THE MULTIPLE FACETS OF THE RIVIERA | Baume et Mercier Riviera - Watches & Wonders 2024

THE MULTIPLE FACETS OF THE RIVIERA | Baume et Mercier Riviera - Watches & Wonders 2024

RIVIERA - THE MULTIPLE FACETS OF THE RIVIERA

At Watches & Wonders 2024, Baume & Mercier have revealed new models of the Riviera Collection, paying tribute to the various facets of the French Riviera, which inspired it. While illustrating the Maison’s design savoir-faire and watchmaking expertise, they evoke the distinguishing features of this coastal region’s legendary art of living: the ocean, the mountains, the sky, the streamlined architecture of its modern villas, and of course, its festive nights.  

Since 1830, Baume & Mercier has been creating timepieces that combine beauty and pertinent creativity with the excellence, constancy and reliability of Swiss watchmaking. The brand is distinguished by the artistic sensibility that was passed down from Paul Mercier, and since its beginnings it has demonstrated its pioneering spirit in the “Art of Shapes.” Its savoir-faire in design boldly explores the lines and contours of innovative watch cases and unhesitatingly challenges contemporary conventions, showcasing its artistry with understated elegance. Baume & Mercier’s expression is modern yet not ostentatious, consolidated by both chic minimalism that never goes out of style and a high level of quality, to deliver durability in every sense of the term. These discreetly luxurious timepieces make loyal companions for any watch lover and on any occasion. They are always there for life’s little highlights. In keeping with its status as a celebratory symbol, a Baume & Mercier makes the quintessential first mechanical Swiss-made watch experience. Much more than a watchmaker, Baume & Mercier reflects a state of mind: an elegant yet casual allure that focuses on natural refinement, fine materials, excellent craftsmanship, and comfort. 

That watchmaking vision inherited from the Baume family, which has endured for nearly 200 years, shines through the dashing Riviera collection. The brand defied the watchmaking codes of the times when, in 1973, it revealed an unprecedented case with a dodecagonal bezel topped with a flat-linked metal strap. It got noticed and became an object of desire, and here it is, fifty years later, still just as creative. As it explores a spectrum of colors and a variety of features, this iconic timepiece shows its resemblance to the Riviera, the sea resort that gave rise to it: that special style, inimitable atmosphere, contrast, emotion...  

Each of the new Riviera models evokes one of the many facets of the Riviera, from its natural features to its delightful dolce vita. The minimalist lines of the ultra-modern villas that dot the shoreline, the tides that set the pace on the coast and challenge the water sports enthusiasts who harness the waves, and the seaboard’s unique blend of natural beauty and modern sophistication. 

  The mountains that overlook the Mediterranean offer a breathtaking panorama, while the shimmering waters call out for a refreshing dip.  

At sunset, the Riviera comes to life, scintillating with the glamor, cocktail parties, and gala festivities that began in the golden years of the ’60s and ’70s when the jet set dropped anchor here to merrily cultivate the art of combining opulence and extravagance with carefree insouciance.  

As the hours go by, the lights go down. The night takes on its most dazzling jewels. The bright moon and spectacularly starry sky appear to cast a magic spell throughout the region. During this time of peace and serenity, time appears to stand still and the worries of the world seem to fade.  

This land of contrasts and of paradisaical natural beauty is the idyllic showcase for architectural design. Whether it is adventure or romanticism, whether artistic or gourmet inspiration, the Riviera offers up what each individual seeks.  

From the coast to the open water, Baume & Mercier invites you to an unforgettable escapade at the heart of the Riviera through six new pieces in its Collection.  

 

The RIVIERA M0A10721 model: The RIVIERA SQUELETTE pays tribute to the streamlined architecture of the modern villas on the Riviera  

7:00 a.m. - As the sun comes up over the Riviera, a special timepiece comes to life. This watch is a masterpiece of modern design inspired by the minimalist lines and bold shapes of the villas that cling to this rock sculpted by the Mediterranean elements. It is a tribute to the passion of Baume & Mercier for the beauty and elegance of simplicity: an ode to the savoir-faire of a brand that has excelled in combining form and function since it was founded. The one who wears this complex timepiece may admire the geartrains and cogwheels at their leisure, as exquisite watchmaking craftsmanship is expressed through the skeleton movement. As it makes its way through these picturesque little lanes, it draws the eye and echoes the region’s chic, cosmopolitan, contemporary atmosphere. When night falls and the cityscape begins to sparkle in the background, it continues to keep the pace, a reminder of the eternal fusion of art and technology that is inherent to the Riviera.  
 


