numerals, indices and hands gilt. It comes on a brown alligator strap.

The price may vary between markets, but the Swiss price is 4,800 CHF. As mentioned at the outset, Baume et Mercier are keen to emphasise that they are ‘affordable luxury’, and with the notable exception of the tourbillion, about which I blogged here, they have been sticking to this.

Tags Baume & Mercier, Hands-on, SIHH 2014, Switzerland, Watch Profile