To design a timepiece like an art object… It takes a visionary spirit with a love for shapes and volumes to conceive of ultra-slim pocket watches for men and jewelry watches for women to wear as rings or necklaces. Beginning in the 1920s, Paul Mercier, backed by the technical expertise of William Baume, captured the essence of the social progress of the times. The Maison’s inherent creativity and modernity have brought it resounding success, marking the signature look of Baume & Mercier that is still visible today.
“Why not combine the dependability and precision of a watch of the highest quality with the lightness and appeal of contemporary esthetics?
People want freshness, beauty, lightness.”
Quote from The Saga – The history book of Baume & Mercier
Born from an innovative, modern spirit, the collections of yesteryear continue to assert their contemporary spirit and avant-garde shapes, joining today’s collection in the creative momentum that the Brand never ceases to renew. Each one in its own way demonstrates a love for design, a passion for shape, and a desire to make a bold statement, which Baume & Mercier has been carrying in its DNA since William Baume met Paul Mercier. The Studio Design – the Maison’s in-house creative studio – has always enthusiastically created each new collection, setting itself the challenge of mastering a great variety of shapes, from the simplest to the most complex. The constant pursuit for perfect proportions and precise lines; attention to detail; the harmony of materials and colors; the concurrence of classicism and design; the mingling of rectangular and rounded lines; and the balance between men’s and women’s watchmaking all enter into the creative process. By choosing the Greek letter Phi – a reference to the divine proportion and its natural balance – as its emblem, Baume & Mercier has clearly hitched its wagon to the star of artistic aspiration.
THE RIVIERA COLLECTION
First released in 1973 and reinterpreted last year, the Riviera watch expresses the Maison’s expertise in design and use of materials. A Baume & Mercier lifestyle icon, this timepiece with pure, slender lines and an immediately recognizable twelve-sided bezel comes into its full maturity. 2022 herald a 42 mm men’s version (Baumatic and self-winding), as well as 33 mm (self-winding) and 36 mm (self-winding and quartz) women’s versions… And the Riviera has not had its last word. It’s about time for enjoyment and joie de vivre.
With almost fifty years behind it, the Riviera is no newcomer. Inspired by the carefree lifestyle of the French Riviera, this is the watch of casual elegance, symbolizing an easygoing view of refined watchmaking. It was first developed in 1973 and has adapted to every era, year after year, while staying true to its special style. Its steel adornments and strong shape have always represented a form of freedom, an offbeat elegance.
And now it represents renewal. In 2021, Baume & Mercier presented the fifth-generation Riviera, which continues to uphold the Maison’s expertise, capturing the signs of our modern times to better revisit them. This year does not mark a revolution, but rather a gentle-yet-assertive evolution, continuing to bring distinctive Baume & Mercier expertise to the design through its elaborate shapes and bold statement.
HAMPTON: A YEAR FILLED WITH NUANCES
Between creativity and timelessness, the Hampton collection asserts a distinctive design symbolizing renewal and hope in a tribute to the Art Deco movement. This year, Baume & Mercier unveils a new palette intermingling various materials and colors to further heighten its effects – from character to simplicity to the element of surprise – with a more technical look or exquisitely precious curves, revealing the famous rectangular case in all its glory. Time to play on shapes, bold materials and new combinations… Bringing design to the forefront.
There are no fewer than six new Hampton models, which elegantly wrap around the wrist for a retro, glamorous or minimalist look… Each watch has its own nuances, and each form will find its following. The refinement of the Hampton collection is to be appreciated without moderation.
A STREET STYLE LOOK INSPIRED BY THE NATURE
Baume & Mercier revisits the street style codes in a play of materials and timeless shades. Khaki is in the spotlight, with a versatile palette ranging from sand beige to olive green, offering a natural effect that adapts to every style. With two large-sized models for a casual yet refined look, Classima explores this trend with elegance and understatement: khaki and sand hues, and a mixture of canvas, slate and steel… The Brand unveils two looks that will become essential for the summer season, evoking adventure and nature.
Each watch features a 42 mm polished steel case with a screwed back and a self-winding movement with a 38-hour power reserve.
www.baume-et-mercier.com/en/watches/watches-and-wonders-geneva.html