The Riviera Squelette reveals its openworked mechanism in a satin-polished stainless steel dodecagonal case measuring 42 mm in diameter and 11.1 mm in thickness. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides reveals its every detail. Fastened by four screws in sandblasted ADLC-coated steel, the bezel glows in polished and sun-satin stainless steel. A black bezel ring in anodized aluminum visually connects the bezel and caseband. The caseback, also twelve-sided and fastened with four screws, is protected by a sapphire crystal and may be engraved. The free octagonal crown is adorned with the Phi logo that Baume & Mercier chose as an emblem in 1964, embossed and delineated in black.  

Highlighted by vertical brushed finishes, the faceted black dial is beautifully openworked. Its decoration, composed of orderly solids and airy voids, is topped with faceted, openworked oxidized hands coated with white Superluminova which glow blue in the dark.  

A self-winding movement drives this timepiece: this exclusive semi-skeleton caliber is designed exclusively for Baume & Mercier. Its magnificent, specially crafted black oscillating weight is openworked to reflect the geometric shapes of the dial. The movement offers a 38-hour power reserve and oscillates at a frequency of 4Hz (28,800 vph). It is water-resistant to 10 ATM (approximately 100 m).   

The built-in black rubber strap features a canvas pattern. It is interchangeable without the need for tools thanks to a reliable, robust mechanism.  

Its triple folding buckle is crafted in stainless steel, and features security push-pieces and an easy adjustment feature. 

 

The RIVIERA M0A10761 model: The RIVIERA MARÉOGRAPHE is dedicated to the ocean and the passion of the open sea  

Beginning in February 2024, the Brand begins its journey to the Riviera by presenting a sneak preview of the first timepiece in the Riviera colors, which features a nautical touch: the Riviera Maréographe. 

10:00 a.m. - As the morning waves lap the coast of the Riviera, a tide watch is set into movement. Its high-contrast blue design mirrors the ocean, while its tide-measurement abilities reflect the sailing spirit of the region. The one who wears this watch drops anchor to better admire the sea, Riviera on the wrist. As the breakers roll past, the timepiece provides insight in the form of precise measurements which demonstrate the watchmaker’s savoir-faire. As the open sea takes on the purple hues of the setting sun, the Riviera continues to tell the time, relentlessly expressing the emotion and power that emanate from the water. It cruises along, an unfailing symbol of the connection between man and nature: a constant reminder of how important it is to love and respect the natural world around us.  

Available in a limited edition of just 500, the Riviera Maréographe follows the ebb and flow of the tides in a satin-polished stainless steel dodecagonal case measuring 43 mm in diameter and 12.3 mm in thickness. A scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides protects it. The polished and sun-satin stainless steel bezel is fastened with four polished steel screws in sandblasted ADLC-coated steel. The dodecagonal case back is fastened with four screws and may be customized with your choice of engraving. It also bears a special engraving, “Special Edition One Out of 500.” The octagonal crown is screwed in and decorated with the brand’s emblem, the Phi logo, embossed and delineated in black. The push-button at 4 o’clock makes it possible to adjust the tide disk.   

In a harmonious tonal palette of sun-satin blue and edged by a flange, the dial is dotted with Roman numerals at 12 o’clock and rhodium-plated riveted indexes at 3 o’clock and 9 o’clock, coated with white Superluminova offering a blue glow. The white transfers are also coated with white Superluminova for a blue luminosity. The rhodium-plated hour and minute hands are openworked and also coated with white Superluminova that shows up blue in the dark. Last but not least, the rhodium-plated seconds hand bears the Phi logo as a counterweight, and its tip is overlaid with white Superluminova for a blue glow. The blue disk that indicates the high and low tides is sandblasted and snailed.  
 

