The Riviera in Chronograph Version
Baume & Mercier’s "sport chic" watch— inspired by the spirit of the Côte d’Azur, born in the 70s, and reinterpreted multiple times in recent years— was missing a chronograph version. That is no longer the case! The Riviera is back on the scene with a new generation of chronographs featuring the signature dodecagonal case and integrated bracelet.
Four models join the Riviera collection, sharing several common features. First, a 41 mm diameter case topped with an anti-reflective, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal. Next, a polished and satin-finished steel bezel and a dodecagonal case back secured with four screws, giving these chronographs their distinct character. Finally, an octagonal crown and two pushers complete the ensemble.
The first and perhaps most notable novelty is the Riviera Chronograph Flyback. This limited edition of 73 pieces, paying tribute to the year the Riviera collection was launched, embodies the essence of the chronograph with its flyback function, tachymeter, and telemeter scales. The vintage aesthetic is reinforced by a vertically brushed gold dial and finely detailed sub-dials. The hour and minute hands, coated in beige Superluminova, contrast with the blue steel seconds hand adorned with the Phi logo. A date window at 4:30 provides useful additional information. This flyback chronograph is powered by a self-winding movement with a 42-hour power reserve.
Still embracing vintage style, the second model features a black and white "Panda" dial. Its wave-patterned dial includes a black chapter ring that highlights the sunray sub-dials. Roman numerals, riveted indexes, and faceted hands coated in luminescent material further accentuate the two-tone contrast. The chronograph seconds hand, adorned with the Phi logo, matches the sub-dial hands. The date is also positioned at 4:30 on this model. Under the hood, a self-winding movement provides a 48-hour power reserve.
The last two versions lean towards modernity. Inspired by an existing 43 mm model, they have been refined for a more compact 41 mm case. One version features a blue dial, while the other sports a black dial, both with wave-pattern decoration, a chapter ring, and sunray sub-dials, as well as white accents on the indexes, sub-dials, and the day-date indication at 3 o’clock. Both models are powered by a self-winding movement with a 38-hour power reserve.
The Elegant Clifton
In the Clifton line, Baume & Mercier presents three new models designed for the "perfect gentleman." This elegant, round watch takes its name from the luxurious seaside resort of Clifton in South Africa, a true haven bathed in sunlight between the sea and mountains. Indeed, one can easily imagine wearing one of these new Clifton watches while admiring the Atlantic Ocean and its paradisiacal bays, where magnificent sailboats anchor.
Three variations with a "retro" flair embody elegance. Housed in a 39 mm round case, Baume & Mercier has pursued even greater finesse in the proportions and finishes of these new models to enhance wrist comfort and overall refinement. Arabic numerals have been reintroduced at 12 o’clock. The indexes have been elongated. The date disk is displayed in a large window at 6 o’clock with a new typeface. The upper sapphire crystal is domed, echoing the design codes of the collection’s inspiration model. The crown is seamlessly integrated and refined.
The Clifton’s elegance extends to its mechanics. The renowned "Baumatic" manufacture movement powers all three models, offering an impressive five-day power reserve. Its exquisite finishes can be admired through the case back: perlage bridges, sandblasted and snailed plate, and a gold-toned openwork oscillating weight decorated with Côtes de Genève. It is a sight to behold— and truly magnificent!
Three versions are available, the first in rose gold with a brown alligator strap. Its off-white grained dial is bordered by a black minute track and features faceted gold indexes. Only one numeral, the 12, a large date window at 6 o’clock, and three gold hands. The second version comes in a steel case with a lacquered blue gradient dial and a blue alligator strap. The last is a limited edition of 350 pieces— as confirmed by the engraving on the case back— featuring an opaline salmon dial paired with a black calfskin strap.
A Very Feminine Hampton
The rectangular Hampton case returns this year in an extremely delicate "small" version (35 mm x 22.2 mm). It retains its Art Deco aesthetic, pure lines, soft angles, and curved lugs reminiscent of an iconic model from the 1960s. Inside the steel case lies a highly minimalist silver opaline dial with only two numerals at 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock, riveted indexes, a gray minute track, and two blue glaive-shaped hands. One final detail makes all the difference: the cabochon-shaped crown is adorned with a blue synthetic spinel, matching the hue of the watch’s hands. As Baume & Mercier notes, this stone is associated with "wisdom, protection, confidence, respect, and sincerity." An excellent promise for a timepiece destined to be worn on the wrist!
