Baume & Mercier threw its hat into the ring of watch manufacturers offering an integrated-bracelet steel sports watch with its revival of a 1970s stalwart, the Riviera, at the recently wrapped Watches & Wonders virtual fair. The new series, encompassing 10 references, seven distinct colorways and two different sizes, is inspired by the 1973 original and represents the fifth generation of designs since its debut. With it, Baume & Mercier hopes to simultaneously reference the era from which it sprang and also contextualize the design for the contemporary age.

Riviera 42mm

The Riviera 42mm is the larger of the two case sizes, its geometric shape providing it a sturdy, sporty silhouette that indicates a watch seemingly ready for anything and well-equipped to transition from formal situations to casual. The case’s most noticeable element is its dodecagonal (12-sided) bezel, secured via four screws and reminiscent of various other luxury sports watches in whose footsteps it’s following.  
On the case’s right side is a similarly geometric crown, signed with Baume & Mercier’s alternative logo. The watch is secured to the wrist by means of an integrated triple-link steel bracelet or a rubber strap. The finishing on each of the variations is primarily brushed, with some contrasting polishing, with the exception of a single reference, 10617, which opts for a black steel ADLC coating.

Another noteworthy factor of the newe...