Baume & Mercier Genève Tank – Vintage Swiss Mechanical Dress Watch – Roman Numeral Dial – 1970s An elegant Baume & Mercier Genève Tank-style mechanical dress watch from the 1970s, distinguished by its elongated tonneau/rectangular case, classical Roman numeral dial and refined Art Deco-inspired proportions. The design belongs unmistakably to the elegant Tank aesthetic that became particularly fashionable among prestigious Swiss manufacturers during the 1970s. Comparable Baume & Mercier Tank and rectangular mechanical watches from this period are documented with Roman numeral dials, hand-wound movements and similarly restrained two-hand configurations. This example is particularly attractive for its large 35 × 30 mm proportions, considerably more substantial than many traditional Tank watches of the period, giving it an elegant yet noticeable presence on the wrist. Most importantly, the watch has been professionally serviced making it ready to wear and enjoy. Case Case Material: Chrome plated / base metal Case Back: Stainless steel Dimensions: Approximately 35 × 30 mm Design: Elegant elongated tonneau / Tank-style case with integrated short lugs and brushed upper surface. The inner case back is correctly signed: BAUME & MERCIER GENEVE STAINLESS STEEL BACK SWISS MADE The sculptural shape of the case creates an elegant transition between the rectangular dial and curved outer profile, a characteristic design language of sophisticated 1970s. Glass: Acrylic crystal The shaped acrylic crystal follows the geometry of the case and contributes to the authentic vintage appearance. Dial colour: Silver / cream Layout: Classical two-hand configuration with oversized black Roman numerals. Hands: Black baton-style hour and minute hands. Details: Signed BAUME & MERCIER – GENEVE, with the characteristic Phi (Φ) emblem positioned above the brand name. A decorative inner minute track frames the central portion of the dial, while the oversized Roman numerals create a strong Art Deco character. The dial displays visible natural ageing and patina consistent with its vintage character, contributing to the authenticity and individuality of the watch. Water Resistance: Not tested for water. Movement Design: 17 jewels Swiss made Type: Swiss mechanical Baume & Mercier movement Winding: Manual wind Functions: Hours and minutes Service: The watch has been professionally serviced. Condition: functional Strap Type: Leather strap Colour: Burgundy / reddish brown Length: Approximately 21 cm The warm burgundy leather complements the silver-toned case and cream dial particularly well, reinforcing the sophisticated vintage dress-watch character. Condition Grade: B The watch shows honest signs of age and use consistent with a vintage piece from the 1970s. The case displays surface scratches and wear to the finish, particularly around the edges and lugs. The dial presents visible natural ageing and scattered patina, while remaining highly legible and visually attractive. These signs of age contribute to the authentic vintage appearance of the watch rather than detracting from its distinctive character. Box / Papers: Delivered with generic presentation box. Story Founded in 1830, Baume & Mercier belongs to the historic tradition of Swiss watchmaking and became particularly known for combining technically accomplished movements with refined, elegant case designs. During the 1970s, the manufacture produced a variety of rectangular and Tank-inspired dress watches characterized by slim mechanical movements, Roman numeral dials and geometrically balanced cases. Surviving examples from this period demonstrate how strongly the company embraced the classical Art Deco vocabulary of rectangular watchmaking. This particular example is especially attractive because its design combines two different geometries: a rectangular dial opening enclosed within a softly curved tonneau-shaped case. The oversized Roman numerals, railway-style inner track and minimalist two-hand configuration create a distinctly architectural appearance. The Phi (Φ) emblem visible on the dial became an important Baume & Mercier symbol, representing the concept of balance and harmonious proportions — an idea particularly appropriate for the carefully balanced geometry of this watch. At approximately 35 × 30 mm, this example is also larger than many conventional Tank-style watches of the period. For comparison, documented 1970s Baume & Mercier Tank watches frequently measure around 23–25 mm in width. With its unmistakable 1970s design, original-looking aged dial, classical Roman numerals, Swiss hand-wound mechanical construction and recently serviced movement, this Baume & Mercier Genève represents an elegant and increasingly collectible example of vintage Swiss dress-watch design. Internal Reference Number: ABA 63