Jewellery & Watch News
The new Baume et Mercier Riviera Tideograph watch measures the rhythms of the sea with its stunning tide-measuring complication at 6 o’clock.
Baume et Mercier is approaching the Riviera watch from a slightly different angle this year. Attending the Geneva-based Watches & Wonders 2024 event, it has revealed new models from the Baume et Mercier Riviera line that illustrate the Maison’s design savoir-faire and its watchmaking expertise by evoking the distinguishing features of the coastal region’s legendary art of living. Of course, the Riviera has always been the sole focus of the design and has served as inspiration for the watches from the collection. But Baume et Mercier is deconstructing those elements, releasing several different iterations that capture the ocean, the mountains, the sky, and the streamlined architecture of its modern villas, not forgetting, of course, its festive nights.
One of those new Baume et Mercier Riviera watches is the Tideograph. It captures the mesmerising rhythm of the sea, not just in its beautiful deep blue hue, but with its innovative tide-measuring capability, too. Designed for those with sailing experience, this limited edition model, exclusive to just 500 pieces worldwide, is sure to appeal to those with an affinity to the ocean.
The New Baume et Mercier Riviera Tideograph Limited Edition Watch
Watches and Wonders 2024 got off to a great start the other day with the launch of the new Baume et Mercier Riviera Tideograph watch. It joins the lineage of the much larger Riviera watch collection, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, but in an entirely new form. A tide-measuring form. As with the rest of the new Riviera watches for 2024, this new release captures the essence of the French Riviera and its status of complete, undiluted French luxury.
The model is crafted from stainless steel, similar to the first versions released all those years ago that defied convention. They offered something incredibly robust and luxurious and an unusual alternative to the gold used in dress watches at the time. This new Riviera Tideograph measures 43mm in diameter and a height of 12.3mm. The dodecagonal case is still present but this time, we’re treated to black DLC-coated screws at the usual four locations on top of a brushed stainless steel case. The small but very obvious modification creates a utilitarian vibe. What makes the entire design look ruggedly refined, however, is the use of that sunray dial upon which the tide-measuring complication sits.
One single Roman numeral sits at 12 o’clock, accompanied by a set of stick and baton markers and a set of rhodium-plated, skeletonised central hour and minute hands. The contrast between the brushed dial and the matte effect of the hands is a nice touch, as is the slim central second hand, adorned with the brand logo as the counterweight. Other features on the dial include a minute track around the edge, with pale blue numerals that identify every five-minute section. These features are all protected underneath a scratch-resistant and anti-reflective sapphire crystal glass front that also helps the watch uphold its water-resistant value of 100 meters.
Another nice feature of this new Baume et Mercier Riviera Tideograph watch is its blue matching rubber strap with a canvas pattern upon its surface. The strap connects to a brushed set of lugs and bezel and secures to the wrist with a triple folding buckle and easy adjustment feature. Differing from other new releases from Baume et Mercier this year, this Riviera watch comes without a date window. I guess the days of the week aren’t the priority for anyone needing to track the tides with this watch. Speaking of which, the focal point of this entire design is found at 6 o’clock and boasts a mix of snailed and sandblasted finishes. You can set the complication with the 4 o’clock pusher, which is segmented into four quadrants. These are also marked by two 12-hour shifts. The entire complication brings in the teal tones that match the dial elements and a darker navy blue shade seen in the snailed segments.
The new Baume et Mercier Riviera Tideograph watch is powered by the Calibre BM14-1975AC3 – a modified version of the -AC2, produced by ValFleurier. It provides a 120-day power reserve once fully wound and, combined with its tide complication and 100-meter water-resistant housing, offers plenty of value for its price.
The Appeal of the Baume et Mercier Riviera Watch
The Baume et Mercier Riviera watch was first launched in 1973. It followed the launch of the iconic Royal Oak watch by Audemars Piguet, signifying the bold leap of faith that very few manufacturers dared to take during that time. It began its life in the heyday of the iconic steel sports watch era. A few years ago, it returned from the past to celebrate that same recognisable style that first put the company on the map for creating superb, highly collectable timepieces. Its name takes inspiration from the French Riviera and the casually elegant lifestyle that can be experienced there. Its steel case with an integrated bracelet broke traditional design codes during the 1970s and now continues to be revived in many different formats. One of these includes the new Baume et Mercier Riviera Tideograph, inspired by the raw elements that define the coastal region from which it takes its inspiration.
The new Baume et Mercier Riviera Riviera watch retains the key features of the popular Riviera line with a dodecagonal-shaped bezel, distinct Roman numeral hour markers, and an interchangeable bracelet crafted from stainless steel. The spirit of the original 1973 model is still very much kept alive in its robust stainless steel case with four screws bolting its 12-sided bezel down. This powerful, unique and distinctive case design imparts a masculine and aggressive look, fortified by other values, of course, like 100-meter water resistance and a strong sapphire crystal glass front. The latter is also treated with anti-reflective treatment to assist you with clear and easy timekeeping whether referencing the dial in the thick of night or whilst in conditions where light is limited.
If you’d like to own one of the limited edition 500 pieces of the Baume et Mercier Riviera Tideograph watch, you can call and speak to a member of our C W Sellors sales team today on 01335 216004 or email us at sales@cwsellors.com
