FOR WOMEN, THE RIVIERA BY BAUME & MERCIER THRILLS TO THE COLORS OF SUMMER
For women, the Riviera by Baume & Mercier thrills to the colors of summer
An anniversary in honor of ladies
This is the first time, since it launched in 1973, that the Riviera collection by Baume & Mercier will have dedicated so many models to women in a single year. The inventive, formal structure of its dodecagonal case offers a casual yet elegant look: it tracks the flight of time on the slender feminine wrist. It is perfectly fitted to women’s finer arms, flattering them in a variety of radiant chromatic versions. In addition to being practical, the Riviera watch has a distinctive aesthetic: an attitude which reveals the personality of the woman wearing it, enhancing her every gesture. In 2023, the feminine 33- and 36-mm models are available with an array of five new dials, each offering sophisticated finishes, shimmering colors, diamonds and interchangeable straps. Women may choose among the many options to shape the aura of their own styles and coordinate with their wardrobes, reflecting the spirit of the Riviera as the ultimate shape watch that has emphasized its visual appeal since its beginnings.
Colored dials to match the summer
At the approach of the summer, Baume & Mercier presents two new models, each featuring a colored dial that captures the summer tempo.
The RIVIERA M0A10728 with a violet dial
The violet sun-satin dial evokes reflections on the water at daybreak by taking on the deep, mysterious hue of the dawning day. Decorated with fine transparent transfer waves, it showcases a remarkable play on color that increases its tone and heightens its energy through the use of light and relief. It immediately captures and captivates the eye. Roman numerals, riveted indexes coated in Superluminova (C1, blue glow), and faceted rhodium-plated hands bring further impact to the dial.
The Phi logo is stamped in relief to adorn the free octagonal crown, a reminder that Baume & Mercier chose the Greek letter as an emblem – a reference to the golden ratio – in an allusion to the precious lines and attention to detail that are so central to the Brand. The hours and minutes tick smoothly away, driven by a quartz movement with a ten-year autonomy, while the date appears in an aperture at 3 o’clock. The watch is water-resistant to 5 ATM (approx. 50m).
The RIVIERA M0A10727 with a blue dial
The azure blue of its sun-satin dial, adorned with a transparent wave transfer decoration, brings to mind the color of the water as it mirrors the blazing sun throughout the day. The date appears in an aperture at 3 o’clock, while the hours and minutes are indicated on Roman numerals and riveted indexes coated in Superluminova (C1, blue glow) by faceted rhodium-plated hands. The display is orchestrated by a quartz movement with a ten-year autonomy. The Brand’s emblem, the Phi logo, appears in relief on the free octagonal crown. The watch is water-resistant to 5 ATM (approx. 50m).
Very feminine proportions
Both of these new Riviera watches, in violet and in blue, assert a watch case that appears even more refined in the perfect proportions for a woman’s wrist. In a 33-mm diameter with a thickness of 9.6 mm, the case harmoniously nestles against the arm, enhancing every gesture with elegance and ethereality.
The iconic dodecagonal case
These color variations harmonize perfectly with the dodecagonal case that has brought success to the Riviera collection since its beginnings. Its unique design, which defied the trends in vogue when it was first launched, embodies the artistic sensitivity and visionary spirit of Baume & Mercier, for whom the development of a timepiece is comparable to that of a designer object.
Both models have a case crafted in polished and satin-finished stainless steel that is protected by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-glare coating on both sides. The polished and sun-satin stainless steel bezel is fastened with four polished steel screws. The case back reflects the same dodecagonal shape. It may be engraved with a personalization.
An integrated, interchangeable strap
This new version of the Riviera is mounted on the type of integrated metal strap which is distinctive to the collection. In polished and satin-finished stainless steel, it is made up of three rows of links that perfectly surround the case and visually extend it in the continuing pursuit of natural harmony. The strap is interchangeable, and it may be detached and replaced with no tools required thanks to a very reliable, robust system. All the models feature a triple folding buckle with security push-pieces and an easy adjustment system.
With this new model, Baume & Mercier pays tribute to women’s watchmaking with its perfect proportions, sophisticated dials, and delicate finishes. It brings a new dynamic to the Riviera collection, which has always aimed to play on shapes, raise creativity to new heights, and demonstrate that a designer watch can be a true object of desire. 2023 confirms the Brand’s intention to address women’s expectations by specially dedicating timepieces to them.
The Riviera collection: five generations, one legend
This is the story of an illustrious watch: one like none other, one that has always been ahead of its time. The Riviera has been redesigned several times through the years, not only keeping up-to-date but truly setting the pace.
Launched in 1973, the Riviera immediately made a splash with its dodecagonal case and its slimline metal strap. It was already avant-gardist, though the Riviera name had yet to appear on the dial. In 1975, the concept was updated and made available with both self-winding and quartz movements: small, medium and large models were produced in steel, gold/steel, and solid gold.
A new generation was unveiled in the 1980s. The newly bicolor Riviera pursued its technical and aesthetic maturation, with its unmistakable name now appearing at 6 o’clock.
For the first time in 1981, it was made available as a diving watch in a style-pioneering sport-chic spirit. Its success was immediate.
Four years later, in 1985, the third generation of the collection was released. The bezel was reworked for a softer, less angular approach. The case and strap were also overhauled, and their polished and brushed surfaces helped create a more rounded look. The Riviera thus marked a turning point in terms of sophistication and reliability, including – among other features – a miniaturized screwed crown designed to improve its water-resistance. For its 20th anniversary in 1993, it strutted its style with a one-of-a-kind chronograph model. At the time, Baume & Mercier even created an unprecedented full-calendar Riviera in bicolor and solid gold versions, demonstrating its exceptional watchmaking savoir-faire. The Brand also introduced a version of the bicolor edition in a smaller diameter for ladies.
Riviera – 1st generation – 1975
Riviera – 2nd generation – 1981
Riviera – 3rd generation – Complication 1985
Riviera – 3rd generation – Chrono 1993
In 2004, the Riviera collection took on a twofold approach for its fourth generation with two variations, one classic and the other more athletic. For the “Classic” line, Baume & Mercier maintained the dodecagonal shape of the case, interpreting the dial with a variety of materials and configurations. As for the “Sport” range, the Riviera featured four screws on its bezel for the first time, asserting an athletic look that would stand the test of time.
The fifth generation, launched in 2021, carried forward its perennially fashionable sport-chic personality with a number of variations that only added to its character.
Information:
Model: Riviera 10714
Availability: April 2023
Model: Riviera 10715
Availability: April 2023
Model: Riviera 10720
Availability: April 2023