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Few things embody the Christmas spirit of generosity and affection like a thoughtful, beautifully crafted gift, and few such gifts allow the recipient to vividly hold and cherish that memory quite like a meticulously appointed timepiece from Baume & Mercier.
The epitome of elegance, Baume & Mercier largely allows its timepieces to speak for themselves—an unusual approach in the world of fine horology—and this understated confidence from the Swiss watchmaker only enhances each watch’s air of refinement. As such, a gift from Baume & Mercier is not only a demonstration of the utmost generosity and affection; it marks a moment worth remembering, ensuring it will stay with both parties for years to come.
Moments like these are certainly rare—this is what makes them so special—but this Christmas offers the opportunity to create just such an occasion. Read on to discover a selection of Baume & Mercier’s impeccable watches, each of which can be so much more than just another beautiful timepiece. Through the act of gifting, they become an elegant and unforgettable expression of feeling.
The Riviera Collection: Refined, Sporty, Chic
A Baume & Mercier Riviera is the kind of gift the recipient simply never forgets. As Man of Many has previously reported, recent additions to the collection have continued its tradition of celebrating the French Riviera, with each watch drawing its own unique inspiration from a particular element of that beautiful part of the world. These vary from greens that recall the pine groves of the coast to shades of terracotta that pay tribute to Massif de l’Esterel mountain range.
While each Riviera is certainly unique in its own way, that iconic 12-sided bezel design paired with four screws remains an unmistakable constant. Since it was first introduced in 1973, it has become one of the great signature designs of the modern watch industry, turning heads daily from its launch right up to now.
Constructed from steel and offering a selection of self-winding and quartz movements, Riviera timepieces come in four different sizes and a variety of aesthetics that extend from the sporty and masculine to those boasting a more refined feminine silhouette. With each watch simultaneously embodying an undeniable casual elegance, the Riviera collection offers a range of elite gifting opportunities that can accommodate almost any style.
The Clifton Collection: Understated Luxury
The Clifton collection has held a special place in Man of Many’s heart ever since we encountered a number of its latest incarnations at Watches & Wonders 2024. As such, we can’t imagine anything we’d rather find wrapped under our office Christmas tree.
Featuring the Baumatic manufacture movement housed in a symphony of delicate curves and exquisite finishes, each Clifton timepiece offers a quiet kind of luxury that, to us, perfectly sums up the Baume & Mercier approach.
From the stunning moon phase date complication of the Clifton 10758 (our favourite model) and the elegant simplicity of the Clifton 10518, to the engineering masterclass that is the Clifton 10632’s perpetual calendar, every Clifton timepiece is meticulously crafted to the nth degree. No matter which of these watches catches your eye, each one promises a Christmas memory just waiting to become reality.
The Classima Collection: A Celebration of Colour
For the creative at heart, Baume & Mercier’s Classima collection pairs the brand’s devotion to the highest level of Swiss watchmaking with a spellbinding use of colour. From self-winding models to those powered by quartz, each model in this collection is playing its own singular game of colour with a variety of mesmerising shades and tones.
Whether you’re drawn to bright blue, sand, green, or black, you’ll find a new chronograph model that perfectly suits your needs. Alternatively, elsewhere in the collection, you’ll discover shades of purple that vary from verging on red to approaching violet, each to enthralling effect. No matter which colour you choose, you’ll find it harnessed here through the immense skill of Baume & Mercier’s gifted artisans.
With such a variety of styles under the Classima umbrella (and a range of sizes that varies from 27 mm to 42 mm), there’s a Classima that’s perfectly suited to just about every wrist. So, why not make someone’s Christmas with one of these incredible timepieces?
The Hampton Collection: Pure Elegance
When the Hampton design was first unveiled in 1994, its unusual design caused something of a stir within the Baume & Mercier faithful, but in the time since, that 1920s Art Deco look has rightfully grown to become beloved.
Despite the early 20th century origins of the Art Deco aesthetic, the Hampton was actually inspired by an iconic piece from the 1960s, which combined simple lines and curves with softened corners and immaculate proportions.
The minimalist effect of this design has made it an ideal canvas for a variety of colour palettes. These include a contemporary all-black version with a black lacquered dial, a crown topped with a black agate cabochon, and a black strap; a rose gold model that’s paired with a black leather strap to stunning effect; and a beautiful steel version boasting a bicolour mesh that mingles steel and rose gold-plated steel.
Regardless of which Hampton model you choose, you’ll be giving more than a gift. You’ll be giving a Christmas memory they’ll never forget.