2025-04-01 06:32:08 by aBlogtoWatch

This year, for Watches and Wonders 2025, Baume & Mercier is expanding its offerings in the Riviera line — by shrinking a few of them. Already one of the more approachable Riviera models, the Riviera Chronograph has served as a mainstay, if a bulky one, of the line. Now, Baume & Mercier is introducing four new Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph variants in slimmed down 41mm cases, including the limited-edition vintage-inspired Baume & Mercier Riviera Flyback Chronograph. Formerly sized at 43mm, the new Riviera Chronographs, including the Flyback, are offered in more modest 41mm stainless steel cases. Despite not all having the same layouts, the three standard chronograph models all measure 13.94mm thick, while the Flyback clocks in at 14.34mm. Compared to the 43mm versions, the standard models are just shy of .2mm thinner — that’s not really a substantial difference in thickness, and will likely mean a wrist presence that feels as bulky if not bulkier than the 43mm, the larger case of which allows for better distribution of the thickness. On the flyback, as ever, we must make accommodations for complications, and thus we have what is the thickest chronograph in the Riviera collection. The cases have attractive finishing, with a sunray brushed 12-sided bezel and pleasant finishing contrast throughout.   All models have sapphire crystals and 100m water resistance and are equipped with the same 3-link integrated bracelet that has finishing to echo the case. The bracelet has a folding clasp and a push-button release for easy strap changes (within B&M’s system, of course). No mention of toolless microadjust, so it’s safe to assume you’ll have to pull out the bracelet tool to get a perfect fit. A keen eye will notice that the panda model has black bands around its block pushers, a nice touch to differentiate the model. The black and blue dials don’t really bring much new to the line, with the same 6-9-12 layout as existing models and the same boomerang (?) dial motif; they’ve both got day-date displays at 3 o’clock. The panda dial, though, rotates the registers to a 3-6-9 layout and moves the date to 4:30 (*cue eye roll*). Like all the watches, it still has the same handset, and the hands and markers are still filled with Super-LumiNova. The Riviera Flyback Chronograph, though, presents the most divergent of the four. The dial is a striking brushed gold with a spiraled central tachymeter scale and peripheral telemeter scale. The baton indices are applied along with 6 and 12 roman numerals; the batons are accompanied by lume pips, while the numerals are filled with beige lume. On this model, you also get blue subdial and chronograph seconds hands, the latter of which has a BM logo counterbalance. Unfortunately (or not, if you’re forgiving), the dial is somewhat marred by the white 4:30 date, which stands out much more than on the panda dial. While the marketing copy is a bit scarce on details, we can tell from cursory examination that all four of these models use the Swiss automatic ETA 7750 as a base caliber (the panda uses the 7753 variant to achieve its layout). In the case of the Flyback Chronograph, the finishing on the movement is upgraded, with blued screws, striping, and a skeletonized gold rotor — an appealing choice that ties the movement together with the dial. All of the movements deliver a 42-hour power reserve at 28,800 vph and are on display through sapphire caseback crystals. I understand the Flyback Chronograph as a limited series: Why not have a bit of fun and throw it back? What confuses me is the 3-6-9 panda dial, which now sits awkwardly within the Riviera collection’s chronographs, the rest of which are all 6-9-12 layouts. That said, it will probably be the most popular amongst this quartet, given its approachable quirk and price point. All around, these new 41mm chronos seem like a smart play from the brand and should broaden the Riviera Chronograph’s appeal. The Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph watches are priced at $4,100 USD, while the Baume & Mercier Riviera Flyback Chronograph is priced at $8,100 USD and limited to 73 pieces. For more information, please visit the Baumer & Mercier site.  "); });