Baume & Mercier
Damiani Group · Switzerland
Baume & Mercier is a Swiss watch brand based in Geneva, with roots in the Frères Baume business founded in 1830. It makes watches for men and women in collections such as Clifton, Hampton and Riviera.
| Origins | 1830, Les Bois, Swiss Jura |
|---|---|
| Baume & Mercier founded | 1918, Geneva |
| Headquarters | Geneva |
| Owner | Damiani Group |
| Key collections | Clifton, Hampton, Riviera |
| Website | baume-et-mercier.com |
What is Baume & Mercier?
Baume & Mercier is a Swiss watchmaker headquartered in Geneva. Its history goes back to 1830, when brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume opened a watch business, Frères Baume, in Les Bois, a village in the Swiss Jura.
History
The Baume & Mercier name dates from 1918, when William Baume and Paul Mercier founded the company in Geneva. The brand joined the Richemont group in 1988 and was later sold by Richemont to Italy's Damiani Group.
Products and positioning
Baume & Mercier produces watches for men and women in the accessible luxury segment of Swiss watchmaking. Its collections include:
- Clifton and Hampton, current collections for men and women
- Riviera, first presented in 1973 as one of the first steel sports watches
- Classima, Capeland, Linea and Promesse
Distribution
The brand is sold through authorised retailers and jewellers worldwide, alongside its own boutiques and online store.
Why it matters
With nearly two centuries of history, Baume & Mercier is one of the long established names in Swiss watchmaking, and its move from Richemont to Damiani reflects ongoing reshaping of brand portfolios in the luxury watch industry.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Baume & Mercier?
Baume & Mercier belonged to Richemont from 1988 and was later sold to Italy's Damiani Group.
When was Baume & Mercier founded?
The family business dates from 1830, and the Baume & Mercier company was founded in Geneva in 1918.