1542: The Baumes, a family of powerful landowners, settle in the Swiss Jura after acquiring an estate in the Franches-Montagnes.

They are involved in the development of watchmaking from as early as the 16th century.

Pierre-Joseph-Célestin Baume creates the Baume Brothers company in London, which successfully develops the English, Scottish and Irish markets, followed by Australia and New Zealand. Business relations rapidly extend to all English colonies and other Far Eastern markets.

William Baume registers the tradename: "Baume & Mercier, fabrication Genève". The name arises from the encounter between two men: William Baume, a talented watchmaker and grandson of the founder, and Paul Mercier, son of a Tsarist officer and a great art-lover. From the outset, Baume & Mercier specializes in precision watches.

1980-1990: Taken over by Cartier in 1988, Baume & Mercier finds new dynamics within the family of one of the largest groups of international luxury products, the Vendôme Luxury Group (created in 1993). Since the creation of Riviera, Baume & Mercier continues to bring out new models and flagship lines true to watchmaking art and tradition. Linea (1987) is but one of many of these remarkable models.

Web Site: http://www.baume-et-mercier.com