Baume & Mercier Riviera

History

In 1973, Baume & Mercier released one of the world’s first sports watches with a steel case. In the world of watchmaking, steel as a material was frowned upon but the brand decided to take practicality over aesthetics. The Riviera gained positive recognition and fared well in the market. Today, the Baume & Mercier Riviera collection retains the 70s aura but with modern mechanical accomplishments.

Features

The 70s was the time for all sorts of experimentation. Inside the watchmaking world, these experiments resulted in integrated bracelets and screwed bezels. Carrying forward the tradition of bracelets and bezels, the Riviera collection features a twelve-sided bezel tightened by 4 screws. With interchangeable straps, the collection becomes highly customisable. Riviera is home to a few Baumatics, i.e, timepieces fitted with in-house movements. Apart from the Baumatics, the collection also features chronographs with sub-dials placed at the 12, 9, and 6 o’clock markers. In most of the timepieces, the date window is placed at the 3 o’clock marker. In a few exceptions, the date window is unusually placed between 4 and 5 o’clock. The dial of most timepieces is engraved with a unique geometric pattern.

Design

Going back to the 70s, it was the time when the idea of ‘Athleisure’ was being sowed inside the watchmakers. The sleek yet sturdy Riviera was one of the few avant-garde watches from that era that played with the idea of this concept. The robust integrated lugs provide the much-needed protection, whereas, the geometrically designed dials offer a touch of brilliance to the collection.

The Riviera Coastline

The Mediterranean coast of France also known as the French Riviera is the protagonist of many stories and tales. To pay a hearty tribute to this coastline, Baume & Mercier launched the Riviera Coastline. A sensuous timepiece with 96 diamonds and a sun-satin-finished gradient night blue lacquered dial. Enclosed in a 33mm case, the Riviera Coastline is a perfect homage to one of the most romantic coastlines in the world.