Baume & Mercier added a new chronograph, and even a tourbillon model to their Clifton collection this year at SIHH, but it was the new Clifton Retrograde model that caught our eye the most. The polished rose gold hour markers; as well as hour, minute, and second hands — on a sun satin-finish silver dial — are really attractive. Furthermore, the blued hands of the subsidiary day, date, and power reserve indications add to the overall good aesthetics while also helping to differentiate from the primary time indications.

The case is stainless steel and measures 43 mm in diameter by 12.05 mm thick, and features both polished and satin-finished surfaces. An anti-glare sapphire crystal protects the dial, with a sapphire caseback secured by 4 screws. Powering the Clifton Retrograde model is a Soprod 9094 caliber, which can be seen through a sapphire caseback. The movement features typical Swiss finishing including perlage on the mainplate and bridges and oscillating weight decorated with a combination of snailing and Côtes de Genève finishing. The automatic caliber runs at 4Hz, has 30 jewels and a 42-hour power reserve.

Functions include hours, minutes, and seconds which are all indicated by central hands. At 9 o’clock in the subsidiary dial that indicates the day, at 6 o’clock in the power reserve indicator, and at 3 o’clock in the retrograde date indication. All functions are adjusted via the crown.

The Clifton Retrograde comes on a brown alligator strap with an adjustable triple folding buckle. Water resistance is 50 meters. The retail price is $5,750. (Ref. MOA10149)