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 Baume et Mercier 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.
Riviera - 1st Generation - 1975
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.
Riviera - 2nd Generation - 1981
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 - 3rd Generation - Complication 1985
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.
RIVIERA 10749, A VARIATION OF THE BAUMATIC 10616 TO CELEBRATE THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF RIVIERA
For its 50th anniversary in 2023, the Maison is proud to revisit its Riviera Baumatic model by launching the “Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition” – limited to 273 pieces – paying tribute to the style and history of the collection.
This special edition features discreet yet exceptional elements such as the secret “1973” signature on the transparent blue sapphire dial, the Maison’s emblematic “Phi” logo on the counterweight of the seconds hand, and a blue ring in the case middle that adds even more sophistication to the piece.
