The Riviera was named for the iconic French coastline, with the unusual design representing “freedom and renewal” as well as “offbeat elegance”.
Unveiled during the recent Watches & Wonders Geneva virtual event, the new Riviera collection features self-winding models for men and women in case sizes from 36mm to 42mm, as well as a model housing the brand’s signature Baumatic calibre, which provides a five-day power reserve.
All the timepieces feature the Riviera’s distinctive 12-sided stainless steel bezel, updated for modern consumers with black, blue, silver, and grey dials available, as well as interchangeable rubber strap or steel bracelet.
A statement from Baume & Mercier read, “The Riviera is making a comeback that strikes a balance between its roots in avant-garde ‘70s design and the sport-minded classicism of today’s watches. More than any other, the Riviera collection demonstrates the expertise of Baume & Mercier in the field of unusually shaped watches.
Of the original model, the statement said, “Known for its twelve-sided bezel reflecting the twelve hours displayed on its dial, this unique watch left an impression. The icon of a nonchalant generation, it has always carried the Baume & Mercier fundamentals in its genes: a love of design, a regard for form, and a desire for boldness.”
The ‘revamped’ Riviera follows other Baume & Mercier archival revivals, such as the Art Deco-inspired Hampton Collection, which was unveiled at the digital Watches & Wonders Geneva event in 2020.
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