Baume & Mercier Lady Dress Watch (16634)

About this watch

The Baume brother’s reputation for selling high quality watches began in a small village in Switzerland in 1830.  Because of their motto to ‘accept only perfection’, their business flourished, such that twenty years later they expanded into London and by the end of the century, they were spread throughout the British Empire.  They excelled as watchmakers, winning several international awards for their precision, chronographs and complications.  When the company joined with Paul Mercier, they became known for their distinctive and unusual shaped watches. Paul Mercier embraced the changing society of the roaring twenties, and the company began making attractive watches for women to match their new-found freedom, watches that were not simply miniature men’s watches, but elegant watches with integrated bracelets created especially for women.  One of its most successful watches was the Marquise, designed for women in the late 1940’s.  The fifties and sixties saw Baume & Mercier launch chronographs with special functions such as a moon phase and triple date displays, as well a distinctive design based on the dash of sports cars. Their creativity continued with new models such as the Galaxie and Stardust that were introduced in the 1970’s, followed by the Riviera, one of the first steel sport watches developed in 1973.  In 1988, Baume & Mercier became part of what is today known as the Richemont group.  Recognizing Baume & Mercier’s rich history, the company today produces good quality watches that reference their historical designs, as well as continuing to offer new models that are attractive and affordable.