Russell Sheldrake
Watch brands draw inspiration from everywhere. Ideas for watches can come from anywhere: the world of cars, food, or even cartoon characters. For the latest addition to the Ribera family, Baume & Mercier turned to the natural surroundings from which the model takes its name. Taking note of the various colors that make up the rich French Rivera, the brand has chosen them as the colors for these three dials. Spanning four different models in different sizes from 36mm to 42mm, with solid and sapphire dials, there’s plenty of variation. These nature-inspired tones also happen to be incredibly on-trend colors: blue, salmon, and green.
Baume & Mercier Rivera M0A10770 Green Sapphire
The only sapphire dial in this new batch release. This means we get a better look at the Baume & Mercier Baumatic movement inside, which is another exclusive to this batch of models. This date and time version of Baumatic (BM13-1975 A) comes with a standard yet impressive 5-day power reserve, high magnetic resistance, and a worry-free 8-year warranty. This package comes in a 39mm fully stainless steel version of the Rivera, and the universality of its dimensions (it’s just 10.2mm thick) and the practicality of its spec sheet make it a pretty attractive option. Both this model and the green dial of M0A10763 take on the hues of the lush forest that surrounds Ribera.
Brand Baume & Merci Model Ribera Reference M0A10770 Case dimensions 39mm (D) x 10.2mm (T) Case material Polished and brushed stainless steel Water resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire Dial Smoked green Sapphire strap Integrated stainless steel Movement Baumatic BM13-1975 A Power Reserve 5 Days Features Hours, Minutes, Date Availability Currently Available Price $3,900
Baume & Mercier Rivera M0A10764 Terracotta
Now let’s take a look at the only other model in this lineup with a fully integrated stainless steel bracelet. This dial color is called Terracotta by the brand, as it takes inspiration from the distinctive terracotta tiles used throughout French Ribera, giving every home its distinctive orange roof. However, you can also call this particular shade salmon. The smallest one is just 36mm, which is my preferred size for an all-in-one sports watch, considering I tend to wear it a little on the big side. It runs from the trusty SW200, which has the same features as the aforementioned Baumatic, but without the impressive stats. It has a more modest 38-hour power reserve and is less intricately decorated, making it a very functional movement choice for this watch.
Brand Baume & Merci Model Ribera Reference M0A10764 Case dimensions 36mm (D) x 9.5mm (T) Case material Polished and brushed stainless steel Water resistance 50 meters Crystal Sapphire dial Lacquered salmon, with wave pattern Strap Integrated stainless steel Movement SW200 Power reserve 38 hours Features Hours, minutes, date Availability Currently available Price $2,900
Baume & Mercier Rivera M0A10763 Forest Green
Then head back into the forest for the final Green Dial. This time it will appear in the same format as the terracotta above. Solid lacquer dial with textured tone-on-tone waves. I call it a wave pattern, but given the color effect, I tend to see it as a leaf. This is the first of two models in the Rivera 42mm size with a sporty integrated rubber strap and is coated with black ADLC, the same coating that Cartier uses for its black on black. Its athletic beauty is further enhanced by the 12-sided bezel. Santos model. Inside, the terracotta SW200 caliber is retained, but with an upgraded 100 meter water resistance.
Brand Baume & Merci Model Ribera Reference M0A10764 Case dimensions 42mm (D) x 10.2mm (T) Case material Polished and brushed stainless steel and ADLC coated bezel Water resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire dial Lacquered green, wave pattern strap Rubber Movement SW200 Power Reserve 38 Hours Functions Hours, Minutes, Date Availability Currently Available Price $3,200
Baume & Mercier Rivera M0A10768 Sea Blue
Finally, we arrive at perhaps Rivera’s most well-known inspiration: water. This dark blue lacquered dial features the same wave motif as the previous two models, but the pattern is a little more subtle than the others given the much darker hue. This is probably the most discreet choice of all four, with the darkness of the dial amplified by the same black ADLC-coated bezel and black rubber strap we’ve seen before. What I especially like about this piece is that it goes with almost anything as long as your wrist can fit the 42mm case size. The tone is calm, nothing particularly conflicting. It also has a rugged SW200 movement and 100 meters of water resistance, so you can take it anywhere.
Brand Baume & Merci Model Ribera Reference M0A10764 Case dimensions 42mm (D) x 10.2mm (T) Case material Polished and brushed stainless steel and ADLC coated bezel Water resistance 100 meters Crystal Sapphire dial Lacquered blue with wave pattern Strap Rubber Movement SW200 Power Reserve 38 Hours Functions Hours, Minutes, Date Availability Currently Available Price $3,200