 

Ensuring precision, durability and robustness, the self-winding Baumatic manufacture movement brings this model a high level of precision, a five-day power reserve (120 hours), and protection against everyday magnetic fields. A six-year warranty extension compliments the standard two-year international warranty, bringing an eight-year guarantee to anyone registering on the Baume & Mercier website: www.baume-et-mercier.com. This timepiece oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph) and offers water-resistance to 10 ATM (approximately 100m). Sophisticated finishes round out this technical performance: circular-grained bridges, a sand-blasted and snailed baseplate, an openworked oscillating weight adorned with snailed and “Côtes de Genève" designs, and a unique Baume & Mercier engraving.  

This model is mounted on a built-in blue rubber strap with a canvas pattern. It is interchangeable without the need for tools thanks to a robust, reliable mechanism.  

Its triple folding buckle is equipped with security push-pieces and an easy adjustment feature.   

The RIVIERA M0A10769 model: The RIVIERA ACIER-TITANE symbolizes stone and pays tribute to color and texture 

2:00 p.m. - As the sun warms the peaks of the Riviera with its glow, a sturdy timepiece equipped with a steel case and a titanium bezel comes into view. It reflects the mineral solidity of the region, built on a stone that imparts subtly nuanced hues even as the blue dial reflects the depth of the sea. The dial echoes the legendary azure blue of this location, taking on its characteristics through the expertise of the watchmaker who designed it after spending years perfecting the art of combining form and function. The piece appears to have been created specifically for this precise moment, this special place. At nightfall, as it gracefully and lightheartedly keeps the passing time, it embodies the fleeting moments that make life so precious.
 

This version of the Riviera features a dodecagonal case with a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of 10.6 mm. Its exquisite craftsmanship intensifies its luminosity, showcasing its graphic color contrasts and precise time indications. In this bicolor version – a recent addition to the collection –, the Riviera subtly combines titanium with gray PVD, asserting a proud appearance. This use of steel guarantees that the piece is lightweight, durable, and resistant, particularly with regard to corrosion. The case of this new timepiece is crafted in sandblasted steel with a blue PVD treatment. It is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated on both sides with an anti-glare coating. The sandblasted titanium bezel with a gray PVD treatment is fastened with four steel screws in sandblasted ADLC-coated steel. A gold-tone PVD steel ring links the bezel with the caseband. The dodecagonal case back is crafted in sandblasted ADLC-coated steel and topped with a sapphire crystal. It is fastened with four screws and may be engraved. The free octagonal crown is also made of sandblasted ADLC-coated steel. The embossed gold-tone Phi logo glows in its center.  

 

Moving to the smoky blue sapphire dial, the emblematic transparent Riviera wave decor comes into view. Roman numerals and riveted gold-tone indexes – coated with white Superluminova emanating a blue luminescence – stand out from it, surrounding faceted gold-tone hour and minute hands that are also coated with white Superluminova to appear blue in the dark. The seconds hand is gold-tone. The date appears in a large aperture at 3 o’clock.  

Equipped with a self-winding Baumatic manufacture movement, the Riviera Acier-Titane offers a remarkable precision, a five-day power reserve (120 hours), and protection against daily magnetic fields. A six-year warranty extension compliments the standard two-year international warranty, bringing an eight-year guarantee to anyone registering on the Baume & Mercier website: www.baume-et-mercier.com. With an oscillation of 4 Hz (28,800 vph), the watch is water-resistant to 10 ATM (approximately 100m). The exquisite refinement of the finishes includes circular-grained bridges, a sand-blasted and snailed baseplate, an openworked oscillating weight adorned with snailed and “Côtes de Genève" designs, and a unique Baume & Mercier engraving.  

 

The built-in blue rubber strap features a canvas pattern. The strap may be changed without the use of tools thanks to a robust, reliable mechanism. Its triple folding buckle is crafted in sandblasted ADLC-coated steel, and it features security push-pieces and an easy adjustment feature.  

The RIVIERA M0A10787 model: The RIVIERA GOLD, the quintessence of chic  

 7:00 p.m. - Just as the sun sets over the Riviera, a timepiece featuring a 750/1000 rose gold case comes to life. The quintessence of chic, this watch asserts all the beauty and opulence of the region’s carefree lifestyle. Gold radiates through the fading light, as the saturated daytime colors of the villas on the horizon dissolve into ethereal nighttime glimmers. In one of the more exclusive spots, hidden from view like a well-kept secret where music and laughter herald the evening, resonating in a playful atmosphere, someone – perhaps a woman, perhaps a man – is proudly wearing this watch. The fine materials of the Riviera Gold make it a symbol of success and a taste for everything that is beautiful and precious. Comparable to the durable heritage of the Riviera, it carries forth the timeless appeal of artistic craftsmanship that turns time into an eternal gem.   
 

