[444gsp]

Hi,

I am looking to purchase my first proper watch and I have narrowed it down to two styles, although they are different in styles could someone provide a rough guide on which one is the more prestigious (if any), and some thoughts on the styling of both. My aim for whichever one I choose is to replace the strap with a brown alligator one.

Clifton 10052 automatic watch for men - buy Baume et Mercier

Baselworld 2010: Maurice Lacroix Pontos Day Date | Perpétuelle

Also could I have some guidance on the overall brand image for both Baume and Maurice, is one generally thought of as better?

I did look at spending a bit more to get the Clifton full calendar with a blue face, but thought at 43mm it would be a bit too large for my 6.5 inch wrist.

 

[kblack4]

You picked two beautiful, and in my opinion perfectly equitable, pieces. I have both a B&M Hampton and a Lecriox Les Classiques - granted those are quite different, but each has its purpose and I really like both (despite them being quartz). I don't think either is more prestigious than the other. Taking aesthetics into account, if that matters at all, perhaps the Lecroix would be more universal in use, but that Clifton sure is stunning. I'm afraid I'd have the same dilemma if I had to choose...guess that isn't much help though.

 

[444gsp]

Thanks for your reply, I agree it is a hard choice to make.

Excuse my horribly crude photoshop but this is what my Baume would end up like If I chose it, thoughts?

 

[Zeroedout]

I think they're both about on equal ground as far as "prestige" and "respect" are concerned, assuming your referring to quality and mean within the context of these forums. Both use base ETA movements, saphire crystal and are nicely finished.

In the real world (and depending on where you roam), most people probably won't be familiar with either of the two brands. Then again, most people will never even notice your watch. If I had to give a slight edge to either, I'd probably suggest that Baume et Mercier is slightly more recognizable on the streets....but that's specific to my neck of the woods. Heck, I have to drive nearly 4 hours just to find the nearest ML dealer....but our local Torneau carries Baume et Mercier, so people here are somewhat familiar with the brand (generally speaking).

If by "prestige" you mean in regard to perceived social status, well....that's a slippery slope. Like I said, in the real world, very few will notice or care. On the forums...let's just say everyone has seen it all and nobody is ever impressed. Either way, it's a no-win scenerio.

At the end of the day, they're both nice watches. The only way to make a bad choice is to let others dictate your decision. Buy what you like the best...after all, you're the only one who will ever really be looking at it.

 

[444gsp]

Thanks for the replies. Regarding brands such as Frederique Constant and Longines how do they compare quality wise? And any thoughts on the brown strap on the clifton above?

 

[Watchbreath]

Although I have a soft spot for Baume, the MLC has my eye.

 

[Split Second]

Thanks for your reply, I agree it is a hard choice to make.

Excuse my horribly crude photoshop but this is what my Baume would end up like If I chose it, thoughts?

View attachment 4473938

Now that looks great with the brown strap - I like it so much better than the black.

 

[maxpowerman]

I've got to say that B&M as you've designed it (silver dial, tan leather strap) is stunning. I've always thought that was a killer color combo as I have a Breitling in that exact configuration. Go for it just as the picture shows and you'll have one heck of a timepiece! Remember, share pics once the decision is made!

 

[Hammondo]

It's all down to aesthetics really....and as a dress watch, I prefer the ML......plus the blue dial is very nice. Not keen on small seconds either.

 

[OkeefenokeeJoe]

It's clear you are partial to the B&M. After all, you've taken the time to photo-shop it! That should be your choice … and don't look back.

OkeefenokeeJoe

 

[ajbutler13]

Personally, I like ML in general more than B&M, but that particular version of the Clifton is my favorite B&M of them all. I would choose it over the ML you're debating.

 

[b.r.us302]

Hi,

I am looking to purchase my first proper watch and I have narrowed it down to two styles, although they are different in styles could someone provide a rough guide on which one is the more prestigious (if any), and some thoughts on the styling of both. My aim for whichever one I choose is to replace the strap with a brown alligator one.

Clifton 10052 automatic watch for men - buy Baume et Mercier

Baselworld 2010: Maurice Lacroix Pontos Day Date | Perpétuelle

Also could I have some guidance on the overall brand image for both Baume and Maurice, is one generally thought of as better?

I did look at spending a bit more to get the Clifton full calendar with a blue face, but thought at 43mm it would be a bit too large for my 6.5 inch wrist.

I personally love ML and would go for the one you got pictured in a second. B&M does have it's place though. I love some of their Capeland series. My opinion, ML is higher on the rung though especially their Masterpiece collections some of those pieces are stunningly gorgeous. My understanding the Masterpiece collections are all in house movements. The ML Gravity is amazing but I am attracted to those pieces outside the norm. Another is the Lune Retrograde Limited Edition gorgeous.

 

[Tarika777]

I have a ML Masterpiece and it is both a beautiful watch and looks (to an owner's obviously subjective eye) as a high quality piece. I can't say I've had anyone comment on it, but then that's the case with pretty much all my watches, including 2 Omegas. The vast majority of people are simply not into watches...

As for the 2 watches you've posted, I'll offer my subjective views: I think the brands are comparable in terms of status; I'd pick the ML as I prefer the colour and look of the dial, and the day feature.

However, if you prefer the B&M, go for it and don't look back. The only taste that matters is your own, and you certainly won't go wrong here.

Sent from my HTC_0P6B6 using Tapatalk

 

[bar2020]

I would go for the Baume, just personal preference. I love the style and I think it will be a very versatile piece when you put it on a brown strap. It looks excellent, and it will get a lot of wrist time. This would be on my short list if I was buying in that price range. The ML designs leave me a bit cold, I just don't love them.

 

[Tarika777]

Update that may be of interest to OP: ML is up for sale

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/artic...maurice-lacroix-put-up-for-sale-by-owner-dksh

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