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Baume & Mercier Just Gave the Riviera Chronograph a Flyback Glow-Up

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Not every watch collection needs a complete redesign. Sometimes, the smartest updates come from knowing exactly what to change—and what to leave alone. That’s the approach Baume & Mercier has taken with its latest Riviera Chronograph collection, refining one of its most recognizable sports watches without losing the character that has defined it for more than fifty years.

Unveiled at Watches and Wonders 2025, the collection introduces four new Riviera Chronographs, each offering its own interpretation of the Riviera’s unmistakable design. Three references build on the everyday chronograph, while the fourth—the Riviera Flyback Chronograph—leans into the collection’s heritage with vintage-inspired details, a flyback complication and a limited production run celebrating the year the Riviera first arrived in 1973.

Whether you’re drawn to the clean, contemporary look of the standard chronographs or the retro personality of the Flyback, Baume & Mercier has expanded the Riviera collection without losing sight of what made it successful in the first place. Let’s take a closer look at the four new Riviera Chronographs.

Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Riviera Ref. M0A10827, M0A10826, and M0A10825
Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Riviera | Image:Baume & Mercier

Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Riviera

Baume & Mercier could have taken the easy route and simply introduced a handful of new dial colours. Instead, the maison used this latest Riviera update to refine one of its most recognizable collections. The result is three chronographs that share the same DNA, but each brings its own personality to the wrist. More importantly, they all move from the previous 43mm case to a more wearable 41mm design, giving the Riviera a cleaner, more balanced profile without losing its unmistakable twelve-sided silhouette.

Although the foundations are the same, each model has its own style. The M0A10826 stands out with its bright sun-satin blue dial, inspired by the colours of the French Riviera, while the M0A10825 has a darker, simpler look with a black dial and sharp white details. The last one, the M0A10827, features a black-and-white “panda” design inspired by old racing chronographs, giving the collection a sportier feel. All three have the signature wave-patterned dial, shaped hands, Roman numerals, and a built-in stainless steel bracelet, making it clear they are Riviera watches.

Mechanically, Baume & Mercier has resisted the temptation to change what already works. Each chronograph is powered by the dependable Valjoux 7750 automatic movement, delivering a 48-hour power reserve, 100 metres of water resistance, anti-reflective sapphire crystals on both sides, and an engraved sapphire exhibition caseback. The integrated bracelet also features the brand’s practical tool-free interchangeability system, making it easy to switch straps without reaching for any tools.

What makes these watches appealing isn’t a single headline feature—it’s the balance they’ve struck. The smaller case feels more contemporary, the dial choices each offer a distinct personality, and the proven movement continues to deliver the reliability owners expect. Rather than chasing trends, Baume & Mercier has refined the Riviera in all the right places, and the result is a trio of chronographs that feel every bit as relevant today as the collection did when it first appeared in 1973.

Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Ref. M0A10826
Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Ref.M0A10826 | Image: Baume & Mercier
  • Brand: Baume & Mercier
  • Model: Riviera Day Date Chronograph
  • Reference: M0A10826
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 13.94 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Sun-Satin Blue With Horizontal Wave Pattern
  • Calibre: Valjoux 7750 (Automatic Chronograph)
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $4,100
Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Ref: M0A10825
Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Ref: M0A10825 | Image: Baume & Mercier

Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Riviera ‘Black’

  • Brand: Baume & Mercier
  • Model: Riviera Day Date Chronograph
  • Reference: M0A10825
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 13.94 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Sun-Satin Black with Horizontal Wave Pattern
  • Calibre: Valjoux 7750 (Automatic Chronograph)
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $4,100
Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Ref: M0A10827
Baume & Mercier Riviera Chronograph Ref: M0A10827 | Image: Baume & Mercier
  • Brand: Baume & Mercier
  • Model: Riviera Day Date Chronograph
  • Reference: M0A10827
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 13.94 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Sun-Satin Silver with Horizontal Wave Pattern
  • Calibre: Valjoux 7750 (Automatic Chronograph)
  • Power Reserve: 48 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $4,100
Baume & Mercier Riviera Flyback Ref. M0A10828
Baume & Mercier Riviera Flyback | Image: Baume & Mercier

Baume & Mercier Riviera Flyback Limited Edition

  • Brand: Baume & Mercier
  • Model: Riviera Flyback Chronograph
  • Reference: M0A10828
  • Diameter: 41 mm
  • Thickness: 14.34 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Colour: Yellow, Sun-Satin with Vertical Brushing
  • Calibre: La Joux‑Perret 8147‑2 (Automatic Flyback Chronograph)
  • Power Reserve: 42 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 10 Bar (100 metres, 330 feet)
  • Price: USD $8,100 (Limited Edition – 73 Pieces)

The first three Riviera Chronographs are designed for everyday wear, but Riviera Flyback tells a very different story. Limited to just 73 pieces worldwide, this special edition celebrates the year the Riviera collection first arrived in 1973 and pays tribute to Baume & Mercier’s long history of producing chronographs. It’s the kind of watch that feels like it was created for collectors from the very beginning.

At first glance, the Flyback immediately separates itself from the rest of the lineup. The vertically brushed gilded dial brings a distinctly vintage character, complemented by blue chronograph hands, beige Super-LumiNova, and a combination of tachymeter and telemeter scales that give the watch the look of a classic racing instrument. Housed inside the familiar 41mm stainless steel Riviera case, it strikes a balance between old-school styling and modern sports-watch proportions without feeling like a simple reissue.

