New Baume & Mercier Riviera
Just watched a video showing the new B&M Riviera and I am really impressed! Being an owner of a vintage Riviera back from the mid 90's, these are really impressive and wanted to share with the forum. What do you think? https://timeandtidewatches.com/baume-mercier-riviera-39-mm-hands-on-video/
Thought I would share my vintage Riviera from 1995. Does not get much wrist time these days but still a classic!
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Cleveland, OH
Member since
Last active: 18 hrs ago
Neat shape, sweet dial and handset. I'm not entirely sure why they went with ten sides, a decagon I think?
I bought a 42mm Riviera 18 months ago. Black dial on the bracelet, probably a bit on the safe side of boring given their numerous colour combinations currently.
The watch is a big 42mm, too big for my liking. The 39mm they subsequently released will be a far better size & look better on the wrist I would say. I've never really taken to the watch. The obvious reason is the size but I also don't appreciate the way in which they've marketed the interchangeable straps the watch can feature. The engineering behind the interchangeable bracelet/rubber straps is quite brilliant. Easily the slickest design I've come across, it really makes changing out the strap incredibly easy.
What they don't tell you is that to buy the rubber strap with clasp will set you back £300+. They are sneaky as hell over this. They sell the strap online without the clasp but they don't advertise the clasp online, you have to phone to order one. The rubber strap sets you back £165, the clasp is a similar price.
Given they're marketing this watch as one that you can change the look off easily & frequently I just found this practice a bit underhand. I kind of feel I got mugged on this & I consoled myself that I managed to get the watch new for £1,600, £1,000 less than RRP. I tried selling mine last year & I couldn't give it away for £1250 including the bracelet & 1 rubber strap & clasp. As a result I still have it today.
It's a nice watch, definitely better as a 39mm & for goodness sake don't pay anywhere near retail if you were thinking of getting one. They are always available for less than RRP from a number of UK retailers.