Continuing on from the Riviera’s 50th-anniversary celebrations, Baume Mercier is introducing another Riviera timepiece: the Riviera Azur 300M. Baume Mercier’s signature collection continues to shine year after year, as the brand updates the design, use of materials, and movements. Offered in two variations, the new Riviera Azur 300m retains the fashionable sport-chich design that was created in the early 1970s, while now being equipped with a Baumatic manufacture movement.
The new Riviera Azur 300m comes in a 42mm stainless steel case, and as the name suggests has a water resistance of 300m. The two variations being presented are the blue dial with a blue strap (ref. MOA10716) or the black dial with a stainless steel bracelet (ref. MOA10717). The diving times on both models can be calculated from the unidirectional rotating bezel in polished and sun-satin stainless steel. Baume Mercier has given the bezel of this Riviera Azur 300m a unique design. It comes with a blue or black (depending on the model) lacquered treatment which marks the gradation of the first fifteen minutes. The bezel also comes equipped with a blue or black anodized aluminum ring to guarantee easy and precise handling. The outer edges of the bezel have ridges, which will help with grip when trying to operate it wearing gloves during deep ocean dives.
Baume Mercier’s dial design for both variants is either a smoked blue or gray sapphire, with a transparent wave decoration. The reason the brand opted for this design choice was that it was inspired by the Mediterranean seafloor and images of a refreshing dip in the sea at the heart of the summer. The use of the smoked sapphire dials allows the wearer to have a glimpse of the movement underneath. This however is not a new feature for this model. In fact, it has been a characteristic feature on all Riviera models that are equipped with the Baumatic calibers that are manufactured by Baume Mercier in-house.
The timepiece comes with newly shaped hands, to showcase their love for design. The hands have been partially skeletonised so that it doesn’t intrude on the view of the smoked dial underneath. The other part of the hands is coated with a generous amount of Super-LumiNova for which the blue dial option gets a beige colour, while the black dial gets gray. The hour indices are a mixture of baton-style and large Roman numerals for the 6 and 12 o’clock positions. What I also personally like about this dial is the fact that the minute track can be partially seen underneath, with the window highlighted between 4 and 5 o’clock.
Both versions of this new Riviera Azur 300m come with the manufactured Baumatic movement, which offers tried-and-tested performance. The movement has a daily precision of -4s/ +6s and a magnetic resistance of 1500 Gauss. This allows protection against everyday magnetic fields. The power reserve is also at an impressive 120 hours (5 days). Another impressive feat by Baume Mercier is the comprehensive eight-year warranty offered, showcasing the movement’s extreme reliability.
The timepieces come as standard in either a rubber strap or stainless steel bracelet. The looks and purposes of these timepieces can be quickly changed, however, thanks to the strong and reliable “Fast Strap” interchangeable system, which allows the wearer to quickly change straps without needing any tools. Whether the watch is used for swimming, jet-skiing, sailing, diving, snorkeling, or surfing, the new Baume Mercier Riviera Azur 300m is ready for any adventure thrown its way.
References: MOA10716, MOA10717
Specification:
- Case: 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless Steel
- Dial: Smoked blue or gray sapphire dial with transparent wave decoration
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating
- Water resistance: 300m
- Movement: Automatic Manufactured Baumatic
- Power reserve: 120 hours (5 days)
- Bracelet/Strap: Rubber Strap or stainless steel
