Read our hands-on review of the 2025 Clifton Baumatic by Baume & Mercier: refined design, Baumatic calibre, remarkable value. Exclusive pics. Pricing.
Last May, in our preview, we highlighted the arrival of the new generation of the Clifton Baumatic by Baume & Mercier. Now, after spending time with the watch, we can return with a closer look at what makes this latest iteration stand out.
The model is appreciated for its clarity and elegance, complemented by a manufacture calibre that delivers excellent performance at a level of accessibility rarely found in this category.
Drawing on the tradition of slim, round wristwatches that rose to prominence in the 1950s, the Clifton line preserves timeless codes but also introduces practical enhancements and greater versatility.
With this latest generation, Baume & Mercier has refined the model even further, adjusting proportions, details, and finishes while preserving the qualities that have made it such a compelling proposition.
For this review, we had the opportunity to spend time with two stainless steel references: the M0A10771, presenting a blue gradient lacquered dial paired with a matching alligator strap, and the M0A10793, featuring an off-white grained dial on a steel bracelet.
The new Clifton Baumatic is housed in a 39 mm x 11.2 mm case crafted from stainless steel. The lines have been streamlined, and the diameter reduced compared to the previous 40 mm generation.
Case and bezel are polished, with satin-brushed flanks that emphasise the refined geometry and connect seamlessly with the curved lugs.
The crown is slimmer and better integrated, helping protect it from accidental shocks. Water resistance is rated at 5 ATM (50 metres / 165 feet).
The reduced diameter and slimmer profile improve comfort on any wrist size, lending the timepiece a refined, contemporary presence.
For reference, the wrist in our photos measures 17.8 cm / 7 inches in circumference.
The elegantly domed sapphire crystal protects a dial where the Arabic numeral at 12 o’clock makes a return, balancing the date window now positioned at 6 o’clock to reinforce the overall symmetry, further enhanced by the crosshair motif characteristic of Clifton models powered by the Baumatic movement.
Riveted trapezoidal indexes, an outer minute track, and alpha-shaped hands contribute to a layout that ensures excellent legibility at a glance.
The hour markers and hands of the white grained dial are 5N gold-plated.
Visible through a sapphire crystal case back secured by four screws, the self-winding Manufacture Baumatic calibre BM13-1975A beats at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vibrations per hour) and offers an impressive power reserve of 5 days (120 hours).
The movement is resistant to magnetic fields up to 1,500 Gauss, ensuring reliable performance in everyday conditions. This is achieved through a silicon balance spring that is lighter than traditional alloys, resistant to corrosion, and less sensitive to shocks and repeated vibrations.
Its high-performance escapement features an optimised geometry that reduces friction and improves torque transmission, increasing efficiency and extending autonomy by approximately 30%.
These advancements also contribute to longer maintenance intervals for both the movement and the watch.
Finely decorated, the calibre showcases circular graining on the bridges, a sandblasted and snailed baseplate, and an openworked oscillating weight adorned with snailed Côtes de Genève.
The Clifton Baumatic is designed for comfort and style, whether worn on a strap or a stainless steel bracelet. Both options feature a practical system that allows for easy, tool-free changes.
Owning both enhances the watch’s adaptability, allowing a smooth switch between a refined leather look and a sport-chic steel appearance.
The lugs include two holes — one positioned for the bracelet and another closer to the case for the strap — ensuring a precise fit for each.
The alligator leather strap is crafted with square scales, tone-on-tone stitching, a beige lining, and reinforced bar tacks at the buckle.
The three-link bracelet, with its polished and satin-finished surfaces, integrates harmoniously with the case.
Both are secured with a stainless steel triple folding clasp featuring safety push-pieces for reliability and ease of use.
The new Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic models in stainless steel are priced at €3,550 / US$3,450 on an alligator leather strap or €3,700 / US$3,600 on a steel bracelet. The Clifton Baumatic is also available in an 18-carat rose gold version at the price of€8,900 / US$8,500.
The latest generation of the Clifton Baumatic builds on the strengths that made its predecessor so appealing, offering a design that feels universally well-balanced, solid technical performance, and remarkable value.
With refined proportions, thoughtful updates, and the enduring excellence of the Baumatic calibre, Baume & Mercier proves its ability to evolve while staying true to what has made this model so appreciated.
A harmonious blend of style, precision, and accessibility, the new Clifton Baumatic remains one of the most compelling watches in its segment. baume-et-mercier.com
Truly excellent. Love the gradient blue.
ReplyDeleteYes, blue but with steel bracelet for me.
ReplyDelete