Baume and Mercier is a Swiss watch making company based in Les Brenets. The company was originally founded in 1930 and is currently owned by Richemond. Baume and Mercier have a reputation for manufacturing high quality sports chronographs such as the Hampton and the Classima. Although the primary markets for the company include countries in Europe the watches are distributed across the world via a network of over 200 certified dealers. Vintage Baume and Mercier watches can sell for thousands of dollars.
|
Mens watch BAUME and MERCIER Malibu Chronograph AutomaticUS $699.00 |
Baume and Mercier Ladies MVO45063 S S WatchUS $699.00 |
Baume and Mercier Riviera Stainless Steel WomensUS $715.00 |
History
The Baume family had already been professional watch makers for a number of used before the company was established. To begin with, they manufactured pocket watches such as the Waterloo and Sirdar which were first designed in the UK. These watches became popular in places as far away as New Zealand and Australia.
One of the defining moments in the history of Baume and Mercier was when the company received an award for manufacturing a highly accurate and stylish watch in 1893. The watch gained a score of 91 out of 100 which was proof of the watch making pedigree of the company.
It wasn’t until 1918 when Paul Mercier partnered with the company that it became the brand that is known today. An agreement was reached between Baume and Mercier in Geneva and proved to be a highly profitable one. To buy vintage Baume and Mercier watches from this period is an expensive venture as they are highly sought after by watch collectors.
Today, Baume and Mercier are most recognized for their sporty chronograph men’s watches but they also produce a range of women’s dress watches. Up until 1970 the company used tuning fork watch movements although from 1970 onwards more quartz movements were used in their watches.
Some of the old models which were manufactured by Baume and Mercier include the Classique, Shogun, Mailbu and Transpacific. The price of these models depends on the condition they are in as well as whether the watch contains the original movement.
Vintage Baume and Mercier Riviera
The Baume and Mercier Riviera watch was originally manufactured in 1973 and utilizes a unique design. At the time it was first manufactured the vast majority of watches used a circular case. The Riviera, however, uses a dodecagonal case which means it has 12 sides rather than a smooth edge. This is meant to represent the 12 hours of the clock dial. Although the shape of vintage Baume and Mercier Riviera watches is not to everyone’s liking there is no doubt that it’s an innovative and exciting design.
Baume and Mercier Hampton
The Baume and Mercier Hampton collection of watches is a newer line which was established in 1994. The aim of the Hampton was to provide an accurate watch with a mixture of modern and traditional design features. Hampton watches have a square dial and case.
There are three types of Hampton, the Hampton Classic, Hampton Milleis and Hampton Square. The latter uses a square rather than rectangular watch face.
Other watches included in Baume and Mercier collections include the Diamant, Classima Executives and William Baume. Each has its own unique style and features. When looking for Baume and Mercier watches for sale the first step is to choose which collection you enjoy the most.