Introducing: The Clifton Club, Burt Munro Tribute Limited Edition

Earlier this year, Baume & Mercier announced their partnership with Indian Motorcycle. Continuing this collaboration, the brand has announced the Clifton Club Burt Munro Tribute Limited Edition. Which honors the legendary motorcycle racing legend.

By Josh Shanks

Contributor

Milan, Italy, Nov 7th - Announced at the EICMA motorcycle show, this limited-edition Clifton Club is sure to surprise and delight fans of accessible luxury horology and motorcycle enthusiasts alike. Like their partnership with Shelby Cobra, Baume & Mercier added another iconic brand in Indian Motorcycle. The limited edition automatic chronograph features several details designed to commemorate the achievements of Burt Munro.

Lee Munro, Bert Munro’s great nephew, pilots the “Spirit of Munro” at the Bonneville Salt Flats Speed Week

The hallmarks

You’ll immediately notice the large yellow 35 inscribed on the seconds counter, the number 35 happens to be Munro’s lucky number. The “Indian Red” calfskin strap adds a fun contrast that links the piece the colors of Indian Motorcycles.

The silver-colored sandblasted dial features snailed finishes, which is meant to resemble the surfaces of the Bonneville Salt Flats. At the bottom of the chronograph seconds hand, you’ll notice the Indian “I.”

Clifton Club Burt Munro Tribute Limited Edition

The case

The 44mm steel case shows a tachymeter scale on the bezel, with Burt’s record of 184 mph. On the case back, the Indian logo is engraved, as well as the number of the limited edition.

“You live more for five minutes going fast on a bike than other people do in all their life.”

Burt Munro

New Zealand motorcycle racer Burt Munro, famous for setting an under-1,000 cc world record, at Bonneville, 26 August 1967

The inspiration

Burt Munro, born in New Zealand in 1899, was a professional motorcycle racer. He devoted his life to chasing speed in all forms. In 1926, he purchased a 1920 Indian Scout. After some tinkering, he souped up the bike to be race ready. He encased his Scout in a red aerodynamic shell, called a streamliner and emblemized the exterior with a black and yellow number 35.

Burt visited the Bonneville Salt Flats several times throughout his life. He set three speed records at Bonneville and is widely regarded as one of the best racers to take on the iconic track. He passed away in 1978, relatively unknown outside the world of motorcycling racing.