A 200-Year-Old Legacy Changes Hands: Damiani Group Acquires Baume & Mercier in a Bold Move That Could Reshape the Luxury Watch Landscape
In a move that’s sure to send ripples through the luxury industry, Richemont and the Damiani Group have announced a groundbreaking agreement. As of January 22, 2026, the prestigious, family-run Italian luxury powerhouse, Damiani Group, will acquire full ownership of the storied Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier. But here’s where it gets intriguing: this isn’t just a business transaction—it’s a strategic union that could redefine the future of luxury watches.
Why This Matters: Baume & Mercier, with its 200-year legacy, is no ordinary acquisition. For the Damiani Group, this move expands their already impressive portfolio of hard luxury goods, which includes iconic jewelry brands like Damiani, Salvini, Bliss, and Calderoni, as well as Venini, Italy’s celebrated artistic glassmaker. Adding Baume & Mercier to the mix not only diversifies their offerings but also strengthens their position in the competitive luxury watch segment. And this is the part most people miss: Richemont believes the Damiani Group’s strong Italian footprint, multi-brand wholesale model, and accessible luxury positioning make it the ideal home for Baume & Mercier’s long-term growth.
The Strategy Behind the Acquisition: The Damiani Group isn’t just acquiring a brand—they’re investing in its future. Their plan? To amplify Baume & Mercier’s visibility by leveraging their extensive multi-brand distribution network and strategically opening mono-brand boutiques in key locations. This approach aims to strike a balance between heritage preservation and modern market demands. To ensure a seamless transition, Richemont will continue
