Hands-On: With The Baume & Mercier Clifton Chronograph (Live Pics & Pricing)
Live from SIHH 2014 we gave you a look at one of the new complications introduced into the Baume & Mercier Clifton collection, the Clifton Retrograde Date Automatic. Baume & Mercier also added a chronograph to the mix. It's a simple three-register chrono with day and date indicators and relatively conservative styling. The details are executed nicely and coming in at under $4,000 it offers a pretty nice complete package at a reasonable price.When Baume & Mercier launched the Clifton collection this time last year, the initial offerings included time-only, GMT, and complete calendar models. They all shared 1950s-style Arabic numerals mixed with teardrop-shaped batons on the dials, simple but robust case shapes, and quality (if not particularly unique) movements. Aside from the case sizes being a little larger than we'd like ideally (41-43mm), these are modern watches that really appeal to someone who likes a vintage aesthetic. 2 OF 13 The Clifton Chrono

Las Vegas
Had a great time in Vegas this past holiday weekend!Got to visit the AP boutiqueThey had recently sold their blue 15400 and ROC, but the black dial watches looked and felt great on my wristThe 44mm RG has so much wrist presence (and heft)!The 44mm ceramic is very shinyOne customer was wearing a blue dial RB, another a 44mm forged carbon, and 3 women were looking at gold/diamond models, and I think purchased at least oneAlso visited the RM boutique, but no pics allowedThe Black Phantom 011 is very coolThe watch stores in the Wynn and Palazzo also had great eye candyWanted to see the new IWC Timezoner chronograph, but not yet availableHowever, didn't see any interesting watches in the wild, not even at the higher limit tables

Thinking of a 15202
I've had my 15400 with the black dial for about two years now. I also picked up a Daytona over Christmas. I really love the size of Daytona since my wrist is under 6.75 inches, but I've always wanted a blue dial Royal Oak, and the 39mm would be perfect on me (I once had a 15300). I did ask AP about switching the black dial for the blue, and they said no since the blue is a boutique edition. I was planning to sell the 15400 after it comes back from Clearwater for the 3rd year warranty service, which would bring me down to a Rolex 114060 and the Daytona. Now I'm entertaining the idea of selling both the Daytona and 15400 to buy a 15202 instead. That would still leave me with my Sub and the 15202, which I think I'd be happy with.Thoughts?

Speedmaster 57 Retro
I haven't seen anyone talking about this model which is surprising because I think it's one of the best watches from Basel this year.I loved the Speedmaster 57 when they first introduced it two years ago, but the lack of the broad arrow hour hand definitely bothered me. They called it the 57, but it lacked identity. I liked that they used it in the sub dial, but thought it would have been better as the hour hand. I also didn't like the PCLs which have also been changed for this version. Now the center links are brushed and the outer thinner links are polished.They have addressed those concerns, but they made another design choice that I'm conflicted about.Vintage Lume.I'm conflicted because I think this version looks fantastic. The black dial and the tan color of the lume look great together. I also like how the lume areas are recessed instead of applied indices. The problem is that forced vintage looks which is obviously what they are going for.Not in stores until July, but from what

Speedmaster differences
Which one would you choose self winding or automatic?I see that some of the speedmaster's back is clear case (is that aftermarket)ProfessionalCaliber: Omega 1861Famous manual-winding chronograph movement that was worn on the Moon. Rhodium-plated finishPower Reserve: 48 hoursDay-dateCaliber: Omega 3606Self-winding chronograph movement with day, date and month indications.Power Reserve: 44 hoursDateCaliber: Omega 1164Self-winding chronograph, chronometer movement with rhodium-plated finishPower Reserve: 44 hoursReduced Caliber: Omega 3220Self-winding chronograph movement with rhodium-plated finishPower Reserve: 40 hoursor the more expensive Speedmaster 50th Anniversary Limited SeriesCaliber: Omega 3201Hand-winding chronograph movement with column wheel mechanism and Co-Axial Escapement for greater precision stability and durability. Free sprung balance, with hour, minute and small seconds hands, central chronograph hand. White rhodium-plated movement with special wave decoration, circula