Editor’s note: Like you, we are also excited for the Watches & Wonders 2022 novelties. Before we get to dive deep into them, here’s our preview & Gut Reaction Review (Grr…) of the new Baume and Mercier Riviera Baumatic. For our detailed hands-on reviews, please head to our dedicated reviews section here. This is NOT a sponsored post.
The New Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702 In A Nutshell
For almost 50-years now, from 1973 to 2022, the Baume and Mercier Riviera collection has stood the test of time. When you have good thing going, it’s best to continue on a proven success path. This is what seems to be Baume and Mercier’s mantra for this year. After the launch of the Baume and Mercier Riviera 10617 from 2021 which featured a smokey dial encased inside a sandblasted steel-ADLC case that was stealth at its best when accompanied with its black rubber strap, the brand now presents the same watch but is a normal — and in high demand within the overall watch community — stainless steel case.
The new Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702 Baumatic continues the brand’s evolution into a contemporary tour de force. It is also joined by the Baume and Mercier Riviera 10660 Automatic which is another take on this same design, this time around featuring gilt aesthetics. To take their releases to another level; and be more inclusive, there is also the smaller 36mm diameter version of the 10660, the ref. M0A10661 that is targeted towards ladies who like slightly larger mechanical watches.
The 5W1H Of The New Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702
The new Riviera 10702 is presented as quite wearable — it’s a sports watch that will slip under the cuff with ease as well — 42mm diameter and 10.66mm thick stainless steel case with a lug-to-lug spacing of 49mm.
Retailing for 5’650 AUD, this non-limited regular production model edition is announced today on 30 March 2022 (8am CET) as part of the Watches & Wonders 2022 March 30 to April 5 (both online and at the Salon).
The Baume and Mercier Riviera 10660 Automatic Riviera also debuts today, featuring the same dimensions but a lower cost of 4’550 AUD. It comes as a steel case and a slate dial package with interchangeable steel or gray rubber strap. The most prominent feature is the combination of a sand-blasted titanium bezel that is fastened to the case with four functional screws with an internal peripheral gold-plated PVD ring. As a side note, the 10661 measures 36mm x 9.57mm.
Best Foot Forward
The most striking feature about the new Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702 is that it’s a timepiece that’s got all the factors that make a watch poplar today: a distinctive (dodecagonal) twelve-sided bezel, a stainless steel case with bracelet, and a funky dial.
But credit to the brand, it’s not just an exercise in ticking all the right boxes. In addition to the above, the new Riviera 10702 impressively features 100m water-resistance, is anti-magnetic to 1500 Gauss, features the same accuracy as if it had been certified by COSC, so a daily precision of -4 s / +6 s, and a super impressive 5-day power reserve.
Basic Specifications Of Both The New Baume and Mercier Riviera
Inside the new Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702 ticks the in-house calibre Baumatic BM13-1975A which is an automatic-winding mechanical movement measuring 28.2mm x 4.2mm. The movement comprises 21 jewels and beats at the frequency of 4Hz (28’800 A/h).
The watch face shows the functions of central hours, minutes, and seconds, along with a date aperture at 3’o clock. The smokescreen dial boats of a grey sapphire crystal and transparent waves decor with bold appliqué markers so as not to compromise legibility.
As for the Baume and Mercier Riviera 10660 and 10661 Automatic, they feature the tried-and-tested Sellita SW200-1 that measures 25.60mm in diameter and is 4.6mm in thickness. It features 26 jewels, beats at the frequency of 4Hz (28’800 A/h), and offers an okay 38-42 hour power reserve.
Quotable
“With almost fifty years behind it, the Riviera is no newcomer. Inspired by the carefree lifestyle of the French Riviera, this is the watch of casual elegance, symbolising an easygoing view of refined watchmaking. It was first developed in 1973 and has adapted to every era, year after year, while staying true to its special style.”
Press release
Our Thoughts On The New Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702
With the new Riviera 10702 the brand has done an excellent job of recreating a past icon, that on one hand is seeped in its heritage and history, and on the other hand also presents itself as a modern day timepiece. The Baume and Mercier Riviera 10660 complements this design DNA, and its lacquered “slate” hue dial with tone-on-tone “wave” decorations and gold-plated steel Roman numerals and indexes is sure to light the spark in the hearts of the millennials.
These watches are for those who obviously like the octagonal or hexagonal or dodecagonal bezel designs and for lack of interest, finances, or availability, want something a bit different than the AP Royal Oak. I am not saying that the new Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702 is an excuse for not buying the AP RO, but you have to admit that the original from 1973 came just one year after the 1972 launch at the Basel fair of the AP Royal Oak.
But for only 5’650 AUD, this one knocks it right out of the park, AP or no AP. The new Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702 is an icon in its own rights standing tall on its merits, and definitely a great offering for your buck.
To find out more about the new Baume and Mercier Riviera 10702 Baumatic and Riviera 10660 Automatic and their other watches, please head to their website here. All images unless otherwise stated are courtesy are Ⓒ BAUME & MERCIER 2022. Make sure to check out our reviews of other Watches & Wonders 2022 novelties here.
