Baume et Mercier

Baume & Mercier was originally founded as "Frères Baume" in 1830 by brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume, who opened a watch dealership in Les Bois, a village in the Swiss Jura. The business 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 firm had an international reputation, with its timepieces setting accuracy records and winning a number of timekeeping competitions.

In 1918, company director William Baume partnered with Paul Mercier to found "Baume & Mercier" in Geneva. The company became specialized in manufacturing wristwatches, particularly models in unconventional shapes. In 1919, Baume & Mercier was awarded the Geneva Seal, the highest international distinction of the time for watchmaking excellence.

During the Roaring Twenties, the brand embraced women's emancipation. In the 1940s, Baume & Mercier launched a number of modern watch collections, most notably the 2 Register Chronograph. Early examples of this model with the double-caseback are rare and highly sought after, often fetching more than double the price of a later model.

In the 1970s, Baume & Mercier introduced shaped timepieces such as the Galaxie and Stardust models. In 1973, Baume & Mercier presented the Riviera, one of the world's first steel sports watches.

Recent history

In 1988, the Swiss watchmaker joined the Richemont group. Currently, 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. 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.

Baume

The short-lived, downmarket Baume brand was launched on May 15, 2018. Baume watches were sold exclusively online and assembled in Amsterdam. The brand used Ronda and Miyota movements.