The Watch: Baume & Mercier Quadrato (ref 38260) in 18k yellow gold. Founded as “Frères Baume” in the 1830’s, the brand manufactured pocketwatches through the 19th century, including high complications like chronographs, calendars, tourbillons, and minute repeaters. As wristwatches replaced pocket watches as dominant style at the beginning of the 20th century, the Baume Brothers director William Baume took on a new partner, jeweler Paul Mercier, to create Baume & Mercier. The company embraced smaller, art deco inspired designs, especially shaped watch cases. This design ethos carried them through the 1980’s when new ownership took over.
This 27x33 manual wind example most likely dates to the 1960’s. It embodies the luxurious, “small-but-brash” designs that the brand excelled in. There’s a Gatsby-ish charm to the flash of the gold against the layers of malachite, and the gold case has aged to a warm patina. It comes on an equally brash aftermarket alligator strap. Switch the strap to a darker color if you want to tone it down, but who would want to do that?
Condition: This watch is in pre-owned, unpolished condition. There is a scratch in the upper-right of the crystal that is visible from certain angles and in the photos.
