If life is about moments for Baume et Mercier then its SIHH 2016 presentation promises to be one its more memorable ones in recent years.
It was impossible to criticise the brand’s rock-solid new releases that started with its Valjoux 7751-based Clifton Chronograph Complete Calendar. This barnstorming blend of chronograph, calendar and moonphase in a smart, masculine package is designed to wear and priced to sell at £3,500 (steel and leather strap).
If the Clifton promises everything you might ever need from a wristwatch during the week, then the Capeland Shelby Cobra would make for an ideal weekend companion piece. Baume et Mercier’s partnership with legendary American performance marque, Shelby, might not at first have seemed the best fit, but the watch brand is handling the association with a deft touch and most importantly, great watches.
The Capeland Shelby Cobra 1963 is the best yet, presented in two versions; one with steel case on a black leather strap with colour-matched yellow edging and the other (with Competition suffix) mixing steel and tough black ADLC coating on a rubber strap.
The chronographs use decorated Valjoux 7753 movements which are visible through a sapphire crystal caseback, etched with racing number 15, and are limited to 1,963 pieces each.
