Located in the world’s Mecca of watch-making, Baume & Mercier has been around for years, and these days, they produce just under a quarter of a million watches every single years. Baume & Mercier watches have a number of things to love about them, and it is this versatility that has allowed the company to grow from humble beginnings into the international giant that you see today. With celebrity endorsements, international philanthropic deeds and fantastic products lining up to enhance the overall reputation of this company, it is little wonder that no conversation about excellent watches is complete without mentioning the two names that make up this unique company.
History of Baume & Mercier
The 19th century in Europe was one of exploration and scientific discovery. As a result, many of the great machine manufacturing companies came into existence, and this company is no exception to that rule. The first wristwatch was designed in 1830. From that point on, however, there was no looking back as product after fantastic product was released onto the market over the years, allowing the company to quickly grow into the giant conglomerate that straddles the entire world today.
Fast forward one century, and this creator of mens watches had grown into a full-fledged giant of watch-making. As Baume & Mercier was celebrating its 100 year anniversary, the company itself was putting out some of the most intricate designs they had ever created. In fact, the design lines of the roaring 1920s in North America are noted as being amongst the most interesting and beautiful watch designs ever created in the overall history of watch-making, and at the end of the day, that is no small piece of praise. The 1920-1930 decade was, therefore, an excellent one for this company, which was able to enjoy their best product lines ever right before blowing out the 100 candles on their birthday cake in 1930.
After the Second World War, the primary focus was on ladies fashionable watches as well as conventional models for men and sporty chronograph models. In 1965, the Piagets purchased control of the company and switched all production to electronic tuning fork based movement. In 1988, the company changed hands again, and in 1993, the Cartier purchased the company outright.
With such a successful history behind it, many would consider it somewhat fitting that Baume & Mercier watches would return to their roots after going around the world and making a name for themselves that will not soon be forgotten. This is exactly what the company did in 2002 by creating a country house type dwelling in the same area of Switzerland where the company came into being in 1830. This is not a manufacturing hub, but rather an ultramodern project management hub that the company uses to keep an eye on their entire global empire. History has a habit of repeating itself, and in the case of this company, they have started and ended their excellent adventure at the exact same location, having crossed the entire planet during the nearly two centuries of history in between.
What They Are Known For
It is somewhat tired to mention that they are known for their high quality, precision, durability and consistent versatility. These are all qualities that one would see in watches that have been put out by companies that have been around as long as Baume & Mercier have been. These particular watches have displayed all of these characteristics longer than many other luxury watch makers, but it is not really what the company is known for. Good watches are more a matter of expectation than admiration and for that reason, the reputation of the company extends far beyond the average Baume & Mercier watch that is placed onto the market today.
Specifically, what this purveyor of men’s watches is known for is their philanthropic deeds. These particular deeds extend far beyond the excellence of their watch products even as they are financed by the large profits the company produces. The mens watch proceeds eventually go on to fund research on diseases, build schools in underprivileged areas and in essence change the world in order to make it a much better place to live.
In partnership with Ashton Kutcher, a man that many people around the world already know as a famous actor, the company funds a wide range of projects they are working on at the current moment in time. It is a partnership that benefits everyone involved. Ashton gets publicity for the causes he is interested in, the people that are on the receiving end of the philanthropy are immeasurably helped and B&M eventually ends up enhancing their reputation even more. For a company that started from humble beginnings and early models, they have indeed come a long way and a large part of their current reputation does stem from these philanthropic deeds.
