Baume & Mercier pays tribute to Indian legends
In August 2017, Baume & Mercier announced its partnership with Indian, America’s First Motorcycle Company. In this unique collaboration, the two brands have captured the iconic spirit and translated it into a series of three one-of-a-kind timepieces: the Clifton Club Indian Burt Munro Tribute, and the Clifton Club Indian Legend Limited Edition watches. These chronograph models, which celebrate legendary heritage, fine craftsmanship, and pure motorcycling spirit, is a great kick-start for this lifestyle partnership.
Clifton Club Indian Burt Munro Tribute
This self-winding chronograph edition, limited to 1,967 pieces, features a number of special details designed to commemorate the extraordinary achievement of Burt Munro, who dedicated his life to motorcycling. His story has inspired many generations of motorcyclists, and is immortalised in the 2006 film “The World’s Fastest Indian”, starring Anthony Hopkins.
Immediately apparent is the Munro’s lucky number, 35, in the second counter at 9 o’clock highlighted by a horizontal black line. The dial itself is silver-coloured with sandblasted finishes, meant to mimic the surface of the Bonneville Salt Flats, where his record was set. The counterweight of the chronograph seconds hand is the immediately recognisable Indian “I.” The 44mm polished stainless steel case has a tachymeter scale on the bezel, with the speed record, 184 mph, highlighted on it. Next, the “Indian Red” colour of the calfskin strap evokes the deep vermillion shade that is identified with the Indian Motorcycle Company, and the colour of the Munro Special. On the back of the case, which houses the self-winding Valjoux 7750 calibre, the famous Indian Headdress logo of the Indian Motorcycle Company is engraved, as well as the number of the limited edition: “one out of 1967”.
Clifton Club Indian Legend Tribute, Scout Limited Edition
Housed within a 44mm polished and satin-finished stainless steel case with ADLC details and operating at a frequency of 28,800 vph, the Clifton Club Indian Legend Tribute, Scout Limited Edition is powered by the self-winding calibre Valjoux 7750, offering a 48-hour power reserve. The watch is limited to 1,901 pieces representing the year 1901 when Indian was founded.
The riveted indexes as well as the green emission Superluminova-coated hour and minute hands are complemented by the tachymeter, date and chronograph functions, with the counterweight hand in the form of the Indian “I.” The date disc displays “1901” at the 19th day of the month to recall Indian Motorcycle foundation’s date, which is engraved on the screw down case back, along with the Indian Motorcycle logo.
The chronograph counters are designed to recall the speedometer, while the open-worked opalin grey with black-snailed counters evokes the livery shade of the Scout motorbike models. The Scout edition features a richly toned leather strap reflecting the brown colour of the Scout’s seat and is made by the famous US-based Horween Leather Company.
Clifton Club Indian Legend Tribute, Chief Limited Edition
The Clifton Club Indian Legend Tribute, Chief encloses a self-winding movement forged in a 44mm diameter case in polished/satin-finished steel stainless steel case with ADLC details. The riveted indexes along with the hour and minute hands coated with green emission Superluminova enhance the full black dial, surrounded by a tachymeter scale for speed measurements. The watch is limited to 1,901 pieces representing the year 1901 when Indian was founded.
Signature elements from Indian’s design – such as the red chronograph seconds hand featuring the Indian “I”; the date disc with the “1901” mention that recalls Indian Motorcycle foundation’s date, which is also engraved on the back of the case along with Indian Motorcycle Headdress logo – are also present. The Chief edition is fitted with a 3-row polished and satin-finished stainless steel bracelet secured with a triple folding-clasp.
