Fingers-On: Baume & Mercier Riviera Skeleton Watch

Images by Ariel Adams

Given the recognition and ubiquity of built-in bracelet sports activities watches right this moment, it may be difficult to inform which of them have been round because the Seventies and which have solely not too long ago jumped into the ocean of selections to trip the wave. The Baume & Mercier Riviera is without doubt one of the OGs, debuting in 1973 and named after the French Riviera, the capital of informal stylish leisure life. The present Riviera catalog (in its fifth technology) is strong, starting from petite quartz fashions and well-proportioned automated each day drivers to sporty chronographs and complex perpetual calendars. Whatever the mannequin, all fashionable Riviera watches retain the signature 12-sided bezel with 4 screws and built-in bracelets and straps. Baume & Mercier has now expanded the road with a skeleton, or squelette in French. We went hands-on with the brand new Baume & Mercier Riviera Skeleton watch to see if it’s a worthy addition to the already-expansive assortment.

With a stainless-steel case that measures 42mm throughout and a little bit over 51mm lug-to-lug, the Riviera Skeleton sits within the higher vary of the gathering’s measurement selections. Whereas little doubt massive, the case sits comfortably on the wrist thanks partly to its comparatively slim profile of 11.1mm. As illustrated by the pictures, the watch takes up appreciable area on Ariel’s arm nevertheless it’s not a watch that might be described as cumbersome; it wears comparatively flat throughout the wrist. That stated, bigger wrists could be higher suited than smaller ones to help the broad proportions. The case is predominately satin-finished, with sprucing across the edges of the bezel that serves to spotlight the 12-sided silhouette of the watch. The 4 screws that maintain the bezel in place are sandblasted ADLC-coated and we proceed to see darker particulars like these all through the piece. As an example, the octagonal crown, embellished with the corporate’s Phi emblem, is embossed and outlined in black. There’s additionally a black anodized aluminum bezel ring.

These black particulars on the outside of the case coordinate properly with the open-worked faceted black dial. In keeping with Baume & Mercier, the traces of the skeletonized dial have been impressed by the structure that dots the rocky coast of the French Riviera. Whether or not or not that is true, what I see are considerate cutouts that aren’t solely visually hanging but in addition function legible hour markers to facilitate time-telling — one thing that may typically be a problem with skeleton watches. The open-worked black floor advantages from vertical brushing and there are minute/seconds markers on the periphery. On the heart of the dial is the pair of skeletonized palms with luminous ideas. The Baume & Mercier emblem floats above the dial because it’s printed on the underside of the sapphire crystal and the Riviera inscription is positioned at 3 o’clock,  which doesn’t appear compelled however slightly, balances effectively with the cut-out sliver at 9 o’clock. The seen stability wheel takes prime place at 6 o’clock, including a contact of motion to the face of the watch.

The semi-skeleton motion that’s partially seen by the open-worked dial is the Sellita AMT2500, which the model states was “solely designed for Baume & Mercier.” As chances are you’ll already know, Sellita actions with the AMT designation are made by Manufacture AMT SA, a particular department of the motion producer chargeable for creating bespoke calibers for watch manufacturers. Sellita AMT2500 operates at 28,800 beats per hour and provides the Riviera Skeleton watch with 38 hours of energy reserve. When wanting on the motion through the sapphire crystal window on the caseback, except for the black open-worked oscillating weight, there’s not a lot to take a look at by way of ornament or adornment; it’s easy and simple. As I see it,  this skeletonized Riviera watch is the other of a mullet — it’s get together within the entrance and enterprise within the again. Residing as much as its sea-inspired identify, the Riviera is waterproof to 100 meters.

Baume & Mercier opted to suit the Riviera Squlette with a black canvas-pattern rubber strap, which fits the watch effectively and because the design codes of the mannequin dictate, it’s seamlessly built-in into the case. The strap is provided with a stainless-steel triple folding buckle, launched by push-pieces on the aspect and embellished with the Phi emblem. The clasp will also be adjusted to suit the strap looser or tighter for an excellent higher match. Because of the user-friendly interchangeable system, the black strap might be switched out for a extra colourful one, and Baume & Mercier sells loads of them.

The Riviera Skeleton matches and seems like a premium watch; positive, the motion could also be a little bit missing by way of energy reserve and ornament however contemplating the comparatively accessible $4,500 USD worth level, I feel the watch affords a formidable package deal. There’s the (genuine) Seventies-era case and bezel design, the respectable 100m water resistance, the cool skeletonized dial, and the sensible strap-switching characteristic. Swiss-made skeleton watches are usually pricier affairs, particularly sportier variants, so Baume & Mercier’s providing is a strong possibility within the sub-$5,000 class. For extra details about the Baume & Mercier Riviera Skeleton ref. 10721, please go to the model’s web site.