‘Aestheticism, only manufacture watches of high quality’, this is not only a motto, but also the core concept of Baume & Mercier watch since its establishment in 1830. Baume & Mercier is deeply rooted in the Swiss-made tradition and is loyal to Swiss-made labels. Therefore, the brand manufactures all watches in the Swiss Zoro region, and has always adhered to the watchmaking method of “établissage”. Brand success. In other words, this production concept means: master the key steps of watch development, assembly, quality control and maintenance within the company, and entrust the industry’s top watch manufacturers to produce watch parts. This is a guarantee of good quality, high reliability and excellent performance. What’s more, Baume & Mercier also offers fair and affordable prices. Let’s explore the wonderful stories of Baume & Mercier!
One of the long-established watchmakers in Switzerland, Baume & Mercier has been in the watch industry for almost two centuries! Such a long history has to be respected, and everyone wants to know in unison: What is the secret behind this success? In fact, the key formula is: superb craftsmanship, and then refine it with enthusiasm, perseverance and never slack. Moreover, in this increasingly rich historical heritage, there are two key elements: strict requirements and mastery of mastery. Finally, add that charming and timeless flavor to the whole! Create an unforgettable style for Baume & Mercier watches!
B for Baume, with a long history
It all started in the Zhuluo Mountain area of Switzerland. In the mid-19th century, it started as a family business and developed rapidly. Soon after, the brothers Louis-Victor and Joseph-Célestin Baume, who led Frères Baume, set up a branch in London, and then expanded their watchmaking business throughout the British Empire. Their commercial talents and strict production level have become their great advantages, creating a brand’s international reputation. Baume & Mercier is famous for its classic watches, chronographs and advanced complication watches, and has won numerous international awards, especially for the precision functions of brand watches. In the early 1920’s, the third generation of the watchmaking family, William Baume and Paul Mercier, co-founded ‘Baume & Mercier’ in Geneva, which is the current headquarters of the Baume & Mercier brand. In the hall of fine watchmaking in Geneva, Baume & Mercier became one of the most active watchmakers in the field of watchmaking, mastering the fine watchmaking technology and showing the timeless and elegant design style. The founder’s vision for watchmaking has been passed down from generation to generation. Always insisting on making high-quality watches combined with innovative advanced technology.
Gathering top, innovation of ancient methods
For nearly 200 years, the motto of the Baume brothers has never wavered, and it even seems to be echoed in the company’s corridors. This insistence on high quality, coupled with fair and equitable cost control, was achieved through a long-established “établissage” handicraft manufacturing principle. This title is reminiscent of what was done in the past, and this is exactly what it is! When the Baume family opened its first watch shop in the Zhu Luoshan area of Switzerland in the 19th century, its watches were assembled from parts made by skilled artisans, each craftsman specializing in manufacturing a specific component of a watch . Following the so-called ‘établissage’ production principle, Baume does master the manufacture of finished products and their marketing. Many years later, until the beginning of the 21st century, Baume & Mercier traced the roots and set up a brand watchmaking workshop in Les Brenets, the birthplace of Zhuluo. Baume & Mercier attaches great importance to this fine watchmaking culture, not only to inherit the Baume brothers’ watchmaking methods, but also to give them all the advantages of modern spirit. Baume & Mercier’s innovative ‘établissage 2.0’ production concept-the original professional handicraft manufacturing method is used in modern methods-is to master each step of the development of timepieces within the company: design, research and development, assembly, quality control And all the components are manufactured with the expertise of top experts. And at the core of this mode of operation is supplemented by: watchmakers who are passionate about work pay attention to every detail, immense patience with their dexterous hands, outstanding skills.
Made in Switzerland
Since its inception, Baume & Mercier has been manufacturing all watch brands in Switzerland. Throughout its rich history, the quality, innovation and precision of Baume & Mercier timepieces have earned the brand numerous awards, some of which have even applied for patents. In the 1920s, Baume & Mercier’s home-made movements were awarded the prestigious ‘Mark of Geneva’ certification, which is an absolute honor for the quality of watchmaking. It can be seen that the strict requirement for quality is the corporate philosophy of Baume & Mercier, which has continued ever since. Loyalty supports the “Made in Switzerland” high-quality label. Baume & Mercier’s design studio in Geneva headquarters designs and develops its own brand watches. Each watch was then assembled, controlled, inspected and tested at the Les Brenets watchmaking workshop in the Swiss-Zulan region. These well-lit workshops are fully equipped, in addition to assembly and manufacturing, they are also responsible for after-sales repair services and restoration of antique watches.
Excellent balance, reputation image
Baume & Mercier began using the Greek letter ‘Phi’ as the brand’s visual identity in the 1960s. It symbolizes the ancient golden section law of balanced and proportioned vision. It lays the foundation for a typical aesthetic design-a traditional round watch-and a luxury watch positioning at affordable prices for the Baume & Mercier. Through each series, Baume & Mercier not only provides classic and simple watches, but also introduces excellent performance chronographs. And in this world of affordable high-end watches, women’s watches also play an important role. Baume & Mercier attaches importance to women’s watches dating back to 1869. One of the Baume brothers gave a gold pocket watch to his daughter. Later, between 1920 and 1940, Baume & Mercier introduced several modern and full Creative women’s watches, several of which have become legendary models of the brand. Today, Baume & Mercier has two collections designed specifically for women: Promesse and Linea.
C for classic, beyond classics
Providing balanced men’s and women’s watches has always been deeply rooted in Baume & Mercier’s values. Therefore, the brand’s two iconic series: the Classima and Clifton series have launched men’s and women’s watches. The design is inspired by the 1965 Chrysler series of a miniature oscillating weight ultra-thin automatic watch. It is composed of elegant and classic watches, with different sizes, materials, mechanical movements made in Switzerland or quartz movements. A wide variety of models are cleverly combined with low-key and simple design and extraordinary technical performance. The Crichton series launches men’s and women’s watches equipped with Swiss-made mechanical movements, aimed at men and women who love fine timepieces. The aesthetic design inspiration of this series is to draw an antique watch from the 1950s, expressing the traditional and hand-made watch characteristics in the eyes of the celebrities. The Clifton Club series launched in 2017 has created a new chapter in the history of Baume & Mercier, deducting a series of extraordinary sports watches that are suitable for wearing on various occasions to accompany both elegant and active metropolitan men .
It is the mission of Baume & Mercier to provide a collection of superb Swiss watchmaking skills and an incredibly cost-effective luxury watch. It is also the promise of Baume & Mercier.