In 1912, when William Baume met Paul Mercier (née Tchereditchenko),
the son of a Czarist officer and the head of a well-known Geneva firm of watchmakers, one
of the greatest collaborations of technology and design was born. Bringing together the
Over the years, Baume et Mercier watches has been responsible for some of the most innovative technological breakthroughs in the science of timekeeping. The development of the planetary rotor, a device which oscillates with the movements of the wrist to wind the watch and activate the mainspring, led to the production of the world’s flattest self-winding watch. But Baume et Mercier’s signature collection, the Riviera, is best known for its elegance and sophisticated looks. Still a best seller today, it’s 12-sided bezel and alternating satin-finish and polished link bracelet set it apart from the field when it was introduced in 1973. Other striking collections launched by Baume and Mercier watches include the stylish, water resistant Malibu Collection, the Hampton collection which balances tradition and modernity with retro charm and contemporary elegance; and the Linea collection, one of the most prestigious lines of jewelry bracelets for women. The “phi” symbol, representing “the Golden Number” — a theory of proportion and balance, began appearing on the clasps and dials of all Baume et Mercier watches in 1964. Today, you will find it on every Baume et Mercier watch you consider, symbolizing the watchmaker’s fundamental values of expertise, the highest standards of workmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to quality. |
award-winning technologies and international presence of the fabled Baume & Company
with the artistic sensibilities and dynamism of Mercier’s engaging personality
created a new standard in watchmaking craftsmanship and aesthetics. Already the proud
recipient of numerous awards, by 1921 Baume et Mercier watches had been awarded the
coveted Poinçon de Genéve, the highest honor given master watchmakers by the Republic
and Canton of Geneva.