ReviewA Triumph Of Time And Tide: Presenting The Baume & Mercier Riviera Maréographe

In the intricate realm of watchmaking, where elegance intertwines with the essence of la dolce vita (the sweet life), Baume & Mercier shines brightly, always exploring new paths. Their illustrious history is steeped in the art of crafting timepieces that transcend mere functionality, becoming symbols of refinement and sophistication. Among their revered creations, none shines brighter than the Riviera collection, a masterpiece that seamlessly marries aesthetics with precision engineering. Now, on the cusp of the much-anticipated Watches & Wonders event, Baume & Mercier sets the tone for the year with the unveiling of the limited edition Riviera Maréographe with a tide indicator complication. This special watch gives us a taste of what’s to come from the renowned Swiss brand in the year ahead.

2024: The Year of the Riviera

Known for their innovative approach, Baume & Mercier are diving into the ‘Art of Shaped’, exploring new designs that challenge the norms of watchmaking. The Riviera collection, in particular, has been a pioneer since its debut in 1973, breaking conventions with its distinctive dodecagonal bezel and metal strap. Now, 50 years later, the Riviera collection is still going strong, with fresh colours and features added to keep it relevant and stylish. Baume & Mercier continue to push boundaries, showcasing their craftsmanship and elegance through this iconic collection.

This year, Baume & Mercier are celebrating the allure of the French Riviera with their latest Riviera collection. These new watches pay homage to the region’s diverse beauty and lifestyle. From the azure ocean to the rugged mountains, the vast sky, and the sleek architecture of modern villas, each timepiece captures a different facet of the Riviera life. With their impeccable design and expert craftsmanship, these watches showcase Baume & Mercier’s dedication to creating exceptional timepieces. Leading the lineup is the limited edition Riviera Maréographe, offering a glimpse into what promises to be a year of stunning releases.

The Baume & Mercier Riviera collection has been a pioneer since its debut in 1973, breaking conventions with its distinctive dodecagonal bezel and metal strap. Now, 50 years later, the Riviera collection is still going strong, with fresh colours and features added to keep it relevant and stylish

Setting Sail With A Unique Complication: The Baume & Mecier Riviera Maréographe

The Baume & Mercier Riviera Maréographe is a timepiece dedicated to the ocean and the spirit of adventure. This striking watch is distinguished by its high-contrast blue colour, reminiscent of the open sea, and its unique tide-measurement feature. Encased in a 42mm satin-polished stainless steel case, the Riviera Maréographe exudes durability and style. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, with anti-glare coating on both sides, protects the captivating blue sunray dial. Adding to its allure is the polished and satined stainless-steel bezel, secured with four screws made of sandblasted ADLC-coated steel. The caseback, also dodecagonal in shape, is customisable with your choice of engraving and proudly displays the special edition number ‘One Out of 500’. Completing the ensemble is the octagonal crown adorned with Baume & Mercier’s emblem—the Phi logo—adding a touch of elegance to this exceptional timepiece.

Encased in a 42mm satin-polished stainless steel case, the Riviera Maréographe is distinguished by its high-contrast blue colour, reminiscent of the open sea, and its unique tide-measurement feature

The captivating sun-satin blue dial of the Riviera Maréographe features Roman numerals at 12 o’clock and rhodium-plated riveted indexes at three and nine o’clock. These indexes are coated with white Super-LumiNova, emitting a soothing blue glow in the dark. The hour and minute hands, as well as the seconds hand adorned with the Phi logo, are open-worked and rhodium-plated. They’re also coated with white Super-LumiNova, ensuring visibility even in low-light conditions.

At six o’clock, you’ll find the high and low tide indicators, matching the dial’s shade of blue with a sandblasted and snailed finish. These indicators are both minimal and functional, featuring a 24-hour indicator divided into four sections. This design allows for a direct reading of various tide states, adding a practical touch to the watch’s aesthetic appeal.

The captivating satined blue dial of the Riviera Maréographe features Roman numerals at 12 o'clock and rhodium-plated riveted indexes at three and nine o'clock

At six o'clock, you'll find the high and low tide indicators; both minimal and functional, and featuring a 24-hour indicator divided into four sections

Inside the Baume & Mercier Riviera Maréographe, you’ll find the automatic Baumatic BM14-1975AC3 manufacture movement. This impressive engine boasts a five-day power reserve and shields against everyday magnetic fields, ensuring accurate timekeeping. Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz or 28,800vph, this watch can withstand water pressure up to 100m, making it suitable for various activities.

When you flip the watch over, you’ll discover a showcase of exquisite craftsmanship. The intricate details include circular-grained bridges, a sandblasted and snailed baseplate, and an open-worked oscillating weight embellished with snailed and Côtes de Genève designs. Each component is meticulously finished, showcasing Baume & Mercier’s dedication to excellence. Additionally, a unique engraving adds a personal touch to the watch’s design.

The limited edition Riviera Maréographe comes fitted with a built-in blue rubber strap featuring a canvas pattern. This strap is equipped with an easy and quick interchangeable system, allowing for effortless customisation to suit your style and preferences.