ReviewCelebrating Half a Century With The Baume & Mercier Baumatic Riviera Perpetual Calendar
Celebrating 50 years, the Baume & Mercier Baumatic Riviera Perpetual Calendar boasts a sun-brushed golden dial, impressive complications, and top-tier Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship.
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Baume & Mercier have a rich history of creating exquisite timepieces over the years. Among their many creations, one watch has truly endured the test of time: the Riviera line. This year, the brand is proudly commemorating the 50th anniversary of this iconic lifestyle-sport collection by introducing the limited-edition timepiece Baumatic Riviera Perpetual Calendar. With only 50 of these pieces created, it’s an extremely exclusive rendition of the Riviera, which represents sporty yet elegant watchmaking.
The Remarkable Riviera (1973–Now)
Let’s step back in time to 1973, when the world of watchmaking was undergoing a revolution. It was during this era of breaking traditional norms that Baume & Mercier introduced something truly remarkable: the Riviera watch. Designed by the talented Jean-Claude Gueit, who was a contemporary of the legendary watch designer Gerald Genta, the Riviera was a breath of fresh air.
Imagine the glamorous ambiance of the French Riviera, with its sophisticated soirées and vibrant lifestyle. The Baumatic Riviera aimed to capture that essence. With its striking design featuring a distinctive 12-sided bezel and a sleek steel case, it quickly earned its place as a signature for the brand, and for the next fifty years. But what set the Riviera apart was its versatile style. It effortlessly combined chic elegance with a sporty vibe, making it the perfect companion for any occasion, whether it was a leisurely stroll along the beach or a high-powered business conference. This watch became more than just a timepiece; it was a symbol of boldness and innovation in the world of watchmaking
In 2021, Baume & Mercier gave a fresh start to their Riviera collection. They introduced the fifth generation of this watch, which stayed true to the original design. This new version had a big steel case, a 12-sided bezel held in place with four screws, and it came with both automatic and quartz movements that were made in Switzerland. They also added the option to change the straps easily, offering steel and other choices. Since then, the brand has been busy creating various combinations of materials and designs, showcasing their watchmaking skills and modern design sense. They now have different versions of the watch with added features like a chronograph and a moon phase indicator. Plus, they come in various sizes, ranging from 33mm to 43mm in diameter, and are made from different materials.
The Riveting Riviera Perpetual Calendar
In 2023, Baume & Mercier have taken their Baumatic perpetual calendar movement and, for the first time ever, introduced it in their Riviera collection. This is a limited edition, with only 50 pieces available, and it’s meant to celebrate the 50th anniversary of this iconic collection. The watch comes in a strong and stylish 40mm steel case with meticulously crafted lines and finishes. It’s not just any watch; it has a unique character that sets it apart. The sun-satin stainless steel bezel is held in place with four polished screws, and the scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass has antiglare coating on both sides. Each watch in this limited edition also has a special limited edition number engraved on it, adding a touch of exclusivity.
The dial has a gorgeous gold-coloured background with a vertical sun-brushed pattern. It features counters that present the perpetual calendar complications. You’ll notice some vintage-inspired details like the riveted and rhodium-plated indexes, along with skeletonised hour and minute hands. There’s also a blued steel hand with the brand’s phi logo counterweight, along with blued steel counter hands that perfectly match the overall theme of the watch.
Inside this beautiful timepiece, you’ll find the Baumatic manufacture movement with a Dubois-Dépraz module. It’s not just reliable; it also offers a fantastic five-day power reserve. This movement handles various functions, including the day, date, month, leap year indicator, and moon phase. It’s also finely decorated, with its circular-grained bridges, a sand-blasted and snailed baseplate, and a gold-plated oscillating weight that matches the dial’s colour. Plus, it’s adorned with côtes de Genève and snailed decoration, along with unique Baume & Mercier engravings.
The Baume & Mercier Baumatic Riviera Perpetual Calendar comes with a stainless steel integrated strap with three-link rows. The strap interchangeability system allows you to change your style in a snap without needing any special tools. It’s a watch that not only tells time but also tells a story of sophistication in more ways than one.
