This first automatic watch was given to me by my partner. I already liked watches quite a bit but I didn't know the world of watchmaking with watches with movements. It was a real discovery and I gradually became interested in it to become a passion. I still wear this watch with the same pleasure and never tire of appreciating its magnificent dial.

the beginning of a passion

<p dir="ltr"><strong>Baume &amp; Mercier</strong> is a Swiss luxury watch brand founded in <strong>1830</strong> by brothers Louis-Victor and C&eacute;lestin Baume in Les Bois, in the Swiss Jura. Since its creation, the brand has been committed to producing watches of excellence, combining traditional know-how, innovation and timeless design. The Baume brothers began their watchmaking adventure by creating pocket watches with high-quality complications and movements. Their success was immediate, and in a few years, they acquired a solid reputation for the precision and reliability of their watches. In 1851, Baume &amp; Mercier won its first gold medal at the World's Fair in London, marking the start of a string of prestigious awards for the brand.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">What are the emblematic models of the Baume &amp; Mercier brand?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Over the decades, Baume &amp; Mercier has continued to expand its range of watches and explore new technical innovations. The brand has created several iconic collections, each with its own distinctive character.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Baume &amp; Mercier Classima</h3>
<p dir="ltr">This collection embodies classic elegance with its watches with a refined and timeless design. Classima watches are distinguished by their minimalist dials, slim cases and refined leather straps. They are often associated with complications such as moon phases or calendar complications.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Baume &amp; Mercier Clifton</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Inspired by watches from the 1950s, the Clifton collection embodies retro elegance. Clifton watches are characterized by their rounded cases, sophisticated dials and high-quality leather straps. This collection offers models with complications, such as chronographs, minute repeaters and tourbillons.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/baume_&amp;_mercier/hampton">Baume &amp; Mercier Hampton</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">This collection is recognizable by its rectangular or barrel cases, which offer a unique aesthetic. Hampton watches combine classic elegance and contemporary design. They stand out with their dials with clean lines and their steel or leather bracelets.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Baume &amp; Mercier Promise</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Designed especially for women, the Promesse collection is distinguished by its feminine and delicate design. The watches in this collection feature dials adorned with diamonds, finely crafted steel or leather bracelets, and harmonious shapes. They symbolize commitment and the promise of a precious moment.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr"><a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/baume_&amp;_mercier/capeland">Baume &amp; Mercier Capeland</a></h3>
<p dir="ltr">This collection pays homage to the sporting heritage of Baume &amp; Mercier with watches inspired by vintage chronographs. Capeland watches are characterized by their generous cases, elegant dials with chronograph counters, and leather or steel bracelets. This collection embodies retro style and the spirit of adventure.</p>
<h3 dir="ltr">Baume &amp; Mercier Riviera</h3>
<p dir="ltr">Introduced in 1973, <strong>the Riviera collection embodies the sport-chic style of Baume &amp; Mercier</strong>. Riviera watches are distinguished by their polished and satin-finished stainless steel cases, their dials marked with Roman numerals and their characteristic bracelet integrated into the watch case. This collection is aimed at watch lovers looking for a perfect balance between elegance and sporty functionality. It was relaunched in 2021 with multiple variations to revive this typical 70s model from the 70s, reminiscent of the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/audemars_piguet/royal_oak"> Audemars Piguet Royal Oak</a> and <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/patek_philippe/nautilus">Patek Philippe Nautilus</a>, icon of Sports-Chics watches.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In addition to these collections, Baume &amp; Mercier also introduced the line<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/baume_&amp;_mercier/baumatic"> Baume &amp; Mercier Baumatic</a>, which embodies a new era of technical innovation. Baumatic watches are equipped with revolutionary movements that provide increased precision and reliability. These movements, developed in collaboration with the Richemont group and the ValFleurier company, have an extended operating autonomy and are resistant to magnetic fields. Baumatic watches combine performance and aesthetics, with elegant designs and modern functionality.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does a Baume &amp; Mercier watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of Baume &amp; Mercier watches sold on the brand's website vary between $1,000 and $4,000 depending on the models and finishes. Count on $2,100 for a Baume &amp; Mercier Classima automatic in 42mm and $4,650 for a Baume &amp; Mercier Riviera in 42mm as well.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">Baume &amp; Mercier: Among the oldest Swiss watch brands</h2>
<p dir="ltr">Baume &amp; Mercier continues to innovate by offering new collections that reflect evolving tastes and styles. The brand is aimed at a sophisticated clientele looking for high-quality watches combining watchmaking tradition and contemporary design.</p>
<p dir="ltr">In conclusion, the story of Baume &amp; Mercier is that of an iconic Swiss brand that has built a reputation for excellence and quality since its creation more than 180 years ago. The brand has evolved with the times while retaining its watchmaking heritage, offering a range of collections that celebrate timeless elegance and exceptional watchmaking craftsmanship.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Check out the <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands">Ranking of the most popular Swiss watch brands</a>, including Baume &amp; Mercier.</span></p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated May 2024)</p>

