Baume & Mercier Introduce Riviera Perpetual Calendar and 50th Anniversary Special Edition
Limited to 50 and 273 pieces respectively.
Baume & Mercier, a brand known for its craftsmanship, has unveiled its latest works: the Riviera in “Perpetual Calendar” and “Anniversary Specialt Edition” iterations, both designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the timepiece.
Only 50 pieces of this Perpetual Calendar example will be made available, with stand-out features including its 40 mm steel case and Baumatic manufacture movement. It showcases the brand’s signature Perpetual Calendar, an intricate mechanical complication typically found in the Clifton collection, now making its debut in the Riviera series.
The Riviera’s origin traces back to 1973 when Baume & Mercier disrupted traditional watch design by introducing a sport-chic look, characterized by a steel case and a unique twelve-sided bezel. This design set the Riviera apart as a symbol of casual sophistication and athletic elegance, a notable departure from the gold “dress” watches that dominated the era.
Designed by Jean-Claude Gueit, who was a contemporary of Gérald Genta, the Riviera’s name evokes images of the luxurious and sporty French Riviera lifestyle. The watch’s avant-garde style garnered significant global appeal from the 1970s to the 1990s, marking its presence from Japan to the US and spanning Asia to Europe.
The steel case measures 40 mm in diameter and 11.8 mm in thickness, boasting a five-day power reserve. Craftsmanship shines through with circular-grained bridges, sand-blasted baseplate, and a gold-plated oscillating weight that matches the dial, exhibiting the signature “Côtes de Genève” and snailed decorations. Notably, each timepiece also features a special “Limited Edition” number engraving.
Additionally, in celebration of the Riviera’s golden jubilee, Baume & Mercier are releasing the “Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition” limited to 273 pieces. This edition, a variation of the Baumatic 10616, features a secret “1973” signature on its transparent blue sapphire dial and the brand’s iconic “Phi” logo on the counterweight of the seconds hand.
The Riviera collection’s journey over five generations encapsulates its watchmaking journey and its goal of maintaining both preserving its history while charting a reinventive future.
Both timepieces are available for purchase now via inquiry on Baume & Mercier’s official site or through authorized retailers.
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