Baume & Mercier updates the Riviera Chronograph with warm, two-tone hues
Borna BošnjakContinuing their Riviera-focused Watches & Wonders 2023 form, Baume & Mercier has revealed yet another update to their sporty integrated bracelet watch. While the year’s biggest watch fair saw two new Riviera releases celebrating the model’s 50-year anniversary, this mid-year update zeroes in on bringing a popular colourway to the Valjoux-equipped Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph. The reference 10722 combines the muted finish of titanium and brushed steel with warm taupe tones and 5N gold highlights, referencing the Riviera 10660 we first checked out last year. Let’s go over some of the details.
The fifth-gen Riviera has been around since 2021, which saw the brand release a slew of references for the model’s refresh. This included a selection of automatic, Valjoux 7750-powered chronographs, the latest update of which we’re checking out today. The 43mm case is rendered in a combination of stainless steel and titanium, with the latter occupying the screwed-in dodecagonal bezel, separated from the midcase with a PVD gold spacer. This angular aesthetic is imbued throughout the case’s design, including a twelve-sided crown and large square pushers, while the integrated rubber strap cuts into the case, giving it the appearance of very wide lugs. Judging by the wearing experience of other Riviera models, as well as the 10722’s 14.1mm thickness, this one will be more at home on larger wrists.
The aforementioned PVD gold case insert pairs nicely with the 5N gold handset, which float over a surprisingly empty dial. Baume & Mercier has done away with the Riviera texture that represents the meeting of the sea and mountains of the Côte d’Azur, as well as changing the markers to full indices, meaning that awkwardly cut-off Roman 12 is no more. Despite these simplifications, the dial isn’t exactly what you’d call empty, as there are multiple overlapping circles, three of which are courtesy of the circularly grained sub-dial surrounds. The white-tipped gold handset is skeletonised, yet still bold, allowing for a better view of the slate-grey backdrop and unframed day and date wheel aperture.
A look at the caseback reveals a couple of things. Firstly, the Baume & Mercier one-click strap exchange system that helps improve the Riviera’s strap experimenting experience. We also see a screw-on caseback, helping the 100-metre water resistance, through which peeks out the good ol’ Valjoux 7750 automatic chronograph movement. With a 4 Hz beat rate, 48-hour power reserve and cam-operated chronograph assembly, it’s a ubiquitous choice, though I do wonder whether we’ll ever see Baume & Mercier, and by extension, Richemont, reach for a Baumatic chrono movement. Now that would be cool.
Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph 10722 pricing and availability
The Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph 10722 is available now from Baume & Mercier’s boutiques and online store. Price: A$6,750, CHF 3,900
| Brand | Baume & Mercier |
| Model | Riviera Chronograph |
| Reference Number | M0A10722 |
| Case Dimensions | 43mm (D) x 14.1mm (T) |
| Case Material | Steel and titanium |
| Water Resistance | 100 metres |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal front and back |
| Dial | Sandblasted black or skeletonised |
| Lug Width | Integrated |
| Strap | Grey rubber strap with quick-exchange spring bars |
| Movement | Valjoux 7750, automatic chronograph, 4 Hz |
| Power Reserve | 48 hours |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, chronograph, day, date |
| Availability | Now |
| Price | A$6,750 CHF 3,900 |