Watch Historian
Watches & Watch Brands
Baume et Mercier Watches
Baume et Mercier was founded in 1830 by the Baume family, experienced watchmakers for many years prior to the Baume et Mercier establishment. At first, the family concentrated on producing enameled pocket watches, but later on progressed to make different styles and variations. Business relations were soon set up in England, and markets opened in Australia and New Zealand. In 1893, the Baume family won a timing competition at the Kew-Teddington Observatory. Later, in 1912, William Baume met Paul Mercier, a jeweler and watchmaker, and soon after, they agreed to establish Baume et Mercier. After the Second World War, sporty chronographs, men’s watches, and ladies’ jewelry watches became the focus. In 1965, the Piaget family began to take control over Baume and Mercier, only to later sell it to Cartier in 1988. The Baume et Mercier symbol, or the phi symbol, represents divine proportion, perfect balance, and harmonious lines. Among its collections are the Hampton, Linea, Capeland, Classima Executives, Riviera, Vice Versa, Diamant, and the Selector. Some of its models include the classic, Riviera Baumematik, Shogun, Formula, Marquis, Avant Garde, and Medicus. There are also newer models, some of which are new, trendy styles named after top locations in the East Coast, such as the “Hamptons”. Some of these new styles include the Hampton models, the Capeland models, the Riviera, and the Classisma models, among several others. Known for its mechanical precision and elegant design, Baume et Mercier watches have become a major brand which is represented in 75 countries, and has markets all over Europe. Each year alone, 200,000 Baume et Mercier watches are produced and distributed worldwide.