The Baume & Mercier Riviera was originally created in 1973 as Baume’s way of jumping onto the quartz revolution bandwagon but also as an inexpensive option –slightly similar in looks— to the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak presented in 1972. This year 2021, the Baume & Mercier Riviera has been revived —the fifth generation— by the brand with an almost identical design to the original model but now powered by a Swiss made automatic movement and equipped with a very clever built-in interchangeable strap system.
Things to Know About the Watch
Sporting a generous 42 mm satin brushed stainless steel case and fitted with a dodecagonal —12-side— bezel equipped with four screws, the new Baume & Mercier Riviera Baumatic 10616 stays true to its original design. Adapting to today’s watchmaking standards, the new Riviera Baumatic 10616 features a clever built-in interchangeable strap system that allows the wearer to go from a strap to a bracelet within seconds.
Known for its twelve-sided bezel reflecting the twelve hours displayed on its dial, the Riviera Baumatic 10616 sports a blue smoked sapphire dial that allows for views of the automatic Baume & Mercier calibre BM13-1975A sitting underneath. The calendar disc has been designed with a dark blue background the blend in nicely with the blue dial and Roman numerals at 12 and 6 complete the elegant look of the watch. The octagonal winding crown features a blue accent making things more interesting and less boring. At the center of the mainplate underneath the dial a discreet wave pattern takes the center stage underneath the sapphire dial. The transparency of its opaque dial provides enough transparency to admire the moving gear trains of the Baumatic movement.
The case and bracelet of the Riviera Baumatic are extremely well finished considering the price point. The bracelet is nice and sturdy featuring a double folding clasp and the bracelet doesn’t feel flimsy at all. While the interchangeable strap system is a very nice thing to have, we feel that it could’ve been better executed as it seems like when switching from a strap to a bracelet —or the other way around—, one needs to make sure to hear a loud click. Otherwise, while the bracelet or strap might feel to the touch to be properly secured in place, it happens to not be the case and you take the risk that the watch ends up coming off of it.
It is important to mention that if you want to have the smoky sapphire dial version of this watch on a bracelet, you can only go with the blue sapphire dial model, as the smoky gray dial model is only sold on a black rubber strap. But, the great thing is that Baume & Mercier offers other four solid dial versions —blue, green, silvered and black at an even much lower price —about $1,000 USD cheaper.
The Movement
The Baume & Mercier Riviera Baumatic 10616 is powered by the in-house 5-day power reserve Baume & Mercier Baumatic calibre BM13-1975. This 21-jewel automatic movement beats at a frequency of 28,800 vph and is fully visible via the display case back. Considering the price point of this watch, the movement is nicely finished with a skeletonized oscillating weight but don’t expect too much more for the price.
On the Wrist & Price
On the wrist, the watch wears true to its size if your wrist circumference is anywhere between 7-7.5”. The Baume & Mercier Riviera Baumatic 10616 is a sporty, yet dressy and casual watch that will please many styles. Now, if you’d like to add a rubber strap —see wristshot below— it will set you back only $165 USD which is extremely cheap when compared to the price of other rubber straps in the watch industry. The rubber strap is available in black, blue, green, azure blue, white and mauve.
In sum, a lot of watch for the money and a nice conversation starter. A 36 mm automatic movement model is also available for ladies or those with smaller wrists.
Sticker Price $3,550 USD on bracelet with sapphire dial, $2,600 USD on bracelet with solid dial and $2,500 USD on strap with solid dial. For more info on Baume & Mercier click here.
