Jamie Weiss
Off the back of the Riviera Perpetual Calendar, Baume & Mercier release a second 50th-anniversary limited edition.Its blue-tinted sapphire crystal dial features a hidden ‘1973’ signature.A blue case ring adds extra differentiation while remaining subtle.Baume & Mercier have had a big year celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Riviera. From exciting new complications joining the Riviera range to collaborating with us here at Time+Tide on a sumptuous anniversary party, Baume’s been on a mega run. One of their biggest successes this year has been the release of the Baume & Mercier Riviera Perpetual Calendar, a limited edition of 50 pieces that sold out almost immediately – a real paradigm shift for the brand and proof of their growing status in the watch industry. This Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition is a little more understated than that Perpetual Calendar – but it’s still special and different enough from a standard Riviera to be worth a look-in.The Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition alongside the Riviera Perpetual Calendar, the other major 50th anniversary celebration release. More on that watch here.Upon first glance, the Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition ref. 10749 seems identical to the standard 42mm blue-dialled Riviera ref. 10616 – but that’s kind of the charm of this watch. Have a closer look, and you’ll notice a ‘1973’ signature laser engraved into its sapphire crystal dial at the 8:30 position, subtly mixed in with the Riviera’s now-iconic wave motifs. The observant will also notice that, unlike the ref. 10616, the ref. 10749 boasts a seconds hand with a Phi logo counterweight, a trait shared with higher-end Rivieras like the Riviera Azur 300m and the aforementioned Riviera Perpetual Calendar.A closeup of the ‘1973’ signature on the Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition’s dial and the blue case ring.Another feature that’s not so obvious when looking at the Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition from the top down is that it features a unique blue anodised aluminium case ring, which is sandwiched between the watch’s steel four-screw bezel and its case. Otherwise, the Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition is mechanically identical to the standard 42mm Riviera (which is a good thing, frankly), boasting a Baumatic movement with an impressive 5-day reserve that’s been finished nicely with perlage and c?tes de Geneve. Honestly, the Riviera is a bit of a case of “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” – these little touches make this limited edition feel unique without messing with the formula too much. Can someone say “quiet luxury”?Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition pricing & availabilityThe Baume & Mercier Riviera 50th Anniversary Special Edition is a limited edition of 273 pieces and is available now from Baume & Mercier boutiques and online. Price: A$6,550.BrandBaume & MercierModelRiviera 50th Anniversary Special EditionReference Number10749Case Dimensions42.1mm (D) x 10.66mm (T) x 51.6mm (LTL)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance100 metresCrystal(s)SapphireDialBlue-tinted sapphire crystal with laser-engraved wave patternLug WidthIntegratedStrapSteel bracelet with butterfly claspMovementBaumatic BM13-1975A, automaticPower Reserve120 hours (5 days)FunctionsHours, minutes, seconds, dateAvailabilityLimited to 273 piecesPriceA$6,550
27.11.23