The Baume & Mercier Riviera returns to the stage
One of the Brand’s icons created in 1973, the Riviera watch returns this year to revive the spirit of a distinguished watchmaking era with its distinctive bezel and streamlined steel watchcase. Rather than a revival, the fifth generation of this legendary watch strikes the chord of an authentic renewal.
Some watches stand the test of time. The Riviera is one of those. When it was launched in 1973, Baume & Mercier chose to present a powerful, unique, different and distinctive watch. At a time when the watchmaking industry could afford to do almost anything, the Riviera broke with traditional codes. In 2021, the Riviera unveils a new generation, making a comeback that strikes a balance between its roots in avant-garde ‘70s design and the sport-minded classicism of today’s watches.
The Riviera returns to the stage in three size variations, each in steel: diameters of 36mm, 42mm and 43mm. Loyal to the original, the “Swiss Made” self-winding Riviera in a 42mm diameter revisits the fundamentals of the legendary model. It has a dodecagonal – twelve-sided – bezel, true it its form; a unique decoration (blue, black or silver) that symbolizes the convergence of the mountains and the ocean (water striking stone); and interchangeable straps in steel or blue rubber for a “full blue” version. The shape of the original 1973 watch is still present, but it has been updated to our times. In a 36mm diameter, the Riviera addresses active women. It is driven by a “Swiss Made” quartz movement; its steel version is adorned with an azure blue or silver dial, while its rubber strap version features a black dial. A self-winding version equipped with a tried-and-true “Swiss Made” movement is also available as part of this refined line; and like the entire collection, it is water-resistant to 50 meters.
Last but not least, the Riviera also docks at the marina to showcase a luxury version equipped with the in-house Baumatic caliber, which has been known for several years, particularly through its success with the Clifton collection. The Baumatic movement also drives the ultimate interpretation of the Riviera by proposing –among other features – a five-day power reserve, a daily precision of -4 s/ +6 s, and a magnetic resistance of 1,500 Gauss, which provides solid protection against magnetic fields on an everyday basis. A technical jewel, the Baumatic Riviera clearly intends on addressing the expectations of future watch owners seeking excellence and irreproachable quality. The Baumatic Riviera is available with a smoky blue decorated sapphire dial on a built-in steel strap, or with a smoky gray decorated sapphire dial on a supple black strap. The transparency of its opaque dials provides an opportunity to admire the moving gear trains of the movement.
