ReviewSymmetrical Symphony: The Many Facets Of Baume & Mercier’s Riviera Moonphases Timepieces

First launched in 1973, the Riviera is one of the most distinguished watches from Baume & Mercier. While the brand is known for crafting extremely elegant and classical timepieces, this one particularly stands out because of its sporty design, which boasts a powerful persona on the wrist. It was created at a time when luxury steel sports watches were a rage but the brand chose to execute this in a slightly different manner. It maintained a sleek framework despite being a sports watch—a zero compromise on the classical DNA of the brand. Another highlight is the twelve-sided or the dodecagonal bezel, which adds a distinctive touch to the timepiece. This watch has truly stood the test of time and has witnessed a wholesome evolution, with added functions such as chronograph, perpetual calendar, and even GMT for some versions. And while one talks about these features, one cannot leave out the moon phase since this is one of the most integral functions in fine watchmaking, especially when one wants to retain a classic aesthetic when it comes to the display. The two models that do justice to this are the Baume & Mercier Riviera Moonphases—representing a harmonious blend of fine watchmaking know-how and contemporary elegance. The two 43mm versions are now equipped with the brand’s in-house mechanical Baumatic movement and are available with dials in options of two shades—blue or grey. Let’s take a closer look at these models, which are hallmarks of the brand’s expertise in attention-to-detail, modern design, and original expression.

An Elegant Duo—The Baume & Mercier Riviera Moonphases Watches

Inspired by the carefree an relaxed lifestyle of the French Riviera, the Baume & Mercier Moonphases watches showcase contemporary design, 21^st-century refinement, and Swiss watchmaking innovation. The result is apparent in the two timepieces that represent the celestial body and its lunar phases, placed against dials in hues of silvery grey or azure blue. They are satin-polished with a sunray pattern and are lacquered to give them a beautiful and complex finishing. There is a Roman numeral positioned at 12 o’clock, and riveted indexes at three and nine o’clock to strike the perfect balance in symmetry. This three-hand timekeeper features skeletonised hour and minute hands, while the seconds hand comes with the brand’s symbol—the Phi logo—on its counterweight.

The sub-dial at six o’clock highlights the moon phase function along with the date display, indicated by a chapter ring, circling this disc. This is housed in a robust stainless-steel case measuring 43mm in diameter, topped by the trademark dodecagonal bezel, secured to the framework by four black steel screws—sand-blasted using ADLC treatment.

The watches are satin-polished with a sunray pattern and are lacquered to give a beautiful finishing. There is a Roman numeral positioned at 12 o’clock, and riveted indexes at three and nine o’clock

The sub-dial at six o’clock highlights the moon phase function along with the date display, indicated by a chapter ring, circling this disc

Baume & Mercier Riviera

₹5,05,000

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Powered By In-House Mechanics—The Baumatic Movement

On turning the watch over, one can get a peek into the self-winding mechanical Baumatic manufacture movement, which guarantees supreme performance beating at a frequency of 28,800vph. This COSC-certified movement comprises 21 jewels and ensures exceptional performance with a five-day or 120-hour power reserve, thanks to the optimisation of its barrel, escapement, and hairspring. Along with this, it also offers a precision rate of -4 / +6 seconds per day and a magnetic-resistance of 1,500 gauss, yielding solid protection against magnetic fields, which tend to slow down a watch.

Water-resistant to 100m, the grey version comes with a rubber strap, that’s equipped with a triple-folding buckle with security push-pieces and the ‘Fast Strap’ easy adjustment system

On turning the watch over, one can get a peek into the self-winding mechanical Baumatic manufacture movement, which guarantees exceptional performance with a five-day or 120-hour power reserve

Baume & Mercier Riviera

₹4,90,000

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Water-resistant to 100m, the grey version comes with a rubber strap, that’s equipped with a triple-folding buckle with security push-pieces and the ‘Fast Strap’ easy adjustment system. Thanks to this interchangeability framework, one can easily switch to the three-row steel bracelet, without the need for any tools. The blue version is presented on a stainless-steel strap, making it the quintessential sports watch with a chic vibe that can be worn every day, or for any occasion. Built to last, the Baume & Mercier Riviera Moonphases timepieces comes with a five-year warranty and stand out for their robust yet refined avatar.