Baume & Mercier
Baume & Mercier was founded in 1830 in the Swiss Jura Mountains by two brothers: Louis Victor Baume and Pierre Joseph Celestin Baume. At the time, the company was called Freres Baume (The Brothers Baume). Their reputation and prestige grew quickly and in 1852 the company opened a store in London. In 1912, William Baume met jeweller Paul Mercier and a successful partnership was born. On November 26, 1918, Baume & Mercier was created in Geneva. Baume, who had mastered the old traditions of watch making, was to be involved in the technical side of the company, whilst Mercier was to be involved in the artistic side.
When Freres Baume entered a competition in 1885, three of their watches were amongst the seven finalists. In an 1887 competition, their chronograph received the highest score: 85.1, out of a possible 100 points. Soon after, in 1893, Baume & Merciers tourbillon chronometer won the Kew-Teddington Observatorys timing competition with total of 91.9 out of a 100, the highest score ever awarded. In total, Baume & Mercier won three prizes in the competition held at Kew Observatory.
In 1921, Baume & Mercier launched their first wristwatch. The same year the company was awarded the coveted Poincon de Geneve prize for exceptional quality.
Over the years, the reputation of Baume & Mercier as watch manufacturers grew significantly. In the years after the World War II, the company concentrated on wristwatches and sport chronographs. In 1965, Baume & Mercier produced their first quartz clock. The same year they also launched Tronosonic, with unique electronic clockwork.
Baume & Mercier has always been known for producing elegant womens watches and has several popular collections. In 1973, Baume & Mercier won the Baden-Baden Golden Rose, which is presented in recognition of outstanding designs for women.
In 1993, Baume & Mercier was bought by Cartier group. In 1999, the Richemont Group took over the ownership of Baume & Mercier.
