2025 Baume & Mercier Riviera Retrograde Seconds 40mm

Here we have a 2025 Baume & Mercier Riviera Retrograde Seconds 40mm. First introduced in 1973, the Riviera line revolutionised luxury steel sports watches. Designed by watchmaker Jean-Claude Gueit, it was a bold, geometric answer to the era's traditional, fragile dress watches. The distinctive 12-sided dodecagonal case is meticulously crafted from polished 316L stainless steel and measures a well-proportioned 40mm in diameter. Its sweeping lines lead to a lug-to-lug length of 49mm and a remarkably slim case thickness of 11mm, giving the watch an elegant, low-profile wrist presence. On the right side, a hexagonal signed crown operates smoothly and mirrors the case's geometric architecture. A brushed 12-sided dodecagonal bezel holds a flat, scratch-resistant sapphire crystal that sits above a stunning sun-satin-finished silver dial, which expertly plays with light. The dial architecture is highly sophisticated, featuring applied indices, a generous twin-aperture "Big Date" window at 12 o'clock, and a striking, arched retrograde seconds register sweeping across the lower half, elegantly flicking back to zero every 30 seconds. Sophisticated Baume & Mercier hands sit majestically in the centre. On the reverse, a screw-down solid case back is engraved with the watch details. Beating within is the automatic La Joux-Perret Calibre 3533 movement, running at a smooth frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz). Highly regarded for its premium architecture and module integration, this 29-jewel movement features an efficient uni-directional winding system. The watch comes paired with an integrated 22.5mm Baume & Mercier brushed-and-polished stainless steel bracelet, designed to flow seamlessly from the dodecagonal case for a unified aesthetic. It is secured to the wrist with a push-button release triple-folding deployant clasp, and all links are included. This watch is sold with its original Baume & Mercier presentation box and paperwork.

This watch is sold with its original Baume & Mercier presentation box and paperwork. The watch comes paired with an integrated stainless steel bracelet, which flows seamlessly from the dodecagonal case for a unified aesthetic. It is secured to the wrist with a push-button release clasp, and all links are included. The watch is from September 2025 and is sold in worn condition; however, as you can see from the photographs, it is in very fair condition overall. The watch comes with our 12-Months Warranty.

The Riviera has always been one of those watches that deserve far more attention than it receives. The design is superb, with the iconic twelve-sided bezel and integrated bracelet giving it a distinctive identity that has stood the test of time since the 1970s. On the wrist, it feels every bit as good as it looks, beautifully balanced and incredibly comfortable. This particular reference adds another layer of interest with the retrograde seconds display. It's a complication you don't often see at this price point, and it brings just the right amount of mechanical theatre without compromising the clean, elegant design. Perhaps the biggest surprise, though, is the value. These carried a very substantial retail price when new, which makes buying one pre-owned an incredibly smart proposition. I would not hesitate to add this watch to your collection today!

Reference : M0A8828
Movement : Automatic LJP Cal. 3533
Age : September 2025
Year : 2025
Case Size : 40mm
Case Thickness : 11mm
Lug to Lug : 49mm
Lugs : 22.5mm (Integrated)
Condition : Pre-Owned
Box and Papers : Box & Papers
Case Material : Stainless Steel
Warranty : 12-Months Warranty
The wrist model's wrist size is 7inch

Baume & Mercier was founded in 1830 by brothers Louis-Victor and Célestin Baume; they opened a watch dealership in Les Bois, a village in the Swiss Jura. Opening an office in London, they expanded quickly, winning several awards and gaining a reputation for excellence. Paul Mercier joined forces with William Baume and founded Baume & Mercier, Genève, in 1918. In 1988, the company joined the Vendôme Group, now known as the Richemont Group.