Frequently Asked Questions
Are all Baume & Mercier watches produced in Switzerland?
All Baume & Mercier watches are manufactured at our Watchmaking Workshops in Les Brenets, in the Swiss Jura.
Can I easily change the bracelet of my watch ?
Some of our watches have an interchangeable strap system which gives you the ability to personalize your watch
> Visit our Watches section
You can also order a second strap when buying your Baume & Mercier watch:
for your strap changes, you may need the assistance of a Baume & Mercier authorized retailer.
For more information, please read our Customer Service section
Should an automatic mechanical watch be rewound manually?
The majority of Baume & Mercier watches are equipped with automatic mechanical movements.
An automatic or self-winding mechanical watch has a sophisticated mechanism which winds it up automatically thanks to the movements of the wearer's wrist. Nevertheless, if you have not worn your watch for several days, it will stop or will have insufficient power reserve to ensure optimal accuracy, which is reached when the watch is fully wound. In this case, before using it again, we suggest you wind it manually with about 20 clockwise turns of the crown to ensure that it will operate perfectly in all conditions. After wearing your watch for several hours, depending on your activity level, the watch will be perfectly wound.
Special recommendations:
- The efficiency of the self-winding process is directly linked to the motion of the wearer's wrist. In case of insufficient movements, the watch may stop even while being worn. In this case, we recommend to preventively wind the watch manually with about 20 clockwise turns of the crown.
- The watch should be removed from your wrist before winding it. This ensures the crown stem remains completely straight during winding and avoids the risk of damaging the crown or the movement.
- Even if your watch is not worn for several months we advise you to regularly wind it manually. This will prevent the oils from either congealing or flowing over the shafts of the movement.
- For watches equipped with Baumatic movement: to ensure a sufficient power reserve before putting your Baumatic watch on the wrist, note that 50 turns of the crown are necessary (instead of 20 for standard movements), given its higher power-reserve.
When should a hand-wound mechanical watch be wound?
We suggest you wind your watch every day, preferably in the morning, by turning the crown until it resists. Once this point has been reached, do not force the crown any further since there is a risk of seriously damaging the movement.
The watch should be removed from your wrist before winding it. This ensures the crown stem remains completely straight during winding and avoids the risk of damaging the crown or the movement.
Finally, even if your watch is not worn for several months, we advise you to regularly wind it. This will prevent the oils from either congealing or flowing over the shafts of the movement.
What is the difference between a chronograph and a chronometer?
The two are often confused although they are different.
A chronograph is a watch which can measure and display time intervals. A chronograph model generally contains a central seconds-hand for counting seconds, a counter for totaling minutes and another for totaling hours.
A chronometer is a high-precision watch displaying seconds whose movement has been controlled over a period of several days, in different positions and at different temperatures, by an official neutral institute. Only mechanisms that have satisfied the criteria for precision are issued with an official chronometer certificate. In Switzerland, the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute (COSC) is the only insitute who can issue such certificates.
Why is my mechanical watch less accurate than a quartz watch?
The difference arises from the fact that the 2 movements are quite different.
A quartz watch is extremely precise due to its high frequency of vibrations (32 kHz). Its precision (fast or slow) deviates by approximately 1-2 seconds per week (1-2 mintutes per year).
In comparison, a mechanical movement (self-winding or hand-wound) contains an hairspring with an oscillating frequency between 2.5 and 4 Hz, corresponding to an accuracy of 1- 2 minutes per week. Furthermore, the precision of a mechanical watch can also be affected by a variety of factors, including impact, the aging of the oils, significant temperature fluctuations, magnetic fields and wearer activity.
What are your recommendations and instructions for taking care of my watch?
Recommendations for taking care of your watch over the years and prolong your Baume & Mercier watch life are available in the Care recommendations section of our website
How long is a Baume & Mercier watch guaranteed for?
Your watch is guaranteed for 24 months from the date of purchase from an authorized Baume & Mercier retailer. For more information, please refer to our Warranty section.
If you have a watch equipped with a Baumatic movement, you can benefit from a 6 years warranty extension by registering here within 60 days after purchase.
Where to buy an authentic Baume & Mercier watch?
Authentic Baume & Mercier watches are sold exclusively, through our network of authorized retailers around the world. In some countries, we also have opened an official Baume & Mercier e-boutique to better serve our customers. This assures you are investing in a genuine Baume & Mercier timepiece and that it is not counterfeit, modified or a second-hand item presented as new merchandise.
