During the late 19th century, Baume & Mercier was best known for its chronographs and grand complication models. The company won ten Grand Prix awards and seven gold medals at international exhibition across the entire world. Its timepieces demonstrated a rare accuracy. In 1892, Baume won a competition held by the Kew Observatory near london with a chronometer pocket-watch equipped with a tourbillon movement of which the precision was to remain unmatched for over ten years.