The Riviera Gold features a satin-polished rose gold (750/1000) dodecagonal case topped with a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated on both sides with an anti-glare coating. Its proportions show the perfect balance that Baume & Mercier always seeks: 39 mm in diameter and 9.6 mm in thickness. The sophistication of the polished and sun-satin rose gold (750/1000) bezel – fastened with four rose gold (750/1000) screws – extends to its free octagonal crown, also crafted in rose gold (750/1000) and adorned with the embossed black-lined brand emblem, the Phi logo. The dodecagonal case back, protected by a sapphire crystal, is also fastened with four screws and may be engraved.  

In this gold jewel-box, the smoked gray sapphire dial stands out with its transparent wave decoration. Roman numerals and riveted gold-tone indexes surround it with the blue glow of their white Superluminova coating, echoing the day-to-night radiance of the faceted gold-tone hour and minute hands. The date appears in a wide aperture at 3 o’clock.

The Riviera Gold beats to the rhythm of a finely crafted self-winding Baumatic manufacture movement which excels in precision, a five-day power reserve (120 hours), and protection against everyday magnetic fields. The mechanism’s initial two-year warranty is extended by six years, offering an eight-year guarantee to anyone registering on the Baume & Mercier website: www.baume-et-mercier.com. With an oscillation of 4 Hz (28,800 vph), the watch is water-resistant to 5 ATM (approximately 50m). The movement reveals circular-grained bridges, a sand-blasted and snailed baseplate, an openworked weight adorned with snailed and “Côtes de Genève" designs, and a unique Baume & Mercier engraving.  

The black alligator strap, with all-square scales, is interchangeable thanks to a robust, reliable mechanism that makes it possible to remove and replace it without the need for tools. Tone-on-tone overstitching adorns the top while beige stitching appears underneath. It fastens with a rose gold (750/1000) pin buckle.  

The RIVIERA M0A10765 model: The RIVIERA DIAMANTS sparkles with the splendor of nights on the French Riviera  

7:00 p.m. - The night has slowly begun to cloak the Riviera with its enchanting, scintillating veil, setting the scene for festive galas and cocktails. A diamond-studded watch keeps the pace with this thrilling time. It reflects the splendor of the precious stones that sparkle in the famous high-society parties of the region; the magnetism of the timeless chic that the brand’s designers demonstrate with verve and that the artistic craftsmen shape with patience and care. The same captivation with luxury and elegance spreads from one celebration to the next. The woman who wears this precious timepiece is electric with emotion, filled with the beauty of creation and life, wild for this eternal Riviera.  
 


The Riviera Diamants has a fascinatingly precious silhouette with 33 mm of diameter and 9.5 mm of thickness. It flatters the polished satin-finished stainless steel case which is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal treated with an anti-glare coating on both sides. Its polished and sun-satin stainless steel bezel is set with 44 brilliant-cut diamonds (Top Wesselton, VS quality, 0.47 carats) and fastened by four polished stainless steel screws. The solid dodecagonal case back may be engraved. The free octagonal crown is embossed with a Phi logo. 

This refinement extends to the sun-satin lacquered midnight blue dial with a transparent wave transfer decoration, enhanced by a midnight blue inner line which lends depth to its appearance. The hours tick by on Roman numerals and rhodium-plated riveted indexes which are coated with white Superluminova that glows blue in the darkness. The faceted rhodium-plated hour and minute hands are also coated with white Superluminova offering a blue glow. An aperture clearly displays the date at 3 o’clock.  

 

The timepiece is driven by a quartz movement with a ten-year autonomy. It is water-resistant to 5 ATM (approximately 50 m).  

 

The built-in strap features three rows of polished satin-finished stainless steel links. It is interchangeable without the need for tools thanks to a very robust, reliable mechanism. The triple folding clasp with security push-pieces is also crafted in stainless steel.  


