Baume & Mercier Watches
Baume & Mercier traces its watchmaking roots back more than 175 years to the Baume brothers who made fob watches as early as 1830. While many watch brands lay claim to a historical lineage, very few can claim their uninterrupted history of watchmaking. Since its inception as Frerers Baume (Baume Brothers), by Louis Victor Baume and Pierre-Joseph-Celestine Baume, the brand has changed hands many times, but it has never ceased operation. Few know that it is the 6th oldest watch company in existence.
Freres Baume officially became Baume & Mercier in 1918 when William Baume (grandson of Louis Victor Baume) joined the family business to that of jeweler Paul Mercier. By the time both Baume & Mercier retired from active roles in the company in 1937, the company had a well-established distribution network in five continents. The company boasts the largest distribution network in the Richemont group, with over 300 points of sale worldwide.
Baume & Mercier was purchased in 1964 by jeweler and watch manufacturer Piaget. The Piaget ownership contributed to the brand by adopting the Greek letter Phi and its associated Golden Ratio as symbols for Baume & Mercier. Piaget also provided technical expertise in the form of ultra-slim movements. Watches from this period are often found with Piaget movements. Also under the Piaget leadership, in 1973 Baume & Mercier introduced the Riviera, with its unique dodecahedral case. In production for more than 30 years this style has been integral to the brand’s success.