Only watches purchased through an authorized retailer are accompanied by a Baume & Mercier International Guarantee.
You may find details of these retailers on our Store Locator
If you bought your watch elsewhere than from an authorized retailer, unfortunately, we cannot guarantee the authenticity of the piece you have acquired.
Why does a watch need regular maintenance?
Your Baume & Mercier watch is a high-precision instrument working continuously 24 hours a day, that needs regular maintenance to maintain its precision and water-resistance over time.
The interval between services may vary, depending on the use of the watch as well as the environment in which it is worn.
The water resistance can, for example, be affected by the natural aging of the gaskets but also by regular use of the winding crown, shocks, and other factors including perspiration, use of cosmetics and changes in temperature.
We recommend a water-resistance check every year and a complete service performed every 3 to 5 years by one of our service centers.
Note for watches equipped with a Baumatic movement: new lubricants allow for the intervals between services to be extended (5 to 7 years instead of 3 to 5 years).
Where can I have my watch examined and repaired?
If your Baume & Mercier watch needs a service, we invite you to drop off your watch at one of our service centers or at an authorized retailer who will take care of sending it to one of our service centers.
Alternatively, in some countries (United States, France, Hong-Kong, Japan and Australia), you can also directly send your watch to our regional service center. If you are interested in this service, please visit our dedicated section by clicking on one of these countries and/or contact us so that we can explain you the full process and send you a Shipping Kit to securely pack your watch.
Your watch will then be handled by a certified watchmaker benefitting from specific tools and original components.
How long does it take to receive an estimate?
When you drop-off your watch at an authorized retailer, you should be given an approximative pre-estimate including price and leadtimes for the service required. Then, if you agree, your watch will be sent to one of our service centers where a full diagnosis will be performed by one of our watchmakers who will determine the service and parts to be replaced taking your initial request into consideration.
You will then receive an official estimate within 1 week from receipt of your watch by our Service Center (4 weeks if the watch needs to be repaired in Switzerland). Of course, no service will be carried out without your prior approval.
How long does it take to service my watch?
In principle, spare parts for our contemporary watches are always available and the time required for service by our skilled watchmakers depends only on the type of service to perform: Battery service (approx. 1 week ), Water-resistance Service (approx. 4 weeks) or Complete Service (approx. 5 weeks).
For vintage watches, spare parts are not always immediately available in stock in all countries, and this can cause an extra delay. In addition, components such as cases, dials or bracelets are sometimes out of stock and have to be re-manufactured, further extending the delay. Lastly, certain watches must be returned to our Baume & Mercier watchmaking workshop in Switzerland to be exclusively repaired by our specialized watchmakers in charge of the restoration of the vintage pieces, and time required will be longer than for a standard service (minimum 8 weeks).
Is a service carried out in an authorized Baume & Mercier After-Sales Service Center as good as a service carried out by a Richemont regional platform or by Baume & Mercier watchmakers in Switzerland?
For contemporary watches (less than 20 years old), all the certified watchmakers working at an authorized service center have the competence and experience required to perform high-quality work. Moreover, they are regularly trained by Baume & Mercier and use the same specific tools and original components than the Richemont regional platforms or Baume & Mercier watchmakers in Switzerland.
How long will the battery in my quartz watch last? And when should I change the battery in my quartz watch?
Battery life is generally between 3 and 10 years, depending on the watch model.
The majority of our quartz watches with a central seconds hand, come equipped with a system to indicate a low battery (EOL – End of Life): approximately two weeks before the battery will stop, the central seconds hand will begin to jump every four seconds, signaling that the battery must be changed.
You should never leave an exhausted battery inside the watch to avoid the risk of leakage which could damage the movement.
We recommend the battery be replaced by a certified watchmaker who will also check water-resistance and movement condition of your watch.
For how long is the service intervention guaranteed after completion?
All Baume & Mercier watches we receive are handled with great care and serviced to the highest standards. After being serviced, it undergoes several controls, including an electronic wearing simulation during several days, to verify that it is running properly before it is returned to you.
Baume & Mercier provides a 12-month guarantee on all work carried out and parts replaced during the service.
Is my watch water resistant?
With the exception of a few specific models, including vintage ones, Baume & Mercier watches are water-resistant up to at least 30 meters. If a model’s water-resistance goes beyond 30 meters, the depth is indicated on the back of the case.
