Jamie Weiss
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Baume & Mercier add two new takes on the Riviera Chronograph that are sure to please proper watch enthusiasts.A flyback chronograph makes a return to the Riviera range, this time featuring a retro-styled gilded telemeter and tachymeter dial.For the first time ever, we also get a Riviera Chronograph with a panda dial.The Baume & Mercier Riviera is one of the most underrated integrated luxury sports watches on the market (and I’m not just saying that because I own one). Or maybe it isn’t, actually, because whenever we post Rivieras or talk about the Riviera on our social media platforms, we get scores of watch collectors saying how much they love the Riviera. Can something really be underrated if lots of people actually rate it? I’ll let you ponder that, but what I’m here today to report on is that at Watches and Wonders 2025, Baume & Mercier has dropped two very savvy and very snazzy Riviera Chronographs that I’m sure will be fan favourites.Baume & Mercier Riviera Flyback Chronograph ref. 10828This is the highlight of Baume’s Watches and Wonders releases this year, in my opinion. It’s been a while since we’ve seen a flyback chronograph in the Riviera range, and it’s made a return in style, melding the timeless modernism of the Riviera’s dodecagonal case with a classic twin-register telemeter and tachymeter dial. Featuring a gilded, brushed finish, it’s somewhat similar to the Riviera Perpetual Calendar ref. 10742 from 2023, although that watch had a more overtly salmon-tinged dial whereas this flyback is more yellow. Still, it’s a similar, retrofuturistic effect.This flyback is clearly one of the most premium takes on the Riviera yet, and fittingly, Baume has finished the watch to a level worthy of its more exclusive status, as it’s a limited edition of 73 pieces – a nod to the year the Riviera was born, 1973. Its 42mm in diameter, 14.34mm-thick stainless steel case has a much more pronounced brushed finish across its top and bracelet, with the latter additionally featuring polished bevels across its centre links – a subtle differentiating factor.Powering this flyback chronograph is the La Joux-Perret 8147, which is itself based on the ETA 7750 and has been utilised to great effect before in Baume & Mercier Capeland and Clifton models. An automatic movement, it has a 42-hour power reserve and beats at 4Hz. A gold rotor and blued screws add to its visual appeal.BrandBaume & MercierModelRiviera Flyback ChronographReference Number10828Case Dimensions42mm (D) x 14.34mm (T)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance100 metresCrystal(s)Sapphire front and backDialGilded vertical brushedLug WidthIntegratedStrapSteel bracelet with butterfly claspMovementLa Joux-Perret 8147, ETA 7750 base, automaticPower Reserve42 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronographAvailabilityAvailable now, limited edition of 73 piecesPriceA$14,400Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph ref. 10827While not quite as exciting or complicated as a flyback chrono, the new panda-dialled Riviera Chronograph ref. 10827 is worth paying attention to simply because it looks fantastic. In a similar sort of story to the ref. 10828, we’ve seen reverse panda dials appear on Riviera Chronographs before, but never just a classic white-with-black-subdials panda look. I can’t believe it’s taken Baume this long to do it, but better late than never.Specifically, it features a white dial with a laser-engraved wave motif complemented by black snailed subdials and a thin snailed minute track. A white date window peeks out at the sometimes-controversial 4:30 position, with rhodium-plated hands, numerals and indices further complementing the grayscale look. Another nice touch: the chronograph pushers have a thin black ring detail.Dimension-wise it’s almost identical to the ref. 10828, sharing a 41mm diameter but being slightly thinner at 13.94mm thick. It’s powered by the stalwart Valjoux 7753, which has a 48-hour power reserve and also beats at 4Hz. Both watches have integrated three-row bracelets with butterfly clasps and a quick-change system that makes it easy to swap on a different strap, such as a rubber or leather option.BrandBaume & MercierModelRiviera ChronographReference Number10827Case Dimensions42mm (D) x 13.94mm (T)Case MaterialStainless steelWater Resistance100 metresCrystal(s)Sapphire front and backDialLaser-engraved white wave dial with black snailed subdialsLug WidthIntegratedStrapSteel bracelet with butterfly claspMovementValjoux 7753, automaticPower Reserve48 hoursFunctionsHours, minutes, small seconds, date, chronographAvailabilityAvailable nowPriceA$6,300
02.04.25