<p>La marque <strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> a &eacute;t&eacute; cr&eacute;&eacute;e en <strong>1956</strong> par Joseph Ollech et Albert Wajs &agrave; Zurich en Suisse. Albert &eacute;tait charg&eacute; de la conception, de l&rsquo;ing&eacute;nierie et de la fabrication des montres, tandis que Joseph s&rsquo;occupait du marketing et de la vente au d&eacute;tail. Avant de cr&eacute;er leur propre montres sous la marque Ollech &amp; Wajs, ils ont commenc&eacute; leur activit&eacute; en 1954 en fabriquant des bracelets en acier pour d&rsquo;autres marques.</p>
<p>La marque est connue pour avoir distribu&eacute; des montres &agrave; des unit&eacute;s de l&rsquo;arm&eacute;e am&eacute;ricaine pendant la guerre du Vietnam et pour avoir gagn&eacute; sa renomm&eacute;e aupr&egrave;s des plongeurs et pilotes du monde entier.</p>
<p>Apr&egrave;s 12 ans de n&eacute;gociation et apr&egrave;s avoir &eacute;t&eacute; son distributeur pour le march&eacute; fran&ccedil;ais, en 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, un passionn&eacute; d&rsquo;horlogerie, rach&egrave;te la marque. La gamme actuelle comprend des mod&egrave;les comme la Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 et la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104">Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000">Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, la <a title="Page Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph" href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph">Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> et la Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.</p>
<h2>Combien co&ucirc;te une montre Ollech &amp; Wajs ?</h2>
<p>Les prix des montres Ollech &amp; Wajs &eacute;voluent et diff&egrave;rent selon les mod&egrave;les. <strong>La plupart co&ucirc;tent entre CHF 1,500 et CHF 2,000 selon les mod&egrave;les et les finitions</strong>. Comptez <strong>CHF 1,456</strong> pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI et pr&egrave;s de <strong>CHF 2,300</strong> pour une Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronographe. Le march&eacute; de l'occasion est &eacute;galement une opportunit&eacute; &agrave; regarder pour acheter une Ollech &amp; Wajs moins ch&egrave;re. Les mod&egrave;les Vintage notamment les Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron et&nbsp;<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron">Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, sont tr&egrave;s pris&eacute;es des collectionneurs et ils convient de bien se renseigner sur le vendeur avant de franchir le pas de l'acquisition d'une vintage.</p>
<p><strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> est une marque de montres ind&eacute;pendante et produit plusieurs centaines de montres par an, tous mod&egrave;les confondus. Pour choisir une Ollech &amp; Wajs qui vous correspond le mieux,&nbsp;<strong>les avis clients Dialicious</strong> sont une pr&eacute;cieuse ressource pour &eacute;valuer chacun des diff&eacute;rents mod&egrave;les &agrave; travers l'exp&eacute;rience r&eacute;elle des clients.</p>
<p class="p1"><span class="s1">Consultez le <a href="https://www.dialicious.com/top/les_meilleures_marques_de_montres_suisses"><span class="s2">Classement des meilleures marques de montres suisses</span></a> dont Ollech &amp; Wajs fait partie.</span></p>
<p class="p1">(Mise &agrave; jour Octobre 2024)</p>

<p dir="ltr">The brand <strong>Ollech &amp; Wajs</strong> was created in <strong>1956</strong> by Joseph Ollech and Albert Wajs in Zurich, Switzerland. Albert was responsible for the design, engineering and manufacturing of the watches, while Joseph handled marketing and retail sales. Before creating their own watches under the brand Ollech &amp; Wajs, they started their business in 1954 making steel bracelets for other brands.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The brand is known for distributing watches to units of the American army during the Vietnam War and for having earned its reputation among divers and pilots around the world.</p>
<p dir="ltr">After 12 years of negotiations and after having been its distributor for the French market, in 2017, Charles Le Menestrel, a watchmaking enthusiast, bought the brand. The current range includes models like the Ollech &amp; Wajs P-101 and the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/p-104"> Ollech &amp; Wajs P-104</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/c-1000"> Ollech &amp; Wajs C-1000</a>, the<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/ocean_graph"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Ocean Graph</a> and the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron.</p>
<h2 dir="ltr">How much does an Ollech &amp; Wajs watch cost?</h2>
<p dir="ltr">The prices of Ollech &amp; Wajs watches change and differ depending on the model. <strong>Most cost between CHF 1,500 and CHF 2,000 depending on the models and finishes</strong>. Expect to pay <strong>CHF </strong><strong>1,456</strong> for an Ollech &amp; Wajs 350CI and close to <strong>CHF </strong><strong>2,300</strong> for an Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron Chronograph. The second-hand market is also an opportunity to look at to buy a cheaper Ollech &amp; Wajs. Vintage models including the Ollech &amp; Wajs Navichron and<a href="https://www.dialicious.com/en/ollech_&amp;_wajs/astrochron"> Ollech &amp; Wajs Astrochron</a>, are very popular with collectors and they should find out about the seller before taking the step of purchasing a vintage one.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Ollech &amp; Wajs is an independent watch brand and produces several hundred watches per year, all models combined. To choose an Ollech &amp; Wajs that best suits you, <strong>Dialicious owners' reviews</strong> are a valuable resource for evaluating each of the different models through real owner experience.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Consult the<a href="https://preprod.dialicious.com/en/top/the_best_swiss_watch_brands"> Ranking of the best Swiss watch brands</a> of which Ollech &amp; Wajs is part.</p>
<p dir="ltr">(Updated October 2024)</p>

Baume & Mercier Capeland Owner Review : Pleasant, elegant and harmonious

the beginning of a passion