Founded in 1830 in the Swiss Jura by the Baume family, the company developed an early reputation for precision, technical expertise and international ambition. In 1920, William Baume joined forces with Paul Mercier in Geneva, creating the Baume & Mercier Maison as we know it. Their partnership established what still characterises the brand: watchmaking tradition on one side and sensitivity to design and aesthetics on the other. Throughout the 20th century, Baume & Mercier became particularly recognised for shape watches, elegant women's watches and designs that combined contemporary forms with Swiss craftsmanship. The Riviera, launched in 1973, and the Hampton, introduced in 1994, are particularly representative of this design-led heritage. Its specificity relies today on a combination of design heritage and Swiss watchmaking at a relatively restrained level of luxury.