Baume & Mercier Hampton Small Seconds (10028)

Baume & Mercier is enriching its Riviera MAGNUM sports watch collection with two substantial new models: a limited-edition "all black" chronograph with flyback function and transparent dial; and an athletic three-pointer and date display model, both in a new XXL size measuring 45 mm in diameter (compared with 43 mm for previous versions).
In addition to their more generous size, these two new launches enrich the Riviera MAGNUM line with several advanced design features: a case redesigned with one side shaped like a car radiator grille; new hollowed hands; a larger crown; and a new rubber strap with pure lines, secured by an adjustable triple folding clasp.
Nonetheless, the new Riviera MAGNUM XXL watches retain the sporting, sophisticated attributes of the legendary Riviera line: the twelve-sided bezel characterizing the Riviera line since 1973, solidly secured to the case by four black PVD-coated screws; guaranteed water resistance to 200 meters thanks to the case construction with its screw-down back and crown; as well as scratch-resistant glareproofed sapphire crystals to ensure optimal sturdiness and readability. Not to mention the infinite care lavished on details, the high quality standards and the respect for the rules of fine craftsmanship upon which Baume & Mercier has built international reputation since 1830.
Modern-day adventurers combining sophisticated technology, contemporary aesthetic and impeccable functionality, the new Riviera MAGNUM XXL watches are more than ever cut out for action and performance.
 
Riviera Magnum XXL Flyback Chronograph

Issued in a limited edition, this new 45 mm-diameter Riviera chronograph asserts itself at first glance by its twelve-sided design accentuated by the intensity of its matt black look. The gaze is nonetheless immediately drawn to it transparent black-tinted sapphire dial, which reveals fascinating glimpses of the Côtes de Geneve motif adorning the mechanical movements and its gear wheels. This diaphanous dial with its luminescent Roman numerals exudes a sense of technical sophistication while remaining eminently legible.
At the heart of this rugged sand-blasted PVD-coated steel case beats a mechanical self-winding movement powering a Flyback chronograph function. The latter serves to stop and restart a measurement by a single press on a push-piece, thus ensuring high-performance timekeeping.
A sapphire crystal case back reveals the smooth running of the movement and the rotations of the oscillating weight. This model is issued in a limited edition of 1000 engraved and numbered watches.
 
Riviera MAGNUM XXL Automatic

 
As the first non-chronograph model in the Riviera MAGNUM sports collection, this athletic three-hand watch measuring 45 mm in diameter is distinguished by its noble air of understated distinction. Its solid steel case with an ergonomic design topped by the signature twelve-sided Riviera bezel frames a pure black dial with luminescent Roman numerals displaying central hour, minute and seconds hands, as well as the date appearing through a large vertical aperture at 3 o'clock. The entirely satin-finished case and bezel underscore its ruggedly virile sporting appeal. The screw-down crown is protected by two streamlined guards smoothly extending from the case. Like the bezel, the screw-down case back is secured by four powerful black PVD-coated screws, and frames a sapphire crystal opening revealing the mechanical self-winding movement and its oscillating weight adorned with Côtes de Geneve.
 
Finding out more
Flashback: Birth of a Legend
After the technical innovation of the Tronosonic in 1971, Baume & Mercier launched an aesthetic bombshell in 1973. The brand caused a double sensation with the Riviera, a model with an immediately identifiable design that would become its star model for the next 25 years. First of all, the twelve-sided shape of the bezel and case of the Riviera were entirely unprecedented. Nonetheless, this daring design stemmed from a stunningly simple idea: since the dial of a watch comprises 12 numerals, the Riviera would also have twelve sides. Moreover, this watch with its avant-garde design targeted a new type of clientele by offering an innovative new concept of sporting elegance. In an era when elegant watches were necessarily in gold, Baume & Mercier dared to introduce steel in a robust yet chic style, for a watch equally suited to urban life as to weekend activities, and bearing a world-famous name evoking the elegance and the relaxed mood of the Côte d'Azur in France. It was to enjoy tremendous commercial success during a period when the "leisure society" was beginning to take shape. Nonetheless, it almost never saw the light of day because it was deemed overly fanciful in relation to Baume & Mercier's relatively classic image at the time. With this new model, Baume & Mercier successfully imposed a new style, that of casual elegance.

Rightly considered a sports watch, it lived up to its promise during a real-life trial of its sturdiness: fixed to the wheel of a BMW M1 car during the Le Mans 24 Hours race, it withstood and emerged unscathed from the effects of speed, accelerations, centrifugal force in the bends, capricious weather and the heat from the brakes. After 24 hours on the track, it told the time as smoothly as if it had just spent an evening at a dinner party.
Initially equipped with a mechanical movement, the Riviera soon adopted tuning-fork and subsequently quartz movements in the mid-1970s. It was to experience two major renewals in 1979 and in 1985.
The second generation of Riviera watches, launched six years after the first Riviera in 1979, featured a slenderer case measuring just 6.5 mm thick, thanks to the development of thinner quartz movements. Its more flexible bracelet with two external links and a central link was equipped with a new clasp. And finally, the name Riviera was now displayed on its dial. From 1981 onwards, it became a diver's watch and indicated world time with a GMT function.
In 1985, Baume & Mercier launched a third generation of Riviera watches. The bezel became smoother and less angular. With its polished and brushed surfaces, the case and herringbone bracelet were also more rounded. Technically speaking, it took a new step towards enhanced sophistication and reliability with a miniaturized screw-down crown guaranteeing improved water resistance. It was equipped with new ultra-thin quartz movements and a more readable date indication. As before, it was available in four dimensions and in gold, steel & gold and all-steel versions. In 1987, it was issued with a complete calendar indicating the date, day, month and moon phases. For its 20th anniversary in 1993, it appeared in a chronograph version, but it was not until 2004 that the fourth generation emerged. The following year, the Baume & Mercier icon swapped its dressy exterior for a sports suit featuring a 4-screw design. Finally, in 2007, the Baume & Mercier Design Studio imagined an even more sophisticated look with the Riviera Magnum, a collection resolutely geared for action.