Watchatlas

Baume & Mercier

Geneva, Switzerland · Est. 1830

Founded by Louis-Victor Baume, Célestin Baume

Founded in Les Brenets, Switzerland in 1830, Baume & Mercier is one of the oldest Swiss watch brands and has been part of the Richemont Group since 1988. The maison is known for its classically elegant timepieces, particularly the Clifton and Riviera collections, positioned at the accessible end of Swiss luxury.

Founded
1830
Headquarters
Geneva, Switzerland
Group
Richemont
Price Segment
Mid
Status
Active

Key Collections

  • Riviera (1973) — Baume & Mercier's Riviera turns the brand's 1973 sport-chic idea into a sharp, twelve-sided integrated-bracelet collection that balances holiday ease with enough mechanical substance to stay collector-relevant. Key references: M0A10714, M0A10715, M0A10720.
  • Classima — Baume & Mercier Classima is the maison’s classic everyday dress-watch collection, emphasizing slim profiles, Roman-numeral or understated dials, and accessible Swiss elegance across quartz and automatic references. Key references: M0A10884, M0A10883, M0A10882.
  • Clifton (2013) — Baume & Mercier's Clifton is the house's most classical family, using slim round cases, restrained dials, and Baumatic updates to translate 1950s-inspired dress-watch language into a current everyday line. Key references: M0A10771, M0A10778, M0A10802.
  • Hampton — Baume & Mercier Hampton is the brand’s rectangular Art Deco-inspired collection, using elongated cases, clean dials, and dress-watch proportions to give the maison a distinctive shaped-watch family. Key references: M0A10861, M0A10860, M0A10859.

Timeline

  • 1830 — Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume open a watch trading counter in Les Bois, Switzerland.
  • 1918 — Partnership with Paul Mercier forms Baume & Mercier in Geneva.
  • 1973 — Launch of the Riviera — one of the first luxury steel sports watches with an integrated bracelet.
  • 1988 — Acquired by Richemont Group (then Vendôme Luxury Group).
  • 2022 — Riviera collection relaunched with modern sizing and both quartz and automatic options.
  • 2025 — Appointed Michael Guenoun as new CEO. Refreshed Clifton 39mm with Baumatic and downsized Riviera Chronograph to 41mm at Watches & Wonders.
  • 2026 — Richemont signed agreement to sell Baume & Mercier to Italian Damiani Group, closing expected summer 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions about Baume & Mercier

Is Baume & Mercier a luxury brand?
Yes, it is one of the oldest Swiss watchmakers (founded 1830) and a member of the Richemont luxury group alongside Cartier and IWC. It positions itself as accessible luxury.
What makes the Riviera special?
Launched in 1973, the Riviera was among the first luxury steel sports watches with an integrated bracelet, predating the popularity of similar designs from other brands.

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