The RIVIERA M0A10786 model: The RIVIERA CALENDRIER PERPÉTUEL seeks to penetrate the mysteries of the universe and of technology
 

 11:00 p.m. - Stars now scatter across the night sky as the moon illuminates the rippling landscape of the Riviera. This timepiece, featuring a perpetual calendar function, shines in the watchmaking firmament. It is a masterpiece of precision engineering and a marvel of modern technology capable of displaying not only hours, minutes and seconds, but also the day, month, and year – taking into account leap years – and the moon’s phases. Beyond telling the time, this watch illustrates the eternal beauty and majesty of the skies and the passage of time. It follows their pace through complex movements and precise calculations. The individual wearing this timepiece feels profoundly united with the universe and is fascinated by the infinite possibilities that they perceive within it. This watch is a reminder of the importance of understanding and appreciating its mysteries through the extraordinary connections between man and nature.  
 

 

The Riviera pulls out all the stops in this version with a perpetual calendar. The manufacture complication – which is a signature of Baume & Mercier and a regular fixture in the Clifton model – was introduced into the Riviera collection in 2023 for its 50th anniversary with a 40 mm steel model produced in a limited edition of just 50 watches. Based on the shining success of that edition, the watchmaking expertise of this iconic watch is further reinforced this year. The technical achievement is encapsulated in a dodecagonal case with a diameter of 40 mm and a thickness of just 11.8 mm. The polished satin-finished stainless steel case is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides. Fastened by four screws, the bezel is crafted in polished satin-finished stainless steel. The dodecagonal case back is covered with a sapphire crystal and fastened with four steel screws. The free octagonal crown is wreathed in a black outline. The brand’s emblem, the Phi logo, appears at the center.  

Demonstrating the savoir-faire of Baume & Mercier, the dial remains perfectly legible despite its complexity, displaying a variety of information in a remarkably understated aesthetic. It is gray with vertical brushed finishes and three azure counters. Its indexes are riveted and rhodium-plated. The hour and minute hands are openworked and rhodium-plated. The seconds hand carries the Phi logo as a counterweight on its extremity. The counter hands are crafted in black polished and oxidized bicolor steel. The leap year hand is red. The moon phase disk is polished and rhodium-plated with a black lacquer finish.   

The self-winding Baumatic manufacture movement includes a Dubois-Dépraz module and guarantees this exquisite timepiece excellent precision, a five-day power reserve (120 hours), and protection against everyday magnetic fields. A six-year warranty extension to the standard two-year international warranty brings an eight-year guarantee to anyone registering on the Baume & Mercier website: www.baume-et-mercier.com. With an oscillation of 4 Hz (28,800 vph), the watch is water-resistant to 5ATM (approximately 50m). The mechanism is adorned with circular-grained bridges, a sand-blasted and snailed baseplate, an openworked oscillating weight adorned with snailed and “Côtes de Genève" designs, and a unique Baume & Mercier engraving.  

 The built-in strap has just as sophisticated an allure, with three rows of polished satin-finished stainless steel links including a central row featuring decorative beveling. The strap is interchangeable without the use of tools thanks to a very reliable, robust system. Also included is an additional built-in strap in gray rubber and alligator topped with tone-on-tone stitching.  

 The triple folding buckle is crafted in stainless steel with security push-pieces. 

For nearly 200 years, Baume & Mercier has been carrying forth its design savoir-faire and watchmaking expertise, beautifully combining form with function. The timepieces developed and assembled at the Les Brenets manufacture are renowned for their reliability. Moreover, they are an ode to aesthetic understatement, offering precision and luxury craftsmanship. That is why Baume & Mercier is the foremost brand of Swiss-made mechanical watches to give to yourself or someone you love. These creations are an integral part of the subdued luxury and the easy, refined art of living that suffuses the world around them.   

 

 

About Baume et Mercier

Founded in 1830 at the heart of Swiss Jura, Baume & Mercier enjoys international renown. From its workshops at the heart of Swiss Jura to its headquarters based in Geneva, the Maison offers its clients the very finest timepieces. Born by a complementary balance between an artistic approach to shape and watchmaking innovation in the service of the client, the Baume & Mercier House continues to mark the history of watchmaking by passing down the design and watchmaking expertise that is the Brand’s legacy. This savoir-faire perfectly corresponds with the spirit of cooperation between the Brand’s founders William Baume & Paul Mercier: where classicism meets creativity, tradition meets modernity, and elegance meets character... In a more contemporary way than ever.

 

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