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Baume and Mercier

The name Baume & Mercier has been synonymous with quality watches for nearly two centuries. Studious vintage watch collectors might know the legendary Swiss watchmaker for a range of reasons — it created distinctive models for women as they struggled for equal rights during the heyday of the Art Deco era, its shaped watches during the 1970s would certainly impress today’s enthusiasts of tonneaus and the like, and its Riviera emerged when donning a sports watch made of steel was little more than a fantasy.

Louis-Victor Baume and his brother Célestin laid the foundation for Baume & Mercier in a small watch dealership in Les Bois, Switzerland. The pair expanded to London, England, where they established the Baume Brothers in 1851. For the last half of the 19th century, Baume Brothers wristwatches won timekeeping competitions and set accuracy records around the world.

Their chronographs and grand complication models earned them ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals at various international exhibitions. Revered for their superior accuracy, Baume won a competition hosted by the Kew Observatory with a tourbillon mechanism which went unchallenged for a full decade.

Baume & Mercier, Genève was established once Paul Mercier joined William Baume, then director of Baume Brothers, in 1918. Unafraid to challenge the status quo, Baume & Mercier began introducing unconventional shapes while upholding their values — an endeavor that garnered the brand the highest international distinction at the time, the Poinçon de Genève.

During the 1920s, when women wore watches of all kinds, from wristwatches to long-chained pendant watches to lapel watches, Baume & Mercier positioned themselves at the forefront of innovation and cultural relevance. The Marquise, an incredibly successful model, marked the start of a modern ladies’ watch line that demonstrated the luxury brand’s recognition of the growing social movement at the time. Women were fighting for rights and earning power as consumers and so demanded more than the simpler imitations of men’s designs available in the past. Baume delivered.

Piaget purchased Baume & Mercier in 1964, and the Galaxie and Stardust models followed the acquisition, furthering Baume’s reputation during the 1970s for marrying elevated, shapely designs with the newest innovations — winning them the Golden Rose of Baden-Baden. Baume & Mercier are now part of Richemont. 

 Find vintage Baume & Mercier watches, bracelets and other jewelry on 1stDibs.

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Creator: Baume & Mercier
Baume & Mercier Geneve Watch Display Box
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Braintree, GB
Baume & Mercier Geneve watch display box Soft Velvet lining Dimensions: Length 24.5cm x width 7cm x height 4cm Condition: Used, has some minor w...
Category

1990s European Baume and Mercier

Materials

Velvet

Baume Mercier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch with Original Leather Band
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This ladies wristwatch was made by the well known Baume et Mercier of Switzerland in approximately 1970 in their period Mid-Century style. The watch and lugs are composed of eighteen...
Category

Mid-20th Century Swiss Mid-Century Modern Baume and Mercier

Materials

Gold

Baume Mercier 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ladies Wristwatch & Bracelet & Original Box
By Baume & Mercier
Located in Hamilton, Ontario
This antique ladies wristwatch was made by the well known Baume et Mercier of Switzerland in approximately 1920 in their period style. The wa...
Category

Early 20th Century Swiss Art Deco Baume and Mercier

Materials

Gold

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Chronographe Baume & Mercier
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Gold

Baume & Mercier furniture for sale on 1stDibs.

Baume & Mercier furniture are available for sale on 1stDibs. These distinctive items are frequently made of metal and are designed with extraordinary care. There are many options to choose from in our collection of Baume & Mercier furniture, although gray editions of this piece are particularly popular. Many of the original furniture by Baume & Mercier were created in the mid-century modern style in europe during the 20th century. If you’re looking for additional options, many customers also consider furniture by Movado, Suisse Langenthal, and Omega. Prices for Baume & Mercier furniture can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — on 1stDibs, these items begin at $440 and can go as high as $4,895, while a piece like these, on average, fetch $2,245.
Questions About Baume and Mercier
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2024
    Yes, Baume & Mercier watches are generally thought of as good. All timepieces produced by the Swiss luxury watchmaker are manufactured completely in-house, and some key components are also made in-house. As a part of the production process, Baume & Mercier test every movement and case to ensure reliable performance. Shop an assortment of Baume & Mercier watches on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
    Baume & Mercier watches are made in Les Brenets, a municipality in the Jura mountain region of Switzerland. The watchmaker owns their own factory and employs traditional crafting techniques to ensure the quality of their timepieces. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Baume & Mercier watches.
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier have stood the test of time as a luxury watch maker. Collectors worldwide recognize the brand for its superior commitment to style and excellence, setting the standard for luxury sport watches. Shop a collection of Baume & Mercier luxury watches from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

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