Baume & Mercier Enters New Chapter Under Damiani Group Ownership
Richemont has reached an agreement to sell Swiss watch brand Baume & Mercier to the Italy-based, family-owned Damiani Group. The transaction marks a change of ownership for the Maison, which has been part of the Richemont portfolio since 1988. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclosed, and completion is expected in summer 2026.
Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier is one of Switzerland’s oldest continuously operating watch brands. Over the decades, the Maison has built a reputation for offering Swiss-made mechanical and quartz timepieces positioned between entry-level luxury and higher-end watchmaking. Its current collection is structured around several core lines, including the Clifton, Riviera, Hampton and Classima families.
Among these, the Clifton collection focuses on classical watchmaking aesthetics, featuring round cases, balanced dial layouts and automatic movements, including in-house Baumatic calibres. These movements offer extended power reserves, enhanced resistance to magnetic fields and long service intervals. The Riviera line, originally introduced in 1973, represents the sport-luxury side of the brand, identifiable by its twelve-sided bezel, integrated bracelet options and contemporary case sizes, with both automatic and chronograph executions available.
Baume & Mercier has also maintained a presence in rectangular watchmaking through the Hampton collection, while the Classima line remains the brand’s most traditional offering, designed around slim profiles and understated dials. Across its portfolio, the Maison has focused on accessible pricing while maintaining Swiss manufacturing standards.
The buyer, Damiani Group, is best known for its high-end jewellery business and currently owns brands such as Damiani, Salvini and Bliss. The acquisition of Baume & Mercier represents an expansion of the group’s activities within watchmaking. For context, Damiani Group reported consolidated revenues exceeding € 380 million for the financial year ending 31 March 2025, reflecting year-on-year growth.
To support continuity following the transaction, Richemont will continue to provide operational services to Baume & Mercier for a transitional period of at least 12 months after closing. This arrangement is intended to ensure stability while the brand is progressively integrated into Damiani Group’s organisational structure.
With new ownership on the horizon, attention will now turn to how Baume & Mercier’s collections, technical positioning and historical identity will evolve under Damiani Group’s stewardship.
