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Watches & Wonders 2022: Baume & Mercier Presents New References for Its Riviera Collection

by Suan Futt Yeo . Mar 30, 2022

Watches & Wonders 2022: Baume & Mercier Presents New References for Its Riviera Collection

The distinctively styled luxury sports watch has enjoyed a recent resurgence, though truth be told it never went out of style. However, the fever for this category of timepieces lately went up a few notches. And unlike brands that did not have adequate representation in this genre quick-marching their processes toward new models to fill this niche, Baume & Mercier is one of those companies that already had one in its catalog, dating back to 1973!

Drawing inspiration from the easy living by the French Riviera, Baume & Mercier’s Riviera collection stood out for its dodecagon bezel and functional bezel screws, and the phi-shaped hour hand, twin-eared to parallel the Greek phi symbol which Baume & Mercier uses as its logo [XXNOT SURE ABT THIS]. The collection was discontinued for a decade before coming back last year, retaining its signature 12-sided bezel, but adopting a more conventional handset.

This year, Baume & Mercier continues its evolution with greater refinement and design highlights, deepening the collection’s presence among the company’s broad offerings. In accord with last year’s revival of the Riviera line, the new models come in three case sizes: 42mm for men, and 33mm and 36mm for women, as follows.

Riviera Baumatic 42mm ref. M0A10702

Sporty, urbane and accomplished, this steel model with interchangeable integrated steel bracelet features a smoky gray sapphire dial that reveals the movement underneath. The latter is the in-house Baumatic movement that boasts chronometer precision (daily rate deviation of -4/+6 seconds) and a very respectable power reserve of five days. It is also resistant to magnetic fields up to 1,500 Gauss.

Translucent sapphire crystal dial reveals the movement beneath

Ref. M0A10702 with Baumatic movement offers chronometer-precision and five days’ power reserve

Riviera Automatic 42mm ref. M0A10660

More overtly assertive and sporty, this reference features a sandblasted titanium bezel, complemented by dark-toned slate dial with interchangeable steel bracelet or gray rubber strap. The dark colorway is enlivened by gold plating on the chapter ring, hands and indices.

Ref. M0A10660 with automatic movement and interchangeable grey rubber strap

“Coastline” Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10677

Baume & Mercier decorated the gradated midnight blue lacquer dial with 63 diamonds, patterned after the seaboard of the French Riviera, hence “Coastline”. Diamonds in seven different sizes were used to achieve this, a first for the maison. Adding further to the glamor and distinctive design, the diamond setting extends from the case and bezel to the integrated steel strap.

Ref. M0A10677 “Coastline” features diamonds and integrated steel bracelet

Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10675 & M0A10676

Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10675

Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10676

The ladies’ Riviera model that exudes athleticism and everyday elegance is available in a choice of pink or mother-of-pearl dial. It is fitted with an automatic movement and tool-free interchangeable integrated steel bracelet.

Ref. M0A10676 with integrated steel bracelet

Riviera 36mm ref. M0A10661 & M0A10662

Ref. M0A10661 in steel case with sandblasted titanium bezel

Ref. M0A10662 with mother-of-pearl dial, diamond-set bezel and quartz movement

The M0A10661 is a smaller, feminine version of the outdoors-oriented ref. M0A10660 in steel with a sandblasted titanium bezel, self-winding movement and integrated steel strap. Ref. M0A10662 projects a contrary disposition with mother-of-pearl dial, bezel set with 44 diamonds and a quartz movement.

Ref. M0A10661 with automatic movement

Tech Specs

Riviera Baumatic 42mm ref. M0A10702

Movement: In-house automatic Baumatic movement, five-day power reserve, magnetic resistance to 1,500 Gauss
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: 42mm steel
Strap: Interchangeable integrated steel bracelet

Riviera Automatic 42mm ref. M0A10660

Movement: Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: 42mm steel case, sandblasted titanium bezel
Strap: Interchangeable steel bracelet or gray rubber strap

“Coastline” Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10677

Movement: Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: 33mm steel, 63 diamonds on dial, diamonds on case, bezel and bracelet.
Strap: Integrated steel bracelet

Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10675 / M0A10676

Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10675

Riviera 33mm ref. M0A10676

Movement: Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: 33mm steel, pink/mother-of-pearl dial
Strap: Interchangeable integrated steel bracelet

Riviera 36mm ref. M0A10661

Movement: Automatic
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: 36mm steel, sandblasted titanium bezel
Strap: Integrated steel bracelet

Riviera 36mm ref. M0A10662

Movement: Quartz
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Case: 36mm steel, bezel set with 44 diamonds
Strap: Integrated steel bracelet