In 1912, when William Baume met Paul Mercier (née Tchereditchenko), the son of a Czarist officer and the head of a well-known Geneva firm of watchmakers, one of the greatest collaborations of technology and design was born. Bringing together the award-winning technologies and international presence of the fabled Baume & Company with the artistic sensibilities and dynamism of Mercier’s engaging personality created a new standard in watchmaking craftsmanship and aesthetics. Already the proud recipient of numerous awards, by 1921 Baume & Mercier had been awarded the coveted Poinçon de Genéve, the highest honor given master watchmakers by the Republic and Canton of Geneva.

Over the years, Baume & Mercier has been responsible for some of the most innovative technological breakthroughs in the science of timekeeping. The development of the planetary rotor, a device which oscillates with the movements of the wrist to wind the watch and activate the mainspring, led to the production of the world’s flattest self-winding watch. But Baume et Mercier’s signature collection, the Riviera, is best known for its elegance and sophisticated looks. Still a best seller today, it’s 12-sided bezel and alternating satin-finish and polished link bracelet set it apart from the field when it was introduced in 1973. Other striking collections launched by Baume & Mercier include the stylish, water resistant Malibu Collection, the Hampton collection which balances tradition and modernity with retro charm and contemporary elegance; and the Linea collection, one of the most prestigious lines of jewelry bracelets for women.

The “phi” symbol, representing “the Golden Number” — a theory of proportion and balance, began appearing on the clasps and dials of all Baume & Mercier timepieces in 1964. Today, you will find it on every Baume & Mercier you consider, symbolizing the watchmaker’s fundamental values of expertise, the highest standards of workmanship, attention to detail and a commitment to quality.