Watch Wednesday: A Watch That Worships One Man’s Obsession With Speed

For those of you not in the know, Burt Munro was a New Zealander who travelled halfway across the world to the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah, USA, to set a land speed record in his handbuilt speedster based on an Indian Scout. He did this at the age of 68 years and with a heart condition, on what was then a 47-year-old motorcycle. His speed record set on 26th August 1967 still stands unbeaten in its category. In case you're wondering, the official top speed recorded was 296.2593kmph. Still not impressed? Unofficially, Burt was clocked at 331kmph!

Also read: Burt Munro Tribute Run At Bonneville 2017 

It is fitting then that such a legend has a watch inspired by his feats. Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier actually has a series of watches in collaboration with Indian Motorcycle. Among them is a timepiece that pays tribute to the legend. The Clifton Club 10404 is a retro-looking timepiece with a white dial, a stainless steel case and red leather strap. Those who indulge in Burt Munro trivia will straightaway recognise the significance of the large ‘35’ on the yellow seconds subdial. It was Burt’s competition number, the number which was on the record-setting motorcycle. The black tachymeter ring also highlights the number ‘184,’ which appears odd until you realise that it is the officially clocked record speed in miles per hour. 

Also read: Watch Wednesday: A Norton You Can Wear On Your Wrist 

Apart from the Munro references, the timepiece also has Indian Motorcycle influences like the logo on the end of the second dial and the backplate. The two silver subdials get a ribbed finish, a subtle reference to the vast surface of the Bonneville salt flats.

Also read: Watch Wednesday: Hublot MP-05 LaFerrari 

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Inside, the Swiss watch gets Baume & Mercier’s Valjoux 7750 movement which several watch connoisseurs call one of the world’s best movements. It is a self-winding automatic timepiece that offers upto 48 hours of reserve power.

Like all good things, the Baume & Mercier  Clifton Club 10404 is a limited edition timepiece with only 1967 pieces made. For those of you who didn’t catch the reference, that’s the year Burt Munro set the land speed record. The price? This timepiece is available at select watch boutiques at a price of Rs 2.86 lakh.