We have here a stunning vintage Baume wristwatch from the 1940s with a gorgeous, original, salmon-coloured dial. The lume in the all Arabic numerals is excellent and, apart from the aging which gives no doubt to its originality, looks as crisp as the day it was done. Even inside the blue-steel hands! Complete with subsidiary seconds and outer minute, railway-style tracking, this watch is a military-style beauty.
The smaller sized, 32mm, stainless steel case houses the FHF caliber 175, fully serviced by us and running strongly. We've paired this watch on a brown, suede strap but it looks great on anything.
Extra Points
Baume & Company, founded in 1844, was a London-based partner and importer of the Swiss company Baume Frères. By 1876, Baume & Co. were the sole importers of Longines watches, among others, to Britain, a title they held until the 1960s. Baume Frères took over the London side of the business in 1909 and moved the company to Switzerland where they manufactured watches under the 'Baume' name, to then be imported to Britain. William Baume left the family business in 1919 and established his own company in Geneva with a friend, Paul Tcherednitchenko who had adopted the name of Mercier, and together they formed Baume & Mercier. However, apart from blood relations, there is no other connection between Baume Frères and Baume & Mercier and the former owned the rights to the Baume name in Britain. This meant that Baume & Mercier were unable to market their watches in Britain until Baume & Co. ceased trading in the 1960s. Baume & Co. also constructed the 25 foot 'Festival Clock' for the Festival of Britain in 1951. Baume & Co. only joined the Baume & Mercier brand a few years ago when it was revived with an emphasis on being environmentally responsible.
As with all our stock this piece comes fully serviced by our on-site workshop and with a 12 month, non-waterproof service cover.
What we think
This is probably one of my favourite watches for under £500 and it is very hard to not get excited by it! It is the perfect watch for a vintage watch newbie or anyone looking for a great piece at a small price. You'll be sure to get lots of people asking you about this special watch! It is a comfortable fit and looks on both men and women - embrace the smaller watch!
Spec Stuff
Reference : Hampton MV045120
Movement :
Age :1991/2000
Specific Age : Circa 1990s
Case Size : 40mm X
Case Thickness :
Lug to Lug : Lugs : 18mm Condition : Pre-Owned Box & Papers : No Case Material : Stainless Steel Warranty : 12-Months NON-Waterproof Warranty
1940s Baume Manual Wind Wristwatch with Original Salmon Dial and Great Lume! UK Agent for Longines
