At Gentleman’s Journal we have featured many watches that cost the same a supercar. Walking around with that much money on your wrist often means you leave the watches in the safe — lest you scrape or bump or knock them during the course of a busy day.
Baume et Mercier Clifton Baumatic COSC 10436 steel leather
But still we listen to the watch experts, who tell us that to get the best watch, you need to fork out the same amount you may for a two bedroom flat in Central London. But we’ve found a solution to this pricey problem; the ever trustworthy Swiss watchmaker Baume et Mercier.
One of the brand’s latest offerings, the Clifton Baumatic, boasts an in-house movement and sub-£3,000 price tag. It’s smart, simple, sleek — and won’t reek havoc on your insurance premiums.
Front of the movement showing the date ring
Rear of the movement showing the rotor and escapement
It’s a feat of both engineering and costing. With a 120-hour power reserve — that’s five days off a full wind — sapphire crystal front and back, and a large clear date window at three o’clock, this is a watch that breaks all the rules when it comes to luxury Swiss watches. But, rather than that cheapening the timepiece, it affords it something new, a unique selling point that makes its appearance on the market all the more exciting.
Fully deconstructed in-house movement that powers the Clifton Baumatic
You’d be hard pushed to find another watch at this price point with such a beautifully finished in-house COSC-certified movement, and that combines all the major hallmarks of Swiss watch production, from circular-grained bridges and a sandblasted, snailed plate, to a Côtes de Genève oscillating weight.
Everything that goes into making this timepiece look incredible
With a black alligator strap and pin buckle, it also passes muster when it comes to style — not to mention comfort. So, although it might not cost as much as the Rolex you pull out for black tie dinners, or be as ground-breaking as some of the odder offerings from Hublot, this is the perfect watch in its own right — and you won’t be worried wearing it out of the house…
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