Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Swiss watchmaker Baume & Mercier bets big on India
A company called Baume & Mercier makes fancy watches in Switzerland.
It is almost 200 years old.
The company wants more people in India to know about its watches.
So it asked an Indian movie actress named Janhvi Kapoor to be its special friend and help show off the brand.
The company made a new collection of pretty watches just for women, called Joia.
It also made new versions of its Clifton and Riviera watches.
The boss, Michael Guenoun, says India is becoming very important for the company.
Baume & Mercier is opening new stores, including one in Paris, France, by the end of 2026.
It hopes to sell more luxury watches in India and around the world.
Baume & Mercier has named Bollywood actor Janhvi Kapoor as its Friend of the Maison, marking its first Indian brand ambassador.
CEO Michael Guenoun says the brand is targeting India's growing ₹1–5 lakh luxury watch segment.
The nearly 200-year-old Swiss maison launched Joia, a new women's jewellery watch collection.
New launches include the Clifton Baumatic Perpetual Calendar and the Riviera 73, inspired by the original 1973 Riviera watch.
The brand is pursuing an omnichannel retail strategy, including a new boutique on Rue de la Paix in Paris planned by end of 2026.
- Who
- Baume & Mercier CEO Michael Guenoun and actor Janhvi Kapoor, the brand's first Indian Friend of the Maison.
- What
- The Swiss watchmaker is strengthening its India strategy with the new Joia women's collection, product refreshes and retail expansion.
- When
- Current-year launches are underway, with new international stores planned by the end of 2026.
- Where
- India, with a new boutique planned on Rue de la Paix in Paris and stores in other key international cities.
- Why
- To deepen the brand's presence in India's growing ₹1–5 lakh luxury watch segment.
- Brand
- Baume & Mercier
- Brand age
- Nearly 200 years old
- CEO
- Michael Guenoun
- Indian brand ambassador
- Janhvi Kapoor (Friend of the Maison)
- New women's collection
- Joia, a jewellery watch collection for women
- Key men's launches
- Clifton Baumatic Perpetual Calendar and Riviera 73
- Target segment in India
- ₹1–5 lakh luxury watches
- Retail plans
- New boutique on Rue de la Paix, Paris, by end of 2026