Unlike a conventional chronograph, which requires three separate actions to stop, reset, and restart timing, the flyback mechanism allows all three to occur with a single press of the 4 o’clock pusher. Originally developed for pilots in the 1930s, it’s a complication that remains both technically impressive and genuinely useful today. Inside is the La Joux-Perret Calibre 8147-2, beating at 4 Hz and delivering a 42-hour power reserve, while the sapphire caseback offers a clear view of the beautifully finished movement.

There’s also something satisfying about the way Baume & Mercier has approached this watch. Rather than covering it in faux-aged details or leaning too heavily on nostalgia, the brand has let the dial, movement and flyback complication do the talking. The limited production of 73 pieces makes it genuinely exclusive, but it never feels like exclusivity is the only selling point. Instead, it comes across as a thoughtful celebration of the Riviera’s origins and a reminder that Baume & Mercier still knows how to build a chronograph with plenty of character.

Watches & WondersBaume & Mercier
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The $35,000 Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000c Turntable An Ultra-Limited Item

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If you’ve ever been curious about the intersection of luxury fashion and vintage audio craftsmanship, check out the USD $35,000 Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000c Series Turntable. This exclusive piece showcases a stunning reimagination of the iconic 1970s Beogram turntable, brought to life by fashion visionary Anthony Vaccarello in collaboration with the esteemed Bang & Olufsen Brand.

This collaboration marks the fifth occasion that Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen have collaborated, with only ten of these exclusive turntables produced. The process begins with the meticulous disassembly of the original Bang & Olufsen Beoplay 4000 units, followed by a thorough manual inspection and cleaning. Once the components have been assessed, the turntable is reassembled using upgraded parts and carefully fine-tuned to reach perfection. This special edition stands out due to the incorporation of unique Saint Laurent design features, infusing a hint of haute couture into this timeless piece.

To easily fit into modern home environments, the Beogram’s core includes an upgraded preamplifier and an advanced pickup cartridge, ensuring compatibility with today’s audio systems. The result? A perfect fusion of classic charm and innovative technology—a truly unique collector’s piece that exceptionally melds style and sound.

Highlights:

  • Only 10 units are available globally, each priced at USD $35,000.
  • The fifth collaboration of luxury between Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen.
  • 1970s Beogram 4000c turntable revitalized with contemporary upgrades.
  • Designed with a ziricote wood exterior and unique Saint Laurent details.
  • Completely compatible with modern home audio systems for effortless integration.
Saint Laurent Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000c Series Turntable | Image: Saint Laurent

Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Series Turntable Specifications

  • Pickup Cartridge & Stylus
    • Pickup Cartridge: SMMC 20 CL (Moving Micro Cross principle)
    • Stylus: Nude Contact Line Diamond
    • Recommended tracking force: 1.3 g
  • Tonearm: Tangential Tracking
  • Frequency range: 50, 60 Hz
  • playback Speed: 33 & 45 rPM
  • Motor: Controlled synchronous
  • Rumble:
    • Rumble DIN unweighted: > 42 dB
    • Rumble DIN weighted: >65 dB
    • Speed deviation: < 0.02 % Speed control range: > 6 %
    • Dial for speed: 2 pointers
    • Drive system: Belt
  • Stylus pressure range:
    • Stylus pressure range: 0 – 1.5 gram
    • Channel Separation 1000 Hz: > 25 dB
    • Channel Separation 400 – 10.000 Hz: > 20 dB
    • Channel difference: < 1.6 dB
    • Intermodulation: < 1%
  • Wow & flutter:
    • DIN: <± 0.05 %
    • WRMS: <± 0.025 %
  • Controls:
    • Automatic pickup movement
    • Automatic record-size
    • Automatic speed selection
    • Electronic lift system
    • Dial for speed: 2 pointers
    • Drive system: Belt
Saint Laurent Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000c Series Turntable | Image: Saint Laurent

Here’s what you get in the box when purchasing your Saint Laurent Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Series Turntable:

  • Beogram 4000C
  • Pickup & record brushes in special pouch
  • Fabric power cable
  • 5-pin DIN signal cable
  • Phono/Line signal adaptor cables
  • User Manual

Audiophiles cherish the Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000C Series turntables for their exceptional sound quality and timeless design. However, with Saint Laurent’s unique influence, they transform from a premium audio system into a valid symbol of luxury. The Saint Laurent x Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000c is a limited-edition turntable that combines exquisite craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology. Each unit is housed in a solid Ziricote wood case, uniquely numbered for exclusivity, accented by aluminum highlights and a Saint Laurent-etched logo, completing the high-end design that sets it apart from other products on the market.

Investing $35,000 is a significant decision, and it’s essential to ensure compatibility with your home sound system. Thankfully, the new pre-amp in the Beogram 4000C ensures full integration with modern audio setups. Whether you’re a vinyl lover or seeking an exceptional addition to your collection, this turntable is designed to provide outstanding performance while seamlessly blending into your contemporary home.

This turntable is one of only 10 units available worldwide, making it an exclusive addition for collectors. With its distinctive Saint Laurent Rive Droite detailing and limited availability, it’s a highly sought-after item for those who appreciate style and quality. If you’re interested in owning one of these rare finds, they can be purchased exclusively at SAINT LAURENT RIVE DROITE stores in Paris and Los Angeles or online at YSL.COM.

Saint Laurent Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000c Series Turntable | Image: Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent Bang & Olufsen Beogram 4000c Series Turntable | Image: Saint Laurent
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