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Celebrating 50 years: Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm and Riviera Azur 300M Celebrating 50 years: Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm and Riviera Azur 300M

Celebrating 50 years: Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm and Riviera Azur 300M

D.C. Hannay
  • This year marks the 50th anniversary of Baume & Mercier’s integrated model, the Riviera.
  • For the first time, there’s a new unisex 39mm version of the Riviera.
  • Also new is a dive version called the Riviera Azur 300m, a reinvention of their 1981 diver.

It seems like everyone in the watch industry has jumped on the integrated bracelet bandwagon in recent years, but for some, it’s a continuation of a long tradition. Along with Audemars Piguet, there are some that can lay claim to having built the wheels on that very wagon, and one brand that belongs in the conversation is Baume & Mercier, who released their classic Riviera model all the way back in 1973.

And 50 years later, the brand is celebrating that heritage with a raft of new models, including their first 39mm version, along with an elegant-yet-capable 300-metre diver. Here now is the breakdown of the new Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm and the Riviera Azur 300M.

Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm

Originally designed in 1973 by Jean-Claude Gueit, the Riviera’s current lineup includes a wide range of more than 30 choices, ranging in size from 33mm, all the way to 43mm chronograph and moonphase models, but they’ve never offered a 39mm version. That is, until now.

Mercier Riviera 39mm

Fans of the Riviera will recognise the familiar contours of the broad, 12-sided bezel and four screws, along with the dial hallmarks that feature Roman numerals at 12 and 6. What’s new is this just-right case size for those looking for more presence than a 36mm version, but less than the bold profile of a 42mm model. The satin and polish-finished case is water resistant to 100 metres, putting it firmly in the do-it-all sporty dress watch category.

Baume Mercier Riviera 39mm blue leather strap

This introduction sees three versions on offer, including a smoked grey sapphire dial on bracelet, a blue sapphire dial on blue alligator and rubber strap, and a striking steel-cased/titanium-bezelled model with smoked grey sapphire dial on grey rubber and canvas strap.

Baume Mercier Riviera 39mm satin

Those distinctive transparent dials are decorated with a subtle wave pattern and afford a discreet view of the movement, as well as the date wheel. The faceted hands and applied indices are rhodium-plated (gilt on the titanium variant) and filled with glowing blue Super-LumiNova. All three share the Baumatic BM13-1975A movement, a COSC-certified automatic produced by Richemont sibling Manufacture Horlogère ValFleurier. It features hours, minutes, seconds and date; 21 jewels; a rate of 4 Hz, and a frankly stellar 120-hour power reserve. Its low profile also keeps the case height to just over 10mm, perfect for an elegant sports watch.

Baume Mercier Riviera 39mm smoked grey sapphire dial

The integrated three-link bracelet is only available on the smoked grey-dialled version (for now), but strap exchanges are kept hassle-free with Baume & Mercier’s tool-less system. Of note is the eight-year warranty on all Baumatic-equipped watches, with a recommended service interval of 10 years.

Baume Mercier Riviera 39mm

To view Baume & Mercier’s full range of novelties released at Watches & Wonders 2023, check out this video:

Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm pricing and availability:

The Baume & Mercier Riviera 39mm is available starting in April of 2023, prices are TBA.

Brand Baume & Mercier
Model Riviera 39mm
Case Dimensions 39mm (D) x 10.21mm (T) (10.31mm for titanium version)
Case Material Stainless steel, stainless with titanium bezel
Water Resistance 100m
Dial Smoked grey or blue sapphire with wave pattern
Crystal(s) Sapphire
Bracelet/Strap Stainless bracelet, blue alligator/rubber, grey rubber/canvas
Movement Baumatic BM13-1975A automatic
Power Reserve 120 hours
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Availability April 2023
Price TBA

Baume & Mercier Riviera Azur 300M

Also new for 2023 is the bold Riviera Azur 300M, a legitimate dive watch addition to the line not seen since the 1980s. With a few notable exceptions, you don’t often find a luxury integrated design that has real-world dive capability, but with the Azur 300M, Baume & Mercier isn’t fooling around. This is a 300-metre, unidirectional bezel, screw-down crown-sporting piece that is just at home under the waves as it is on the cocktail party circuit.

Baume Mercier Riviera Azur 300M blue rubber strap

Oh, you’ll still get that striking smoked sapphire dial in your choice of blue or grey, but it’s housed in a robust 42mm case that manages to keep the height under 12mm thick. The partially skeletonised handset is supremely easy to read and well-lumed with Super-LumiNova (beige on the blue model, grey on the black), so you can be assured of good visibility, even at depth.

Baume Mercier Riviera Azur 300M

The 12-side timing bezels are colour-matched to the dials, and have six toothed sections of matching anodised aluminium for ample grip. The bezel is also lacquered in colour for the first 15 minutes, an attractive yet functional touch. The movement is again the Baumatic BM13-1975A as mentioned above, which claims an accuracy of +4/-6 seconds a day, magnetic resistance of 1,500 Gauss, with a 120-hour power reserve. The black version gets the integrated 3-link stainless bracelet, while the blue features a matching rubber strap with triple-folding closure. The Azur 300M offers a compelling mix of ‘tool’ and ‘jewel’ for those looking for the perfect leisure timepiece that can dress up when the situation calls for it.

Baume Mercier Riviera Azur 300M

Baume & Mercier Riviera Azur 300M pricing and availability:

The Baume & Mercier Azur 300M will be available starting in June of 2023, prices are TBA.

Brand Baume & Mercier
Model Riviera Azur 300M
Case Dimensions 42mm (D) x 11.97mm (T)
Case Material Stainless steel
Water Resistance 30om
Dial Smoked grey or blue sapphire with wave pattern
Crystal(s) Sapphire
Bracelet/Strap Stainless bracelet, blue rubber
Movement Baumatic BM13-1975A automatic
Power Reserve 120 hours
Functions Hours, minutes, seconds, date
Availability June 2023
Price TBA