Here is another of a series of watches from ‘different’ makers to the usual past offering I have had on ebay. The is a rare 'bumper' automatic gentleman's Baume & Mercier wristwatch dating from circa 1948.
Baume & Mercier originated around 1830, when the Baume family were producing watches near Berne. 1918 saw a perfect alliance with the reputable Geneva jeweller Paul Mercier; Baume continued with their precision movements, and Mercier fashioned award-winning cases. Soon they were one of the top Swiss makers winning the prestigious Poincon de Geneve.
Baume & Mercier have always concentrated on two distinct categories of watch style; the classic and the sporting. They are legendary for their precision and reliability, having perhaps proved this most emphatically by bolting one of their watches to the wheel of a BMW M1 car before it partook in the Le Mans 24-hour car race. Needless to say it was still in perfect working order after the race (and probably still is!), despite the unforeseen torrential rain and the incredible heat and speed it was subjected to. In short, B&Ms are like that, they do their job without fuss.
This is a circa 1948 gentleman’s 'bumper’ automatic watch in excellent condition for its age. Bumpers are early pre-360 degree rotors where-by the rotor bumps either way on springs. They are much sought after and very collectable form of automatic watches. The case measures 33.5mm excluding lugs and winding crown and the case back carries a reference of 361554.
The black dial is in good condition as the photography shows despite being completely original. It has been finished with luminous Arabic hours and markers with gold hands and sweep centre seconds. 'Baume & Mercier Geneve' reads clearly in white print with 'Automatic' below.
The movement runs strongly keeping good time having been serviced in May 2017, the service paperwork is included.
The watch comes on a light tan leather strap with plenty of wear left in it.
Thanks for looking and please see my other vintage watches here now on ebay.