RIVIERA: here are 7 letters that definitely mean something to you! Whether it’s a wonderful landscape in Provence or a splendid panorama of Liguria, let’s admit that the simple mention of this name leaves us dreaming.
But “Riviera” is also the name of a line of timepieces launched several decades ago by the Swiss house Baume et Mercier. Vintage watch enthusiasts will be able to testify to this.
After having somewhat disappeared from the radar for many years, the model has recently returned to the forefront, and continues to be available in configurations that adopt sport-chic as a state of mind!
Baume et Mercier Riviera: an iconic watch
To understand the design of the Baume et Mercier Riviera, it is necessary to go back in time. We are at the very beginning of the seventies, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak has just come out and is about to launch what will later turn out to be a fashion, the fashion for the watch with an integrated bracelet.
Imagined by Jean-Claude Gueita watch designer famous for having collaborated with big names like Piaget, Rolex, Patek Philippe, Hermès and Omega, it was during the year 1973 that the Riviera is revealed to the world.
Featuring a metal bracelet nicely integrated into the case, the watch is topped with a dodecagonal bezelcomposed of 12 angles, which allows him to embrace, in his own way, the stylistic codes which will punctuate the decade.
At the time, offered in several configurations: all steel, all gold, or mixing metals for an elegant two-tone style, the Baume & Mercier Riviera wanted to satisfy everyone with its half-sporty, half-elegant design, in short: goes everywhere!
Want to discover other models in the same style? Then check out our article “The watch with integrated bracelet: the ultimate in versatility!”
La Baume et Mercier Riviera in the 21st century
As you can probably guess, since its first public reveal, the Baume et Mercier Riviera has evolved somewhat.
Its case has gained in volume, it appears more sportybodybuilder you might say! Less daring and flatter, its bezel retains its 12 sides but now reveals 4 screws with hexagonal heads. As for the metal bracelet, although it remains stylistically close to the model that equipped certain references of the time, it adopts a thicker profile and seems more racy.
Note that the timepiece can, in some cases, be adorned with modern elements such as a rubber strap or a translucent dial. It therefore abandons its chic side a little to give pride of place to sportiness. It is enough to compare one of the many modern references with the period models to realize that the style of the watch has evolved continuously to effectively meet the demands of modern times.
A model available for men and women
While the old model was available in both male and female configurations, the current interpretation of the Riviera has managed to retain this form of universality and is now available in a wide range of diameters. Thus, while the versions in 33mm Or 36mm are ideal for women’s wrists, those in 42mm Or 43mm are more designed to adapt to the morphology of men looking for a more imposing watch.
For those looking for an in-between shape, Baume & Mercier had the good idea of offering a piece with a diameter of 39mmWith its size that can be considered unisex, this variation is ideal for anyone who appreciates the mix of the three elements of relaxation, distinction and discretion.
The bracelets adopt different materials to offer you a most eclectic choice. The references accompanied by a stainless steel bracelet with three rows of links shine with their versatility and will lend themselves to all occasions. These will be just as at home on your wrist on a deckchair by the water as when dressed in a double-breasted suit to go to the office. Because yes, let’s remember that the Baume et Mercier Riviera is a watch water-resistant to 100 meters, or 10 atmospheres!
Lighter, models mounted on a flexible rubber bracelet will be more suited to the practice of all kinds of sports.
Fans of colorful watches will also be able to find, alongside the classic references to the tinted dial, intense blackof medium gray or of off whiteseveral timepieces relying on more sparkling colors to seduce them. The navy blueTHE bottle greenTHE sky blue or even the candy pink are here. Since we are talking about dials, note that some versions display a face covered with a chic wave-shaped pattern, which naturally makes sense given the name of the model!
Finally, and still on the subject of aesthetics, ladies appreciate the shine and brilliance of diamonds will have the opportunity to find their happiness among the few watches set with sparkling white precious stones.
Automatic or quartz movement, the choice is yours
Whether you are a fan of automatic watches or prefer the practicality of quartz watches, you will definitely find a Baume et Mercier Riviera suited to your personal preferences.
THE Swiss mechanisms has Ronda quartz mingle here with the automatic movements signed Sellita as well as to Baumatic manufactured calibers which may include interesting complications.
Complications, let’s talk about them! Available with various features, the Baume & Mercier Riviera is a watch that can take on a thousand faces. Whether you are looking for a watch chronographa room equipped with a poetic moon phaseof a function GMT designed for travel or a very simple reference with two or three hands and a date, everything exists.
More than 50 years after its launch, and after many facelifts, the Riviera from Baume et Mercier continues to make us dream. From stealthy models with a black DLC-coated case to more delicate pieces set with gems, the one that takes its name from the irresistible Côte d’Azur is designed to adapt to everyone’s everyday style!
