Baume & Mercier Introduces The Rivera Azur 300M Watch

For a lot of, the Baume & Mercier Riviera probably doesn’t crack the highest 5 watches that come to thoughts when itemizing essentially the most well-known built-in sports activities watches. To be truthful, it’s a discipline crowded by the likes of famous person items, a lot of which have come to outline not simply the class, however positive watches as a complete: the Nautilus, the Laureato, the Abroad, and extra. But, the Riviera debuted in 1973, only a 12 months after Genta’s Royal Oak burst on the scene, making it a related a part of any dialogue about built-in sports activities items, a category that’s skilled excessive curiosity lately. Rising to the event, Baume & Mercier has given the Riviera a totally trendy replace. Celebrating the watch’s fiftieth anniversary, this all-new Riviera Azur 300M — in our opinion — top-of-the-line dive watch releases among the many Watches and Wonders 2023 novelties.

Essentially the most noticeable change to the Riviera comes head-on due to the Azur 300M’s uniquely styled bezel. Retaining the gathering’s signature 12-sided form, the diver model replaces the 4 acquainted screws (which some have criticized as being a bit too much like AP’s 8-screw design) with a conventional diving bezel. Unidirectional, it sports activities a colour lacquered therapy marking the primary fifteen minutes that instantly stands out. Noticeable too are the six aluminum rings positioned at alternating intervals across the bezel’s edge. Grooved, they ostensibly assist with grip however present an eye catching distinction that provides to the Azur 300M’s character.

Solely accessible in black or blue for now, one thing tells us this format lends itself simply to future colour, dimension, and magnificence variants that we’re excited to see. For now, every dial colour is a continuation of Baume & Mercier’s fifth technology Riviera replace from 2021, that includes a wave decor set upon a semi-transparent sapphire crystal and affixed with Tremendous-LumiNova markers, together with Roman numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock. The date window on the 4:30 place could irritate some folks, however the means to view the complete date wheel beneath the crystalline dial far outweighs any quibbles over window placement. Other than the bezel, the following largest change on the Riviera Azur 300M is probably going the arms. Retaining their semi-skeleton model, the Azur’s hour and minute arms have a hint of Tudor’s “snowflake” DNA whereas the seconds hand is cleverly color-coordinated to the dial in order that the white lumed tip seems to be floating because it circles.

Design apart, one of the spectacular elements of the Riviera Azur 300M is Baume & Mercier’s means to get the main points proper — no small feat when seemingly each new launch lately is stricken by one obtrusive flaw. Right here, all of it simply… works. At 42mm, it’s proper within the wheelhouse for a diver rated to 300M which in itself is noteworthy. It’s bought loads of lume, so no situation there, and every watch ships with a three-row bracelet and matching rubber strap that may be swapped with out instruments. It’s underneath 12mm thick which is spectacular in its personal proper, and the automated Baumatic motion makes a compelling case for best-bang-for-your-buck, thanks to 5 days of energy reserve, -4/+6 seconds each day accuracy, 2,500 Gauss anti-magnetism, and an eye-watering eight-year guarantee.

The Baume & Mercier Riviera Azur 300M might be accessible in June 2023. Baume & Mercier was unable to offer pricing data earlier than press time. You may be taught extra on the model’s web site.

Specs:

Model: Baume & Mercier

Mannequin: Riviera Azur 300M

Reference: 10716 (blue), 10717 (black)

Dimensions: 42mm diameter, 12mm thick

Water Resistance: 300 meters

Case Materials: Polished and satin-finished stainless-steel

Crystal/Lens: Sapphire

Motion: Manufacture self-winding Baumatic (BM13 -1975A)

Frequency: 4Hz

Energy Reserve: 120 hours

Strap/Bracelet: Built-in 3-row polished and satin-finished stainless-steel bracelet. Built-in rubber strap. Interchangeable system permits tooless change. Triple-folding stainless-steel clasp with safety push-piece.

Worth & Availability: Obtainable June 2023. Worth not but introduced.