BAUME & MERCIER CELEBRATES THE FACETS OF THE RIVIERA

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.  

At the next Watches & Wonders, Baume & Mercier will reveal 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.  

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. 

The RIVIERA MARÉOGRAPHE (10761)  IS DEDICATED TO THE OCEAN AND THE PASSION OF THE OPEN SEA 

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.  

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.