When a watch is water-resistant, its movement is protected from dust, humidity and any risk of damage caused by immersion. As such, your watch is water-resistant in all usual circumstances of daily life, be it in the rain, in the shower or while swimming. However, you should avoid subjecting your watch to high pressure water jets (such as those produced by car or garden cleaning appliances, for example) and also protect it from knocks that may occur during the practice of intense water sports (jet-ski, …).
Also, note that the water-resistance of your watch is not permanently guaranteed. The gaskets that ensure water-resistance can be physically deteriorated by natural aging but also by regular use of the winding crown, shocks, and other factors including perspiration, use of cosmetics and changes in temperature.
It is the reason why we recommend a water-resistance check every year, preferably before a summer vacation.
Warning:
When your watch is submerged in water, make sure that the crown is tightly closed (pressed or screwed-down, depending on the model), and do not press any of the push-buttons because water may enter into the case.
If you notice any condensation inside your watch, you must take it immediately to one of our authorized retailers or service centers.
Is a leather or rubber strap covered by the warranty?
Fair tear and wear of non-metallic straps or bracelets (leather, rubber synthetic polymer, etc.) is not covered by the Baume & Mercier International Warranty and you should arrange to have them replaced at your expense when necessary.
If you wish to order a strap, please contact one of our authorized retailers or Contact us.
What is the expected lifespan of my rubber strap?
The life span of a rubber strap depends on the conditions of use and how often it is worn.
To conserve your rubber strap for several years, we recommend you keep it away from oils and cosmetics and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight. Also, avoid rubbing against clothing as it may cause discoloration (particularly in a white strap) or premature deterioration.
Furthermore, note that you may clean your rubber strap with soapy water.
If you wish to order a rubber strap, please contact one of our authorized retailers or Contact us.
What is the expected lifespan of my leather strap?
The life span of a leather strap depends on the conditions of use and how often it is worn. For example, a strap is affected by the acidity of the skin, perspiration, temperature changes, long exposure to sunlight, skin creams, cosmetics...
Extreme conditions such as sports activities or immersion in water considerably reduce its durability.
If you wish to order a strap, please contact one of our authorized retailers or Contact us.
What is a magnetic field and how are they avoided?
Our environment is increasingly subject to magnetic disturbance from various sources that can affect the running of your Baume & Mercier watch. For this reason we recommend you avoid, as far as possible, placing your watch near or in direct contact with electromagnetic sources such as magnets, electronic devices, handbag clasps, iPad/iPhone covers…
A quartz watch may be affected when it enters a strong magnetic field but it will return to normal when it leaves the field. The disturbance therefore only lasts while your watch is within the field.
A mechanical watch is also sensitive to strong magnetic fields. In certain cases, steel components of the movement may become magnetized, particularly the hairspring. In some rare cases, magnetized parts may stick together and cause the watch to run fast, or even stop completely. In this event, demagnetization is required and should be performed at a Baume & Mercier Service Center.
Note for watches equipped with a Baumatic movement: thanks to the use of silicon and non-ferromagnetic elements for the sensitive parts of the movement (including the hairspring), the watches equipped with a Baumatic movement are resistant to everyday life magnetic fields (beyond 1,500 Gauss = 25x higher than to the current norms ISO 764 / NIHS 90.10).
Does the case or the bracelet of my watch contain nickel?
There is some nickel in the stainless steel used in Baume & Mercier watches. However, all the metal we use that contains nickel meets the European standard EN 1811 that sets the salting-out limit for nickel: Ni <0.5 mg/ cm2/ week.
It is important to understand that sensitivity to nickel does not depend on the quantity of nickel present but on two factors:
• the closeness of contact between the skin and the nickel salted-out by corrosion
• the personal degree of allergy. Please note that people who are sensitive to nickel may show an allergic reaction when exposed to levels below the permitted limit.
Do the diamonds used in Baume & Mercier watches have a certificate of origin?
Our diamond-set models are accompanied by an official Baume & Mercier document indicating the quality and caratage of the diamonds for that reference.
Are they ethical diamonds?
At Baume & Mercier we buy our diamonds in conformity with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme and the World Diamond Council Guarantee System, set up to end the trade in "Conflict Diamonds/ Blood diamonds" and to keep them out of the supply chain. We only buy diamonds from suppliers who respect these systems.
Can I have my watch engraved?
