Where: The Sunset Tower Hotel, Los Angeles
Watch: Baume and Mercier Clifton Baumatic
When: 9:08 a.m.
There are few situations in Los Angeles as elegant as breakfast at the pool of the Sunset Tower Hotel. I love staying there when I visit L.A. Jet lag usually gets me up early, so sometimes I'll have the pool terrace all myself, if I'm lucky. The staff are familiar and always kind, and there's no better way to achieve that 'first morning in L.A.' feeling than as the sun comes up over the terrace and streams through the pool umbrellas. It's a classic, timeless place than requires a classic, timeless watch. So I was happy to have the Baume and Mercier Clifton Baumatic with me on this recent trip. This automatic watch has a simple yet sophisticated design with a clean, easy-to-read white dial and date window at 3 o’clock. The case is stainless in 40mm and comes with an alligator strap. You can pair it well with a suit, but it also works handsomely alongside my poolside breakfast kit of a Sunspel polo and white denim. I've always thought Baume and Mercier was a lot of value for a true Swiss watch, and this Clifton is easy on your eyes and gentler on the wallet at under $3,000.
'Time and Place' is Matt Hranek's regular dispatch on the latest watches from around the globe for Condé Nast Traveler. #watchwednesdays @wmbrownproject