That ‘70s Look: Baume & Mercier Presents Riviera Revival at Watches and Wonders 2025 with Four New Chronographs

Anticipation has reached fever pitch as Watches and Wonders 2025 welcomes watch enthusiasts and collectors to explore the latest creations in haute horlogerie. Adding to the excitement are four new chronographs launched by Baume & Mercier as part of its iconic Riviera series. A throwback to the 1970s aesthetics, these clocks embody the watchmaker’s technical prowess. Further, the sporty-chic spirit of this collection is inspired by the world of the French Riviera and brings to life the different facets of this idyllic place. 

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Join us as GMT India examines these exquisite watches meant to freeze time like a photographer’s lens.

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Flyback Chronograph: Riviera M0A10828

Marking the Riviera collection's launch year of 1973, the Flyback Chronograph comes with a sapphire crystal caseback inscribed with "Limited Edition One of 73". This masterpiece showcases several innovative features that make it a collector's dream. To begin with, it allows effortless stop, reset, and restart functions with a single press of a button at 4 o’clock. Complementing this are a telemeter and a tachometer, tools prized by horology buffs for precision measurement; these enhance the watch’s utility beyond the standard hour, minute, small seconds, and date displays. 

Powered by the sophisticated Automatic La Joux-Perret 8147 calibre, this watch ensures exceptional performance with a 42-hour power reserve. Its dial is a visual spectacle: a luminous golden, vertically brushed surface is accentuated by vintage-inspired Roman numerals and riveted rhodium-plated hour markers, all coated in beige Super-LumiNova for blue emission in low light. The blued steel chronograph seconds hand with the iconic Phi logo as a counterweight adds a unique touch, while subdials feature concentric patterns that elevate the design’s precision and depth.

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Chronograph of Contrasts: Riviera M0A10827

Next up is another striking version of the Riviera ― a watch that redefines contrast and sophistication. The M0A10827 comes with a daring black-and-white interplay as a wave-textured white dial is framed by a bold black outer flange and azure black counters. Rhodium-plated Roman numerals, riveted indexes, and faceted hands, all coated with white Super-LumiNova (emitting a blue glow), add a touch of brilliance to the dramatic bicolour aesthetic. This timepiece is run by the precision-engineered Automatic Valjoux 7753 movement, offering a power reserve of up to 48 hours and a frequency of 4 Hz (28,800 vph).

Its polished and satin-finished stainless steel case, measuring 41 mm in diameter and 13.94 mm in thickness, is shielded by a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with anti-glare treatment. The defining embossed Phi logo and the sleek black line on the octagonal crown complete the overall look of the clock that is water-resistant for up to 100 metres (10 ATM) .

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Black Day-Date Chronograph: Riviera M0A10825

+ Blue Day-Date Chronograph: Riviera M0A10826

The M0A10825 model comes in a black shade, while the M0A10826 variant is drenched in blue hues imitating Riviera colours. These sleek models introduce a 41 mm dodecagonal stainless steel case that measures 13.94 mm in thickness. The wave-decor watch face features subdials in the same colours, along with azure counters, rhodium-plated Roman numerals, and Super-LumiNova-coated hands, offering a harmonious visual contrast. The free octagonal crown is crafted in steel, highlighting the House’s embossed Phi logo.

A day and date aperture at 3 o’clock adds functionality to the duo. At their core, these watches run on the renowned Automatic Valjoux 7750 mechanism with a power reserve of 48 hours.

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What to Expect

The latest Baume & Mercier Riviera collection celebrates the art of precision and design savoir-faire with its distinctive dodecagonal satin-finished stainless steel cases, offering water resistance of up to 100 metres. Also, the watches sport scratch-resistant sapphire crystals that are treated with anti-glare coatings on both sides. 

Each model in the collection is run by a robust movement ensuring reliability and precision. The integrated three-row straps, crafted in satin-polished stainless steel, are equipped with an interchangeable mechanism that allows tool-free customisation. Complemented by triple folding clasps with security push-pieces, the Riviera timepieces do reflect elegance and versatility.