Baume & Mercier

Baume & Mercier watches combine long-standing expertise with fresh, innovative ideas. The result is exceptional timepieces of the highest quality—true to Baume & Mercier’s guiding values: A watch is far more than the object it represents—it is a mirror of our emotions. It is unique and irreplaceable.

In 1830, the Baume family opened one of the first watch shops in Les Bois, located in the Swiss Jura. Thanks to the dedication and industrious spirit of the Baume brothers, Louis-Victor and Joseph-Célestin, “Baume Brothers” soon became a leading watchmaking company. 

After opening a branch in London and later expanding across the United Kingdom, the brand quickly gained worldwide fame. In 1892, the Maison achieved a milestone with a chronometer pocket watch featuring a built-in tourbillon and exceptional accuracy. It won a chronometry competition organized by the Kew Observatory—and remained unbeaten for over ten years. 

In 1918, William Baume, of the third generation of the Baume watchmaking family, joined forces with Paul Mercier. Together they founded “Baume & Mercier, Genève.” Under their leadership, the company weathered both the watch industry crisis and the Wall Street Crash of the 1920s. 

Even then, the brand continuously adapted to the spirit of the times, demonstrating versatility and creativity. To highlight the importance of women’s emancipation, Baume & Mercier already focused on women’s preferences in its early models. In the late 1940s, the brand launched the Marquise, a ladies’ watch. 

During the following decades, Baume & Mercier laid the foundation for what would become the traditional round wristwatch. In the 1950s and 1960s, the Maison developed several models—including chronographs—that were already equipped with complications such as moonphase and date displays. 

Even with these early designs, Baume & Mercier demonstrated creative excellence. With the Galaxie and Stardust models introduced in the 1970s, the brand gained recognition and multiple awards for its bold innovation. 

In 1973, Baume & Mercier introduced the Riviera, the world’s first sports watch crafted in stainless steel—another landmark moment for the Maison. 

In 2013, the brand unveiled the Clifton, a modern collection whose technical sophistication clearly reflects the brand’s legacy in horological excellence. The watches embody Baume & Mercier’s proud heritage and entrepreneurial spirit, reinterpreted for today’s world.

Baume & Mercier built its reputation on watches featuring intricate complications and highly accurate chronographs. The company was recognized early on for its precision and attention to detail, earning ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals at international watch exhibitions.