Baume & Mercier Genève Chronograph Ref. 3916 – A Rosé Gold Classic of 1950s Complication
A masterclass in mid-century chronograph design, the Baume & Mercier Genève Ref. 3916 stands as a testament to the brand’s heritage of elegance and horological precision. Housed in a generous 37.5mm oversized case crafted entirely from 18k rosé gold, this timepiece pairs mechanical ingenuity with aesthetic warmth. It’s a watch that captures the romantic spirit of post-war watchmaking, where utility and grace coexisted effortlessly.
18k Rosé Gold Case – Oversized and Refined
Measuring 37.5mm across—a significant diameter for its era—the 18k rosé gold case delivers a powerful wrist presence while retaining balanced proportions. The soft gleam of the gold contrasts with the warm patina of time, highlighting a case design that remains compelling decades after its creation.
Framing the dial is a high-domed plexiglass crystal, original to the watch, which subtly distorts light at its edges—a nostalgic nod to vintage charm. The crown, plated in matching rosé gold, remains period-correct and complements the pump-style chronograph pushers that flank it. Recently serviced by a professional watchmaker, the case retains excellent definition and integrity, backed by a full one-year mechanical warranty.
Telémètre Dial – Precision Meets Poetry
At the heart of the watch lies a stunning multi-scale dial, untouched and original, displaying a light, even patina that speaks to its honest vintage provenance. The layout is a visual feast for enthusiasts: a red télémetre scale encircles the perimeter, designed to calculate distance based on the speed of sound, while a rare snail-style tachymeter scale spirals at the center—a beautifully complex addition used for measuring average speeds over time.
The sub-dials, delicately sunken, remain crisp and proportional. The rosé gold-plated chronograph hand adds a final flourish of color and vintage authenticity. This is a dial that rewards close inspection, where each element reveals the thoughtful craftsmanship of 1950s Swiss watchmaking.
Calibre Landeron 48 – Workhorse with Character
Beating inside is the manual-wind Calibre Landeron 48, a robust and historically significant chronograph movement favored by many high-end manufacturers of the era. Known for its reliable column-pusher system and smooth action, the Landeron 48 offers tactile satisfaction with each reset and precise registration of elapsed time.
Fully serviced and adjusted, this example runs beautifully, delivering performance you can feel in every push of the pusher. The movement's strong architecture ensures it will serve as a reliable daily companion—or a treasured centerpiece in a growing collection.
Key Details:
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Model: Baume & Mercier Genève Chronograph Ref. 3916
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Year: Circa 1950s
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Movement: Landeron 48, Manual-Wind Chronograph
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Case Size: 37.5mm (excluding crown)
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Case Material: 18k Rosé Gold
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Crystal: Original High-Domed Plexiglass
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Crown: Rosé Gold-Plated, Original Style
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Dial: Original, Light Patina, Multi-Scale with Red Telémètre and Snail-Style Tachymeter
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Service: Fully Serviced by Watchmaker; One-Year Warranty
Why This Watch?
The Baume & Mercier Chronograph Ref. 3916 is a sleeper gem from one of Switzerland’s most enduring maisons. Its oversized 18k rosé gold case, layered chronograph scales, and iconic Landeron 48 calibre mark it as both a practical tool and an objet d’art. For collectors drawn to untouched dials, authentic patina, and rare scale configurations, this watch offers both sophistication and historical gravitas.
It is not simply a vintage chronograph—it’s a golden emblem of an era when design, utility, and prestige converged on the wrist.
High-resolution photos and additional information available upon request. Watches of this calibre and condition rarely surface—especially in full gold, untouched form.