Engraving is available for most watches of the Baume & Mercier collection and is free of charge for purchase from our E-Boutiques. However, engraved Baume & Mercier products cannot be returned for exchange or refund.
If you wish to have your Baume & Mercier watch engraved, you can enter your text during the check out or, alternatively, you can also order by phone through our Client Relations Center.
Can I buy, without risk, a Baume & Mercier watch at a retailer not authorized by Baume & Mercier or from other sites than the official Baume & Mercier e-boutique?
If you buy your watch elsewhere than from an authorized retailer or an official e-boutique, unfortunately, we cannot warranty the authenticity of the piece you have acquired.
Purchasing through our official network assures that you are investing in a genuine Baume & Mercier timepiece which benefits from our International Warranty, and that it is not counterfeit, modified or a second-hand item presented as new merchandise.
Find here the list of our authorised retailers.
Why do we recommend you to create an account?
Opening an account will facilitate your purchases as you will not be required to re-enter your personal information which will ensure a faster check-out process. Once registered, you will also be able to “Save for later” any watches, comparisons, picture or videos in your “My Favorites” section and share them with your family and friends.
You will also have the possibility to order using "Guest Checkout" on our Website.
Where can I receive my Baume & Mercier watch?
We currently deliver to the United States and selected European countries.
Please see here the detailed list of the countries and states where you can receive your order:
United States, Alaska, Hawaii and the District of Columbia
Europe: France, Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Switzerland, United Kingdom and Eire.
What is the shipping cost of my order?
Standard shipping (2-3 business days) is free of charge.
Saturday will not be considered as a regular business day with respect to estimated delivery lead time.
Delivery on Saturday may be proposed in some countries as a service to specific zip/postal codes.
This service as well as express shipping may incur more specific charges. Please contact our Client Relations Center for more specific information.
How can I follow my order?
Please consult your “My Account” section.
How can I confirm the receipt of my order?
Baume & Mercier insures each purchase during the time it is in transit until it is delivered to you. We require a signature by an adult to confirm your acceptance of each Baume & Mercier product delivered. For more information, please read our Conditions of Sale.
Can I return / exchange my order?
You may return or exchange the product within thirty (30) days (US) and fourteen (14) days (elsewhere) following delivery, with the exception of personalised product or product which shows signs of wear, or has been used or altered from its original condition in any way.
Please call the Client Relations Centre to obtain a return number (RAN), agree on the return service and place the exchange order, if applicable.
For full details of our return / exchange policy, please consult our Conditions of Sale.
What is the cookie policy of Baume & Mercier?
Baume & Mercier is committed to protecting the privacy of its clients. We provide a secure online shopping environment and hold our customer's personal data in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. We use technology such as "cookies" on our website to enhance your shopping experience, helping tracking of what you have in your Shopping Bag and to remember you when you return to the Baume & Mercier e-boutique. Baume & Mercier does not use cookies to gather personal information.
For more information, we encourage you to read our Legal Mentions section.
Can I obtain a VAT refund if I export my watch?
It is possible to obtain a VAT refund for product delivered to UK, Eire, France, Germany, Austria, Italy and Spain and exported out of the Europe Union less than 30 days after purchase, so long as you do not have your permanent address in the European Economic Area. In order to process such a refund, please contact our Client Relations Centre for the necessary paperwork to be sent to you.
Power Reserve Indicator
A hand indicates how much of the watch’s power reserve remains (for both self-winding and hand-wound mechanical watches).
Retrograde display
A display is considered retrograde when one of the hands (the retrograde hand) moves backward after having reached its final mark.
What does COSC stand for?
COSC means Contrôle Officiel Suisse des Chronomètres (Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Institute). It is the only insitute in Switzerland who can certify chronometer movements.
A movement is certified COSC when it has passed precision tests in different positions and at different temperatures over a 15-day period.
What are the different functions of my watch and how to use it?
If you want to know more about the functions equipping your watch, please refer to our Glossary or to the User guide.
What should I do if my watch is lost or stolen?
If your watch is lost or stolen, it is now possible to register it in the database of our partner, Enquirus. Thanks to our partner Enquirus, Enquirus.com aims to reduce and if possible, eliminate the theft of luxury watches and associated fraud. All watches manufactured with a unique identifier (serial number) can be registered on this free of charge and user-friendly platform. In turn, the database is a useful tool for law enforcement agencies dealing with suspicious watches and anyone purchasing a pre-owned watch.