As I was reminded at Watches & Wonders earlier this year, Baume & Mercier is one of those watchmakers that simply delivers outstanding timepieces without the empty, puffed-up hype surrounding so many others. It’s a refreshing approach and one that would only be open to a brand that’s entirely secure in its own prestige and heritage. As the old Delphic maxim goes, know thyself. Baume & Mercier certainly does.
The brand’s quiet self-assurance, grounded in a firm understanding of its identity and the skill of its elite artisans, is perfectly embodied by its latest release of four new Riviera timepieces. These additions to the Riviera line, which has gone from strength to strength since it debuted over 50 years ago, pay a fitting tribute to the beauty of nature’s colour palette as encountered on the French Riviera (more on that in a moment).
The Pinnacle of Sporty Chic
Baume & Mercier’s four new watches are split into two camps. Half of them focus on the Riviera range’s famously chic aesthetic, highlighting the immaculate style that’s always been a core pillar of its appeal, while the remaining two lean into the sportier side of the Riviera’s identity, showcasing its casual elegance. Regardless of which side you’re drawn to, you can rest assured that each of these timepieces is an absolute masterclass in design and execution.
Now, before we dive further into what makes each watch unique, let’s take a moment to touch on some of the elements that connect them. As you might expect, all of the new Rivieras boast that iconic 12-sided bezel design paired with four screws—we’d recognise it from across the room—along with a premium self-winding movement, although these vary slightly across the range. Each watch also boasts a sapphire crystal case back and is constructed from steel, with a variety of finishes deployed across the range. Plus, all the new additions boast a date aperture at 3 o’clock. Now, let’s take a closer look and discover what makes each of these remarkable watches unique.
Riviera M0A10770
With a stunning green dial inspired by the pine groves that overlook the French Riviera’s coast, this is our pick of the range, although it was a close-run competition.
We just can’t pass up the transparent smokey green sapphire dial, which is nothing short of stunning and, upon close inspection, enables you to view the prestigious Baumatic manufacture calibre sitting beneath it. This movement offers an impressive power reserve of 120 hours, boasts 21 rubies in its construction, and is a joy to observe.
With a refined 39 mm case offering 100 metres of water resistance and elegant satin and polished finishing across both case and bracelet, this Riviera is an example of Baume & Mercier at its most chic without sacrificing any of its sporty pedigree. Price: AUD$6,000
Riviera 10763
A second green dial, but this time evoking the lush foliage of the Mediterranean, this watch offers up a combination of subtly dark hues that provide a strong sense of versatility and character.
A larger take on the Riviera at 42 mm, this watch features a sand-blasted steel-ADLC bezel that really enhances its sporty aesthetic. Having said that, the Riviera’s famous refinement remains courtesy of the beautifully lacquered dial, featuring stunning tone-on-tone “wave” decorations.
The automatic movement contained within features 26 rubies and offers a 38-hour power reserve, while a black rubber strap finishes this sporty yet immensely refined package nicely. Price: AUD$4,850
Riviera 10768
This impressive watch is much like the 10763, except that it features a beautiful dark blue dial intended to echo the dreamy depths of the sea. Present again is the sandblasted steel-ADLC bezel and interchangeable rubber strap, along with the Swiss-made movement offering 38 hours of power reserve.
Once more, the case offers 100 metres of water resistance—perfect for when that hypnotic blue dial has you dreaming of aquatic adventures—and in addition to the black ADLC steel, you’ll find a range of polished and satin steel finishes throughout. Price: AUD$4,850
Riviera 10764
While our final timepiece is intended for the ladies, we wouldn’t mind giving this 36 mm reference a spin. It’s a beauty thanks to a terracotta dial that recalls the incandescent rock of the Massif de l’Esterel, a stunning mountain range located along the French coast.
Here, the Swiss-made automatic movement features 26 rubies and again offers 38 hours of power reserve. The immaculate and compact case offers 50 metres of water resistance, while the metal interchangeable bracelet is the perfect finishing touch. The result is an impossibly chic timepiece that still manages to maintain the Riviera’s sporty heritage. Price: AUD$4,450
