The tachymeter is stainless steel with amount engravings on a stationary bezel with one of the number engravings being “184,” the rate where Burt Munro broke the land speed record. The brushed finish of this dial is interrupted with a commanding black horizontal line running the length of the dial from 3 o’clock to 9 o’clock, which was motivated by the livery of Burt’s bike, the Indian Scout based streamliner. Breaking up that horizontal line is a yellowish seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock stamped with Burt’s lucky number “35.” The texture of this pre-production piece was solid, from its own buckle, straps, instance, and finish. I really liked the theme of the watch and the best part about it was that it seemed vintage. The subtle “Phi” stamping of the bottom strap, near the lugs, is a nice touch without yelling “It is a Baume et Mercier watch.” Another nice touch is the chronograph hand’s counterweight, which is the Indian Motorcycle’s “I.” Lastly, the caseback, while nonetheless not an exhibition caseback, is engraved with the Indian Motorcycle’s headdress logo with all the limited edition number engraving, one out of 1967.
Clifton Club Shelby® Cobra Bucherer Blue Editions © Bucherer
Baume & Mercier’s designers were particularly impressed by the aesthetics and unmatched power of the racing car built during the 1960s. The spokes in the wheels were the inspiration for the rotor inside the movement. Made of titanium, it leans on the car’s lightweight aluminium construction. Design elements, such as the racing car’s typical stripes and Cobra logo, are cleverly integrated into the subdials and second hand. The main dial in blue harmonizes perfectly with the black, carbon-look calfskin strap. It has a blue seam and a blue lining, giving the watch additional character.
The special edition is limited to 100 pieces and watch lovers who secure one of the watches will belong to an exclusive circle. The Baume & Mercier Clifton Club Shelby® Cobra Bucherer Blue Editions will be on sale only at all Bucherer boutiques.