The Swiss maison where time is dressed in timeless refinement and watchmaking tradition embraces modernity with distinctive grace.
Founded in Les Bois by the brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume in 1830, the manufacture was transformed in 1918 when Paul Mercier joined forces to create Baume & Mercier. With almost two centuries of history, the maison has forged its reputation by creating watches that masterfully balance classic elegance with an accessible price, democratising Swiss luxury without compromising the technical excellence that characterises Geneva's fine watchmaking.
Louis Joseph Baume opens a watchmaking counter in Les Bois, a village in the canton of Bern, in the Swiss Jura. This modest beginning would lay the foundations of what would become one of the world's most prestigious watchmaking houses.
The beginning of the Baume saga
The Baume brothers open a branch in London, enabling expansion throughout the British Empire to India, Australia and New Zealand. This pioneering choice reflects the House's visionary spirit, capitalising on the strategic importance of chronometry in British maritime operations.
First international expansion
The Baume company pioneers the introduction of the Lépine caliber in the Jura. This new movement structure profoundly improves the reliability, robustness and appearance of the watches, having a considerable impact on the company's prosperity.
Revolutionary technical innovation
The House takes part for the first time in the prestigious chronometry competition at the Kew Observatory in England, where three of its watches rank among the top seven. In 1887, it achieves the competition's highest score with 85,1 points out of 100.
Recognition of exceptional precision
William Baume partners with Paul Mercier to officially found Baume & Mercier in Geneva. The new company directs its production towards high-end watches with contemporary charm, earning first place for the number of pieces hallmarked at the Official State Office in 1920.
A historic merger of talents
Baume & Mercier unveils the Marquise, a design that revolutionises post-war women's watch fashion. This technical achievement in the service of jewellery watches proves that a women's watch can be far more than a miniaturised version of a men's model.
Revolution in women's watchmaking
Designer Jean-Claude Gueit creates the Riviera, with a unique design based on turning a circle into an unconventional shape by connecting the twelve numerals with straight-edged segments. Its name evokes elegance and leisure, winning over a new international clientele.
Revolutionary signature design
Baume & Mercier presents its Baumatic manufacture movement, a magnificent embodiment of the Maison's vision. With resistance to magnetic fields of up to 1.500 Gauss and a 120-hour power reserve, this high-tech caliber guarantees exceptional reliability, performance and comfort.
A new era of in-house movements
In the dials of Baume & Mercier beats the heart of a tradition that has managed to reinvent itself without losing its essence, turning every watch into a living testament to Swiss savoir-faire.
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