The History of Baume & Mercier

Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier has a long heritage in watchmaking. This iconic Swiss brand, originally named “Frères Baume,” was founded in the village of Les Bois by brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume. In its early days, the company focused on manufacturing high-precision pocket watches, earning an international reputation for the exceptional quality of its timepieces. As early as 1851, Baume & Mercier began its international expansion with the opening of a branch in London under the name “Baume Brothers.” This initiative allowed the brand to expand throughout the British Empire. Over the decades, the company distinguished itself with its chronographs and complication watches, winning several awards at chronometry competitions.

A decisive turning point in the brand’s history occurred in 1918, when William Baume, a descendant of the founders, partnered with Paul Mercier, a businessman with a passion for design. Together, they founded Baume & Mercier in Geneva, which focused on crafting wristwatches with innovative designs. In 1919, the brand received the prestigious Geneva Seal, a certification attesting to the superior quality of its movements. Over the years, Baume & Mercier has continued to innovate through collections that combine timeless elegance with Swiss watchmaking precision. With nearly two centuries of history, the brand remains a major player in the world of luxury watchmaking, celebrating its heritage while looking toward the future.

Baume & Mercier’s Famous Watches

Building on an exceptional watchmaking heritage, Baume & Mercier offers a vast collection of watches for men and women. From classic models to more complex timepieces, the Swiss brand captivates with the quality of its finishes and the precision of its movements. In 1973, the brand launched the Riviera collection, characterized by a twelve-sided case and an integrated bracelet. Its watches embody a sporty-chic style, inspired by the laid-back lifestyle of the French Riviera.

The Clifton watch has also become an iconic model for the watchmaker. Launched in 2013, this collection embodies contemporary elegance while paying homage to the traditional Swiss watchmaking heritage. The watches feature round cases with polished and satin-finished surfaces that add a touch of sophistication. They also feature Swiss mechanical movements, including the Baumatic in-house movement that powers the Clifton M0A10756 and M0A10758 models, renowned for its remarkable precision and 5-day power reserve.

The Hampton collection, launched in 1994, also exemplifies Baume & Mercier’s excellence in design. Inspired by the Art Deco style, this collection features watches with rectangular steel cases that combine comfort and refined aesthetics. Its watches are powered by quartz or self-winding mechanical movements. The dials , adorned with Arabic numerals on a silver or mother-of-pearl background, lend a touch of prestige and timeless elegance.

Classima is another must-have collection from Baume & Mercier. True to the brand’s values, Classima watches stand out for their clean lines and rounded case. They feature a variety of dials, some of which showcase the iconic guilloché pattern.

A selection of Baume & Mercier watch straps at Cie. Bracelet Montre

Baume & Mercier has established its reputation in the luxury watch market thanks to its high-performance watches and its commitment to the environment. Synonymous with elegance and refinement, the brand has won over a discerning clientele seeking a watch that is both beautiful and reliable. At Cie Bracelet Montre, find the perfect strap from a wide selection to personalize your watch. Express your personality and unique style with a strap tailored to your Baume & Mercier watch. Choose from a wide range of colors, from understated tones to bolder hues. Our watch straps also feature various stitching styles, either tone-on-tone or in a contrasting color. Order the strap that matches your style in just a few clicks from our e-store, or discover our entire collection in our store in Paris, located on Rue du Dragon in Saint-Germain-des-Prés.

Enhance your Baume & Mercier watch with a calfskin leather strap. Its silky texture and unique patina that develops over time make it a timeless accessory. This leather is also available in various finishes, including grained calfskin, saddle calfskin, and aged calfskin, to give your watch a fresh new look. A calfskin leather watch strap is perfect for your dress watches, such as the Classima or Hampton models.

Hirsch watch straps are designed to withstand all your adventures in challenging environments. These calfskin models, with their rubber lining, are water-resistant and highly resistant to impact and wear, ensuring your sports watch stays secure. 

Exotic leather straps give your watch a luxurious look. Among our options, we offer alligator leather models. Highly prized for its scales and inimitable texture, this material will add an exclusive touch to your high-end watch. You can also opt for a strap made of lizard leather, which is just as refined. Ostrich leather, on the other hand, stands out for its speckled appearance, giving the strap a unique look.