Baume & Mercier is a fascinating watch brand with a history full of expertise and passion. The brand is known for being one of the most innovative in the industry with a reputation for producing incredibly high quality watches. We have curated a detailed guide to Baume & Mercier to introduce the brand and its collections to those who have not yet discovered it. Baume & Mercier was founded with the philosophy of “accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality”. Today, the brand achieves this by overseeing each stage of the manufacturing process in house. Every Baume & Mercier watch is a result of the passion of the brand’s master watchmakers and an innate desire to innovate. If you would like to learn more about this fascinating brand, keep reading for a detailed guide to Baume & Mercier.
A Brief History of Baume & Mercier
The brand began in a town named Les Bois in the Swiss Jura. It was founded in 1830 by brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume. The pair opened a comptoir horloger with the intention of creating incredibly high quality timepieces in order to gain a reputation for reliability and excellence. Over time, the brothers expanded their business. This atrted with a branch in London named “Baume Brothers”. By the late 19th century, the business had gained a solid international reputation and Baume watches were worn by people all across the globe. The brand’s watches demonstrated a rare accuracy and subsequently won many awards. It was not until the 1920s that William Baume joined forces with Paul Mericer and the brand became officially known as Baume & Mercier. The brand has stayed true to its founding philosophies and continues to find a balance between artistic creativity and technical possibilities.
Baume & Mercier’s Collections
Riviera
The brand’s Riviera collection is best known for its distinctive silhouette. Each of the watches in this family exhibits a dodecagonal case shape with screw details on the bezel. The collection features watches for both men and women. These timepieces all have a sporty, dressy and casual look, making them incredibly versatile and perfect for everyday wear.
Baume & Mercier Men’s Riviera Automatic Blue Skeleton Dial M0A10616
This model features a transparent blue dial that exposes the powerful automatic movement within. The watch is powered by one of Baume & Mercier’s internationally famed Baumatic movements that are widely praised for their precision. This movement can also be viewed through the watch’s exhibition case back. The dial of this timepiece is adorned with silver baton and Roman numeral indices alongside a subtle date display. A dodecagon-shaped bezel and case gives the watch a distinctive vintage-inspired design to create its iconic silhouette. This model is secured on the wrist using a modern stainless steel bracelet for a clean look. Additionally, this timepiece is water resistant up to 10 bar.
Clifton
Baume & Mercier’s Clifton watches are built with a near flawless level of precision. The timepieces in this collection have an air of elegance functionality that allows them to be simultaneously stylish and practical. The classic and timeless style makes the Clifton watches suited to any taste.
Baume & Mercier Clifton Baumatic 40mm Black Dial / Black Alligator M0A10692
This timepiece exhibits a simple black and silver colour palette that ensures it can be worn with any outfit for any occasion. The black dial is detailed with silver baton indices and silver hour, minute and second hands. A date aperture is also features at 3 o’clock on the dial. A polished stainless steel case frames this dial. It measures 40mm in diameter to create a flattering and comfortable fit on the wrist. This case safely houses the automatic movement that powers the watch. This movement provides up to 120 hours of power reserve, ensuring that the wearer is never left without the time. The design of the watch is completed with a simple, yet incredibly elegant, black leather strap.
Classima
The watches in the Classima collection offer a casual and classic look. These watches have very traditional designs, combining a sense of urban chicness with modern refinement. The clean and modern aesthetic of the collection is combined with high quality materials to create a family of excellent timepieces.
Baume & Mercier Classima Diamond Set Automatic Watch M0A10633
This ladies Classima watch has been designed with several touches of luxury. The shimmering mother-of-pearl dial is set with eight diamond hour markers to add a brilliant sparkle. The dial also features a unique moonphase complication which adds a romantic edge to this timepiece. The dial also features blue hour, minute and second hands alongside a date aperture. Scratch-resistant sapphire glass protected the dial and its features. The classic stainless steel case houses an automatic movement that provides up to 38 hours of power reserve. For an eye-catching finish, this watch is secured using a bold blue leather strap.
Hampton
Each watch in Baume & Mercier’s Hampton collection exhibits a rectangular dial. This design features gives the timepieces a vintage-feel, but Baume & Mericer;s signature design adds a touch of modernity. The design combines a harmonious balance of style and material to create a feel of luxury refinement. Each timepiece in this collection is well-balanced and expertly crafted.
Baume & Mercier Women’s Hampton Diamond Set Watch M0A10631
This women’s Hampton model exhibits the rectangular case and dial shape that the collection is so well known for. The white dial is adorned with silver baton and Arabic indices and silver hour and minute hands. The simple colour palette provides this timepiece with a clean and minimal finish that allows it to have a good level of versatility. The case of the watch is made from stainless steel and is set with diamonds down either side of the dial. This luxurious touch ensures that the watch will perfectly catch the light from every angle. A modern and stylish stainless steel bracelet secures this model on the wrist.
Baume
Baume & Mercier’s Baume collection has the most unique look of all of the brand’s collections. Each of the timeepices in this family features an unusual sub-dial design or placement to create an eye-catching design. The Baume collection is arguably the brand’s most modern, making it perfect for those who seek a truly contemporary look. The straps used in the designs within this collection are made from recycled materials.
Baume & Mercier Baume Ocean | Limited Edition | Automatic | M0A10587
This timepiece is a limited edition that was created in collaboration with WFO and the SEAQUAL initiative. The grey strap of this watch is made using recycled plastic and is secured using recycled buttons. These details mean that the wearer can sport their new timepiece knowing that is has done good things for the environment. The watch exhibits a black dial that is adorned with blue elements for a futuristic aesthetic. A black aluminium RPP case frames the dial and houses the automatic movement that powers the timepiece. A very unique feature of this timepiece is that the crown is positioned at 12 o’clock. This ensures that it is far less likely to be knocked and will not put pressure on the back of the wearer’s hand.
What are your thoughts on a detailed guide to Baume & Mercier? Which of the iconic collections has caught your eye? Let us know in the comments!
