No published evidence shows that either watch starts conversations. The “break the ice” phrasing is a pun on the two Clifton references, which share an ice-blue guilloché dial as part of Baume & Mercier’s Clifton Ice Blue Editions. The brand’s own material establishes the design and specifications, but says nothing about social response, so the useful question is whether the two models suit you as watches.
What the pun refers to
Both references belong to the Clifton collection and both are presented in the same ice-blue colourway. The launch announcement describes the pair in one sentence: “Both creations are powered by the Maison’s Baumatic movement and feature an exclusive ice blue guilloché dial.” (Baume & Mercier, “Clifton, Ice Blue Editions” (2026).) The shared dial is the only real link between the two models, so the title’s wordplay rests on colour and vintage-inspired styling, not on any function that would make a watch a conversation starter.
The two references at a glance
The Clifton 10870 (reference M0A10870) is an automatic date watch with a 39 mm case. The Clifton 10872 (reference M0A10872) is an automatic perpetual calendar with a 40 mm case. The table below sets out the values stated in the brand’s launch announcement and the 10872 product page.
| Feature | Clifton 10870 | Clifton 10872 |
|---|---|---|
| Reference | M0A10870 | M0A10872 |
| Complication | Hours, minutes, seconds, date | Day, date, month, leap year, moon phase |
| Case diameter | 39 mm | 40 mm |
| Case thickness | 11.22 mm | 12.87 mm |
| Movement | Baumatic BM13-1975 manufacture movement | Self-winding Baumatic BM13-1975 AC2 with a Dubois-Dépraz module |
| Power reserve | Not stated in the launch material consulted | 120 hours (product page) |
| Water resistance | 50 m | 50 m |
| Crystal and caseback | Domed, double-sided anti-reflective sapphire crystal; caseback not stated | Sapphire caseback; crystal details not stated |
| Strap or bracelet | Integrated three-row steel bracelet with a tool-free interchangeable-bar system | Blue alligator strap that can be changed without tools |
| Dial | Ice blue guilloché, crosshair, snailed minute track, date at six | Ice blue guilloché |
| Edition size | Not stated in the launch material consulted | Limited edition of 20 (launch page, 2026) |
Sources: Baume & Mercier launch announcement (2026) and the Clifton 10872 product page. Collection context is on the Baume et Mercier Clifton collection page.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- Baume et Mercier Clifton Baumatic Automatic Blue Dial Men's Watch M0A10593
The 10870: a simpler date watch
The 10870 is the more straightforward of the pair. Its movement shows hours, minutes, seconds and the date, with the date window at six o’clock. Its 39 mm case is the smaller of the two, and its integrated steel bracelet gives it a continuous, jewellery-like profile. Because it carries no secondary calendar, it asks less of the wearer: there are no month or moon-phase displays to read or set.
The 10872: a perpetual calendar with moon phase
The 10872 adds the calendar functions the 10870 lacks. It displays the day, date and month, adjusts for leap years and shows the moon phase. The 40 mm case is about 1.6 mm thicker than the 10870, and the blue alligator strap gives it a different character from the steel bracelet. The product page specifies a 120-hour power reserve, so the watch can run for about five days on a full wind, a figure the launch material does not give for the 10870.
Rank #2
- Featuring a Blue Band, Silver-tone Case, Scratch Resistant Sapphire Crystal
Limited-edition status
Both models are part of the Ice Blue Editions. The launch page states that the 10872 was “Produced in a limited edition of 20.” The launch material does not state an edition size for the 10870. The announcement contains no sales, demand or audience figures, so the edition count tells you how many pieces were made, not how much they are worth or how well they sell.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which trade-off suits you
- Choose the 10870 if you want a smaller, simpler date watch on a steel bracelet, with fewer displays to manage.
- Choose the 10872 if you want a perpetual calendar with moon phase, a sapphire caseback, a longer stated power reserve and an alligator strap, and you can accept a thicker, larger case.
- Either model gives you the same ice-blue guilloché dial, so the colour choice is not a reason to prefer one over the other.
Current prices, retailer stock and regional availability change often and were not verified for this comparison. Check with an authorised Baume & Mercier retailer before you buy.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Minute markers around the outer rim
- Stainless steel case with a stainless steel bracelet
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 41mm
- Water resistant to 165 feet
Rank #4
- Stainless steel watch with silver dial featuring rose gold-tone hands and alternating Arabic numeral and index hour markers
- 43 mm stainless steel case with anti-reflective sapphire dial window
- Swiss automatic movement with analog display
- Leather band with deployant-clasp-with-push-button closure
- Water resistant to 50 m (165 ft): In general, suitable for short periods of recreational swimming, but not diving or snorkeling
Rank #3
- Grey dial with rose gold-toned hands and alternating arabic numeral and index hour markers
- Stainless steel case with a brown alligator leather strap
- Swiss-automatic movement
- Case diameter: 43mm
- Water resistant to 165 feet
“
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
