Levi KeswickKey takeaways:
- Baume & Mercier is a lesser-known Swiss watchmaker with a rich history and exceptional craftsmanship
- Their watches offer elegant designs, innovative features, and sustainable materials
- Baume & Mercier resale value is promising, as the brand is gaining recognition and becoming more sought after
The Story Behind Baume & Mercier
Baume & Mercier was founded in 1830 by brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume, who opened a watch shop in Les Bois, Switzerland. The company quickly gained a reputation for producing exceptional timepieces and expanded to London under the name Baume Brothers. By the late 19th century, Baume & Mercier was known for its chronographs, grand complications, and intricate designs.
In 1918, William Baume partnered with Paul Mercier, establishing the brand in Geneva. The company received the prestigious Geneva Seal quality hallmark in 1919, cementing its reputation as a top-quality watchmaker.
A Legacy of Innovation and Creativity
Pioneering the Watch Industry
Baume & Mercier has a long history of pushing the boundaries in the watch industry. The company won the Kew time trials in 1892, setting a record that remained unbeaten for over a decade. They also claimed ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals at international exhibitions.
Bold Collaborations and Ambassadors
Baume & Mercier has engaged in various partnerships, including a collaboration with French skateboarder Aurelien Giraud. This partnership resulted in a unique watch featuring upcycled skateboard parts. The brand’s ambassadors come from diverse backgrounds, including Michelin-starred chef Michel Roth, professional surfers and tennis players, and actors and singers.
Crafting Timeless Collections
Baume & Mercier’s watch collections cater to a range of styles and preferences. Their dress watches include the Baume collection, the Clifton collection, the Hampton collection, and the Classima watch series. The Riviera collection offers sporty, water-resistant watches with dodecagonal cases.
Embracing Sustainability and Ethical Practices
Baume & Mercier is committed to responsible business practices, being a certified member of the Responsible Jewellery Council. They use leathers that adhere to CITES guidelines and have introduced the Banka Leather Strap made from trout skins as a sustainable alternative to alligator leather.
The brand also collaborated with students from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London to explore more circular, ethical, and sustainable material techniques for watchmaking. This partnership resulted in innovative projects such as vegan leather straps made from repurposed electronic cables.
Baume & Mercier Resale Value: An Investment Worth Considering
When it comes to the baume and mercier resale value, this lesser-known brand offers a promising opportunity for watch collectors and enthusiasts. As the brand gains recognition and becomes more sought after, the resale value of their timepieces is likely to increase. This makes Baume & Mercier watches a valuable addition to any watch collection.
Exploring Baume & Mercier’s Watch Models
Baume Collection
The Baume collection features elegant dress watches with a timeless aesthetic. These watches come with a variety of strap options, including cork-lined straps for comfort and interchangeable straps for versatility.
Clifton Collection
The Clifton collection offers a perfect blend of refinement and technical reliability. These watches feature the brand’s in-house chronometer-certified Baumatic movement and boast classic round cases, Alpha hands, and minimalist hour indexes.
Hampton Collection
Inspired by the Art Deco movement, the Hampton collection showcases rectangular, unisex watches with a retro allure. The original Hampton debuted during World War II, and the collection maintains its vintage appeal while incorporating contemporary elements. The Hampton Hommage à Pierre Soulages Limited Edition pays tribute to the renowned artist known as the ‘master of black.’
Riviera Collection
The Riviera collection features one of the world’s first steel sports watches, with water resistance up to 100 meters and a dodecagonal case. The engineers at Baume & Mercier tested the strength and durability of these watches by mounting them to the wheels of a BMW race car during the notorious 24 hours Le Mans race.
Understanding the Price Range of Baume & Mercier Watches
Baume & Mercier watches cater to various budgets, with prices starting at $600 for a Baume Quartz Date Display. The Riviera collection starts at $1,800, and some of their timepieces can reach over $26,000. The most expensive Baume & Mercier watch is the William Baume Flying Tourbillon, priced at $75,000 and limited to just ten editions worldwide.
Wrapping Up: Baume & Mercier – A Brand Worth Discovering
Baume & Mercier is a hidden gem in the world of Swiss watchmaking. Their rich history, exceptional craftsmanship, and commitment to sustainability and ethical practices set them apart from other luxury watch brands. With a diverse range of collections catering to various tastes and budgets, Baume & Mercier offers something for everyone. As the brand gains recognition, the baume and mercier resale value is expected to increase, making it a worthwhile investment for watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.
