A WATCH I LIKE

The Swiss watchmakers at Baume & Mercier have been at it since 1830, and that kind of pedigree has its benefits. For one thing, they know what they're doing. Like, really know what they're doing, crafting impeccably made timepieces with the best of them. For another, they have an extensive back catalog to look to when they're creating new models. And drawing upon that kind of history, well, it can work wonders.

Take the new Clifton collection. It was inspired by a 1950s specimen by the brand, not particularly shocking considering the simple, sophisticated mid-century aesthetic at play throughout the design. But still, it's a modern watch, larger — 41mm to 42mm — and more robust than its vintage forebears. Which is really just to say that it strikes an impressive balance, feeling at once classic and totally appropriate for this day and age — as well as the days and ages to come. Handy, since it's not at all unlikely that, should you choose to acquire one ($2,700-$6,300) you'll wind up passing it on to your son one day.