Is your Riviera
the real deal?
The Baume & Mercier Riviera is a distinctive luxury sports watch with a 12-sided dodecagonal bezel, revived from the 1973 original. Its unique design and growing popularity make it an attractive target for counterfeiters.
How to authenticate a Riviera
Dodecagonal (12-Sided) Bezel
The Riviera's most distinctive feature is its 12-sided bezel with alternating polished facets. Each of the 12 sides must be perfectly equal in length. The facets should catch light with sharp reflections. Counterfeits often have uneven sides or poorly polished facets.
Integrated Rubber/Steel Bracelet
The Riviera features an integrated bracelet that blends steel links with rubber elements for comfort. The transition between materials should be seamless. The bracelet should articulate smoothly. Counterfeits have rough transitions and stiff bracelet articulation.
Textured Dial
Many Riviera models feature textured dials with geometric patterns or sunburst finishes. The texture should be consistent and precise across the entire dial. The Phi symbol at 12 should be integrated cleanly. Counterfeits have shallow or inconsistent dial textures.
Case Construction
The Riviera case integrates the bezel seamlessly with mid-case. The finishing should be impeccable with both polished and brushed surfaces. The 42mm case should have precise proportions. Counterfeits have visible gaps between bezel and case.
Date Window
The date window (on date models) should have a clean frame and properly aligned date disc. The date font should be consistent with B&M specifications. Counterfeits have misframed or misaligned dates.
Signed Clasp
The deployment clasp features the Baume & Mercier name and operates with a satisfying click. It should hold securely. Counterfeits have unmarked or poorly branded clasps that don't secure properly.
Riviera counterfeit warning signs
Uneven Dodecagonal Bezel
All 12 sides of the bezel must be identical. If any facets appear different in length, angle, or polish quality, the bezel is fake.
Loose Bezel-Case Fit
The bezel should be fully integrated with the case with no gaps or movement. If the bezel feels loose or you can see a gap between bezel and case, the watch is counterfeit.
Poor Rubber Integration
On models with rubber bracelet elements, the rubber should bond seamlessly with the steel links. If the rubber appears glued on, has gaps, or shows separation, the bracelet is counterfeit.
Shallow Dial Texture
The Riviera's textured dial should have defined depth and sharp geometric patterns. If the texture appears flat or barely visible, the dial is counterfeit.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the history of the Riviera?
The Riviera was originally launched in 1973 as one of the first luxury steel sports watches, alongside the Royal Oak (1972) and Nautilus (1976). Its distinctive 12-sided bezel and integrated bracelet were ahead of their time. Baume & Mercier revived the collection in 2021 with modern updates while maintaining the iconic bezel shape.
How much does a Riviera cost?
The Baume & Mercier Riviera ranges from approximately $2,500 for the quartz version to $4,500 for automatics and up to $6,000+ for chronograph models. This makes it one of the most accessible luxury sports watches with an integrated bracelet, significantly less expensive than comparable designs from other brands.
What sizes does the Riviera come in?
The Riviera is available in 36mm, 39mm, and 42mm sizes. The 42mm is the standard men's size, the 36mm is positioned as a unisex or women's option, and the 39mm offers a mid-size alternative. All sizes maintain the distinctive 12-sided bezel design.