ReviewEco-Friendly Pursuits: Introducing Baume & Mercier’s Contemporary Baume Collection

There are few brands in the history of watchmaking that started out focusing on ladies’ timepieces but over the years, pivoted and are probably now more centred on men’s watches. But that doesn’t take away from the fact that they were crafting some of the most advanced wrist watches for women, back then. For instance, Jaeger-LeCoultre’s legendary calibre 101, first launched in 1929, is still the world’s smallest mechanical calibre that merges the traditions of crafting high jewellery with fine watchmaking. Another brand that had pioneered manufacturing women’s watches were Baume & Mercier, established in 1830. True to their motto, ‘Accept only perfection, only manufacture watches of the highest quality’, over the years, they have forged a fine reputation through the creation of exceptional timepieces featuring the latest innovations, and have become synonymous with ingeniously-shaped wrist watches such as the ones found in the Hampton, Riviera or the Clifton collections.

Continuing to push boundaries, Baume & Mercier have unveiled some exciting watches that are part of the Baume collection, which was launched in 2020. These watches demonstrate the brand’s change of direction as it sets its sights on new horizons focusing on a collective, collaborative, responsible watchmaking approach, shaped by design and creativity in order to lay the ground for cooperation and the sharing of experiences. These watches bring about a new vision for the brand keeping up with the 21st century and staying relevant to the times, addressing some of the most pressing issues around sustainability and the introduction of more eco-friendly practices in the watchmaking business.

It’s interesting to note that the Baume watches were initially meant to be a standalone project that began in 2018, guided by Baume & Mercier’s rich heritage, unique spin on modernity, timeless elegance and originality. But the main aim was to craft watches that were built on a sustainable ethos, incorporating eco-friendly materials and manufacturing processes. So when you look at these timepieces, they stand out for their minimalistic designs with a contemporary appeal, even allowing for full personalisation, depending on the wearer’s preferences. However in 2020, Baume was integrated into Baume & Mercier’s repertoire as one of their collections, and has since then become a prominent line at the brand. Here’s a look at why this collection is relevant in today’s scenario, as we shine the spotlight on a few of their core, definitive products.

Sustainability At The Core

Since it was originally created to exist as a separate brand that was inspired by Baume & Mercier’s rich watchmaking heritage, there had to be careful distinctions to maintain a strong, individual presence for the Baume collection. It’s here that they decided it would be driven by its commitment to design and social responsibility, namely through partnerships with organisations such as Waste Free Oceans, Digital For The Planet, WREN and other such causes that are focused on adopting and spreading awareness around sustainability and reducing carbon footprint. The emphasis is also on personalisation of watches, creating distribution that is primarily online, and the use of innovative materials that enter into the circular economy. However, in 2020, Baume was incorporated into the Baume & Mercier portfolio in order for the project to develop more quickly, and in turn, offer the maison the benefit of the expertise of the young brand on key subjects of innovation and eco-responsibility to sustain its own future developments. All Baume watches enjoy the ‘Swiss made’ label and are produced in Baume & Mercier’s workshops located in Les Brenets in the Swiss Jura region.

Baume & Mercier Baume Explore the Collection

“This development will make it possible to introduce a new dynamic, pairing the recognised expertise of Baume & Mercier with Baume’s totally new approach combining minimalist design, digital innovation and watchmaking expertise, while integrating the principles of circular economics such as reclaiming and reusing,” explained David Chaumet, CEO, Baume & Mercier, back when this announcement was made.

The watches represent the concept of upcycling through a collaboration with the not-for-profit Waste Free Oceans–now a partner of Baume & Mercier–who collect plastic litter in the ocean and transform them into new-generation materials. The collection was launched with six quartz models—three 35mm and three 41mm—featuring a coloured flange in a hue coordinating with that of the small seconds hand and the overstitching on the strap. All the straps are crafted in natural materials, and they are interchangeable, thanks to a system that used a recycled button. There’s also a cork lining on the strap, which provides absolute comfort for everyday wear. All timepieces in this range focus on three strong design codes: an off-centre crown at 12 o’clock, just the way it was in pocket watches of yore; moving lugs for better comfort and flexibility; and the strap interchangeability. They adopt a contemporary design approach combining creativity and respect for the environment. The mandate was clear for designing this collection—no precious materials or animal products would ever be employed for crafting these timepieces. In fact, the interchangeable straps are crafted in natural, upcycled or recycled textiles, and even the packaging continues to be reduced to the strict minimum, thanks to a special hexagonal package made of FSC-certified cardboard (the FSC, or Forest Stewardship Council is a non-profit that promotes the responsible management of the world’s forests). Also, as part of the brand’s commitment in keeping with a circular economy, Baume & Mercier is committed to donating two percent of sales from each Baume model to NGOs throughout the world.

