Baume & Mercier Riviera 33mm celebrate half a century of the Riviera model
D.C. Hannay- For the model’s 50th anniversary, Baume & Mercier is launching three striking new dial variants for the Riviera 33mm.
- The flagship Riviera 33mm features a satin gold dial, automatic movement, and diamond bezel accents.
- The quartz Riviera 33mm offers two new lacquered dial choices, in vibrant blue or purple.
The Baume & Mercier Riviera is rightly regarded as a design classic, as evidenced by the fact that it’s celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year. Most watches don’t have those kinds of legs, so it stands to reason that they must have done something right with the original. And like many good watch designs, the Riviera translates well to a range of sizes, including the 33mm-cased version, and it’s this size that sees some compelling new dial variants taking a bow at Watches & Wonders. Let’s see what’s new for Baume & Mercier’s 33mm Riviera for 2023.
Baume & Mercier Riviera 33mm M0A10730
Baume & Mercier markets the 33mm Riviera as a women’s model, but if your wrist is small and your swag level high, anyone can consider these eye-catching new variants. Of special note is the M0A10730 version, which has a number of standout features.
Firstly, it features a new soft gold sunray dial that evokes the hue of champagne, with the signature Riviera transparent wave adding some extra dimension. The tastefully glam dial also gets the Midas touch in the form of gilded hands and hour markers, all of which get a dose of Super-LumiNova. The trademark 12-sided bezel adds some subtle bling with the inclusion of 4 inset brilliant-cut diamonds and a glint of gold. The whole effect is one of subtle elegance that softly speaks without shouting.
And if you’re concerned that the smaller size has an effect on the watch’s identity, don’t be. The proportions of the case and bracelet are every bit a Riviera as its larger siblings. The sculpted lines of the 12-sided case and integrated bracelet remain intact, along with the refined blend of satin and polished finishes.
This model gets a movement upgrade to a B&M-branded automatic Sellita SW200, which runs at 28,800 VpH, sports 26 jewells, and a 38-hour power reserve. You’ll also get a sapphire crystal both up front and around back, so you can see the movement in action.
Baume & Mercier Riviera 33mm M0A10727 and M0A10728
For those seeking a bolder, brighter dial from the Riviera lineup, you’re covered. The other two dial variants, the blue M0A10727 and purple M0A10728, really pop off the wrist with their satin sunray lacquer finishing, which also sports the transparent wave motif.
Not to take anything away from the bright blue model, but the purple has a distinct shade that can best be described as “Elizabeth Taylor eyes”. Vibrant dials are having an extended moment, and I say the more colour you can bring to the sometimes stuffy world of watch design, the better.
For those wishing for a more hassle-free relationship with their timepiece, both versions get a Ronda 714 Li quartz movement, which offers typical quartz accuracy and a ten-year battery life. Common features to all the variants are the three-link integrated bracelet, a sapphire crystal, 50 metres of water resistance, and dimensions of 33mm in diameter, with a smartly trim case height of 9.6mm. Should you wish to change up the look of your watch, the bracelet can be easily swapped without tools for a compatible strap.
To view the full Baume & Mercier new collection for 2023, check out this video:
Baume & Mercier Riviera 33mm pricing and availability:
The new Baume & Mercier Riviera 33mm models will be available starting in April of 2023, prices are TBA.
| Brand | Baume & Mercier |
| Model | Riviera 33mm |
| Case Dimensions | 33mm (D) x 9.6mm (T) |
| Case Material | Stainless steel |
| Water Resistance | 50m |
| Dial | Satin gold (M0A10730), blue lacquer (M0A10727), purple lacquer (M0A10728) |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire |
| Bracelet | Stainless steel integrated |
| Movement | Sellita SW200 (M0A10730), Ronda 714 Li quartz (M0A10727 and M0A10728) |
| Power Reserve | 38 hours (M0A10730), 10 years (M0A10727 and M0A10728) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, date |
| Availability | April 2023 |
| Price | TBA |