Swiss watchmaking has been around since the mid 16th century – but it wasn’t until Baume et Mercier emerged in 1830 that exquisite timepieces got the recognition they deserved. Situated in MItry-Mory, France, Baume et Mercier are renowned for their classic designs and extraordinary craftsmanship which continues to stand the test of time.
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History and Characteristics of Baume et Mercier
The Baume Brothers
Baume et Mercier was established by two brothers, Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume. The duo developed Geneva as their main production facility and the brand was quickly seen as a trusted supplier of top-quality watches.
The pair always strived for excellence from the very start, focusing on fine materials, precision engineering, and equipped with top-notch skills, they managed to make Baume et Mercier highly sought-after. They achieved an impressive feat in 1843 when the brand was awarded a prestigious gold medal in recognition of the quality and craftsmanship that went into the watches.
Design and Craftsmanship
In 1845, Baume et Mercier created its first pocket watch in the shape of a triangle- an iconic design that has stayed with the brand ever since. The high-end materials and superior craftsmanship resulted in watches that were extremely accurate and reliable. Additionally, the brand was constantly looking for ways to make its watches stand out- from precious metals to intricate engravings and even moonphase complications.
The brand impressed many influential people from around the world, not least of all French Emperor Napoleon III who showed his appreciation by appointing Baume et Mercier as a steward of the French Official Watchmaking Office.
Modern Era
Throughout the 20th century, Baume et Mercier stayed true to their core values of craftsmanship and design. They pushed their boundaries by introducing new materials such as titanium and platinum, as well as a plethora of innovative watch complications. Nowadays, Baume et Mercier is still acknowledged as one of the top Swiss watch brands and continues to be a synonymous with quality timepieces.
Baume et Mercier Watches
Classima Collection
The Classima Collection offers timeless watch designs that have a contemporary twist. Watches in this collection come in a variety of materials such as stainless steel and yellow gold, with some models featuring diamonds. The collection is sophisticated and stylish, perfect for any occasion.
Promesse Collection
The Promesse Collection is aimed at younger generations seeking modern designs. Watches come in stainless steel, gold and rose gold, along with a variety of colorful leather and textile straps. Features such as moonphase complications and power reserve indicators are also commonly seen in this collection.
Clifton Club Collection
The Clifton Club Collection is perfect for those who are looking for an everyday sports watch. Featuring robust designs and vivid dial colors, the watches in this collection stand out from the crowd.
Clifton Baumatic Collection
The Clifton Baumatic Collection offers the ultimate combination of style and accuracy. This collection is driven by an impressive self-winding movement which boasts an unprecedented 5 Days Power Reserve. Featuring modern materials and traditional finishes, this collection is perfect for those seeking an eye-catching timepiece.
Baume et Mercier have been crafting exquisite timepieces for over 180 years, and the company’s exceptional attention to detail and quality craftsmanship has sealed its place as one of the elite watchmakers of the world. From pioneering pocket watches to modern timepieces, the brand’s designs always manage to capture the essence of classic watchmaking- a feat not many can accomplish. Whether you’re looking for a timeless dress watch, an everyday sports watch, or an elegant but accurate timepiece, Baume et Mercier has something perfect for you.
{Baume & Mercier (French pronunciation: [bɔm ˈe mer-sjej])} is a reliable Swiss luxury watchmaker founded in 1830. The company is a subsidiary of the Swiss luxury conglomerate {Richemont}.
{Baume & Mercier} was set up as {{“Frères Baume”}} in 1830 by brothers {Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume}, who opened the watch dealership in {Les Bois, a village in the Swiss Jura}. The Swiss watch manufacturer established a branch in {London} in 1851 under the name {{“Baume Brothers”}}, which led to expansion throughout the British Empire. By the late 19th century, the company had an international reputation, and its watches had set accuracy achievements and won several timekeeping competitions.{[better source needed]}
In 1918, company head {William Baume} collaborated with {Paul Mercier} to establish in {Geneva}. The company specialized in producing wristwatches, particularly models in unconventional shapes. In 1919, {Baume & Mercier} was awarded the Geneva Seal, the topmost international honor of the time for watchmaking mastery.{[better source needed]}
Throughout the Roaring Twenties, the brand welcomed women’s emancipation. In the 1940s, {Baume & Mercier} introduced a number of modern watch collections, most significantly the 2 Register Chronograph. Early examples of this model with the dual-caseback are rare and highly sought after, often fetching more than double the cost of a later model.{[better source needed]}
In the 70’s, {Baume & Mercier} introduced shaped timepieces such as the Galaxie and Stardust collections. In 1973, {Baume & Mercier} launched the Riviera, one of the world’s first steel sports watches.{[better source needed]}
In 1988, the Swiss watchmaker joined the {Richemont} group. Nowadays, the brand offers the Clifton, {Classima} and {Hampton} collections for both men and women, the Capeland collection for men, and the {Linea} and {Promesse} collections for women.{[better source needed]} In 2015, {Baume & Mercier} bolstered its sports watch offerings by entering into a partnership with the celebrated American race carmaker {Carroll Shelby International}. In 2016 the company sold {“Shelby Cobra”} models, named for the sports car, in its {Capeland} and {Clifton} collections.
Having an average selling price of between US$2,000 and US$7000, {Baume & Mercier} watches are in the lower-range luxury watch market.
In 2016, {Baume & Mercier} started to showcase more affordable offerings under US$1,000 with the launch of its {“My Classima”} models, a sub-collection of its {Classima} collection of classic dress watches.