Capturing the Azure Coast – The New Baume et Mercier Riviera Acier Titane

Celebrating the multi-faceted beauty of Côte d'Azur – the azure blue-tinted sapphire dial of the new Baume et Mercier Riviera Acier Titane watch represents the Mediterranean in a whole new way

As a luxury watch collector, it becomes a constant daily battle to resist every well-made luxury timepiece you see. There are oceans and oceans of finely tuned instruments, all beckoning us to give in to temptation. Their impeccable craftsmanship, bright dial colours and avant-garde case designs prove too much, and we take the plunge, never looking back with an ounce of regret. What makes it harder is the fact that the watch industry never slows. There is a continual flow of imaginative pieces – both creative and innovative, put on plates before us. Speaking of temptation, Baume et Mercier’s latest offerings for 2024 are hard to resist. They’re inspired by the French Riviera and the beauty of the coastal region, peppered with mountains and draped in bright blue skies. The streamlined architecture of the villas that dot the coastline and the festive nights that bring more vibrant energy and culture to the area are some of the most celebrated aspects of the watchmaker’s latest releases.

The Sports Watch DNA

But it is no coincidence or fluke that Baume et Mercier just so happens to create one of the most attractive sports watch designs of all time in doing so. No, the Riviera watch collection is a continual work of art, where designers add and tweak these already beautiful creations to make them stand-out designs against a backdrop of functional, practical values. The result is a perfectly balanced one. The luxury watch manufacturer has, after all, been developing fine timepieces since the year 1830 and is distinguished for its artistic sensibility. The brand inherits these traits from the original founder of the company, Paul Mercier, who, since the beginning, had a fascination with shapes. Today, it makes sense that Baume et Mercier watches are defined by neat lines and striking contours that challenge contemporary conventions. All the while, they remain true to the design codes of the past. There is a somewhat chic minimalism to appreciate in a Baume et Mercier watch. If you’re already acquainted with the Riviera watch collection, you’ll know that the same applies to this series. These timepieces evoke a certain state of mind and reflect a wearer’s passion for style and taste for exquisiteness.

The heritage of the Riviera watch collection by Baume et Mercier tells the story of an elegant and casual design that first emerged in 1973. The company created a dodecagonal case shape that leaned towards the steel sports watch craze of the era. Fifty years later, that watch design is still going strong. So is the demand for the archetypal steel sports watch. A legible dial, integrated bracelet and accurate automatic movement are just some of the characteristics deemed crucial to the sports watch DNA. The steel sports watch has never lost its charm or appeal. Today, the market is bursting with design after design – all of which carry a similar checklist and an unmistakable 1970s-inspired vibe.

Recently, Baume et Mercier designers have been exploring dial colours and features. Throughout all the watches in the Riviera series, however, the emphasis has always been on celebrating the many facets of the Riviera. This year, the brand manages to take things a step further with six new releases that interpret the natural elements of the area - the inimitable atmosphere of the region, the emotion, and the natural life that moves flowingly here.

The New Baume et Mercier Acier Titane

Harnessing the waves, the pace of the coast, the tides, and the shoreline – the Acier Titane - like all other new releases from the Riviera series is a blend of minimalist lines and contemporary architecture. The new model is a sturdy timepiece made from steel and titanium. The edgy stones and the nuances of the water are all perfectly captured in this design. Echoing the depths of the sea, the rich blue dial of this Riviera Acier Titane watch is a striking azure shade, hinting at the skies above as night begins to fall. The 42mm model features a height of 10.6mm and features a dodecagonal shape that frames these rich blue hues.

Upon the surface of a sapphire dial, tinted in this deep blue, elements of the movement can be seen underneath. The surface has been adorned with a transparent wave decor and features the emblematic riveted Roman numerals and baton hours markers, along with the central hour, minute and second hands. All are executed in a luxurious golden colour. The central hour and minute hands have also been treated with luminous material that emits a rich blue emission at night. The faceted gold tones of the dial are completed by a date window at 3 o’clock, subtle and discreet.

Inside the stainless steel case, with a black PVD-coated titanium bezel, is an automatic movement with remarkable accuracy and a superb power reserve of 120 hours. The engine beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour while protected inside a 100-meter water-resistant case. This five-day power reserve, combined with magnetic protection, is backed by a 6-year warranty, which extends the usual 2-year one. Circular-grained finishes on the bridges and a sandblasted nailed baseplate join an openworked oscillating weight and Cotes de Genève engravings.

To complete the comfort and ergonomic design of the new Baume et Mercier Riviera Acier Titane watch, designers at the manufacturer have fitted the model on a supple blue rubber strap that features a detailed canvas pattern. One of the handy features of the design is that it requires no tools to swap over to an alternative band. A DLC-coated buckle completes the design, along with security push-pieces for easily dressing the watch on and off the wrist.

If you’d like more information on the new Acier Titane version of the Riviera watch collection by Baume et Mercier, call and speak to a member of our Jura Watches sales team today on 01335 453453 or email us at help@jurawatches.co.uk