No precious materials or animal products are employed for crafting these timepieces. Featured here is the green version of the Baume Ocean limited edition watch

Baume & Mercier is committed to donating two percent of sales from each Baume model to NGOs working on eco-friendly pursuits, throughout the world

Collaboration Is Key: The Other Highlights

There are also two limited-edition automatics—the Baume Ocean watches measuring 42mm, available in two colour versions—blue or green. This watch is created in collaboration with Waste Free Oceans (WFO) and Seaqual Initiative—two partners that collect plastic debris from the seas to transform them into innovative products. The Baume Ocean Limited Edition represents the combination of balanced design, technical expertise and a unique vision of watchmaking that inspires the maison on a daily basis.

“The Baume Ocean Limited Edition is much more than a product. It symbolises our determination to support our partners—WFO and Seaqual Initiative—in their daily combat against marine pollution, and to participate in a global consideration of Baume & Mercier’s role in today’s society,” states Chaumet.

Baume & Mercier Baume

₹1,68,000

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This contemporary timepiece features an off-centre crown located at 12 o’clock, in black anodised aluminium. The 42mm case, water-resistant to 30m, is crafted using a recycled plastic cap and is then sheathed in blue or green anodised aluminium. The cap is made up of 80 percent recycled plastic and reinforced with 20 percent glass fibres to increase its resistance. The deep grey dial features various layers and finishes with a unique time display with a central hour hand. It is driven by a self-winding mechanical movement.

Baume & Mercier Baume

₹1,68,000

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The collection also features the Baume Skate timepiece in collaboration with the talented young French skateboarder, Aurelien Giraud. The case of the 42mm watch is crafted from used skate decks procured from Giraud that would have otherwise been destroyed, making this timepiece an epitome of upcycling. A blue container in anodised aluminium encases the automatic movement, and clips onto the caseback to protect it from any external damage and ensures supreme water resistance. The spunky dial design features original grip tape that one can find on every skate deck, creating a luminous yet subtle effect on the dial, and paying tribute to the key material of skate culture. This central disc rotates on a 12-hour rhythm—highlighting the brand’s modern take on time-telling. The hour hand is symbolised by the ‘Baume’ logo whereas the blue minute hand is longer. The caseback gives a glimpse of the movement and also features Giraud’s signature on the sapphire crystal glass.

And last but not the least, Baume & Mercier have also taken the classical moon phase display and given it a modern spin with two 35mm watches and one 41mm timekeeper—all powered by quartz movements. The 35mm timepieces come in either in plain steel or with gold PVD treatment, equipped with blue cotton or natural linen straps, whereas the 41mm version features a stainless steel case with black ‘microbillé’ lugs . These gorgeous timekeepers depict a central moon phase indicator featuring two moons, thereby enhancing the design aesthetics. The lunar cycle, however, is indicated by the counter positioned at six o’clock.

This Baume timepiece features a 35mm round, polished, gold-PVD steel case with a crown at 12 o’clock, and features a blue lacquered dial adorned with a unique moon phase disc

It is mounted on a blue, cotton strap with an interchangeable system that features buttons

Baume & Mercier Baume

₹91,000

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Thus, with the Baume collection, Baume & Mercier are writing a new chapter in their illustrious watchmaking history spanning over 190 years. It offers a fresh and youthful take on timekeeping, while addressing and offering concrete solutions by incorporating sustainable manufacturing and trade practices, which will be the cornerstone of all future projects at Baume & Mercier.

Featured here is the Baume collection's moon phase version in a 35mm stainless steel case. These watches depict a central moon phase indicator featuring two moons, enhancing the design aesthetics. The lunar cycle, however, is indicated by the counter positioned at six o’clock