Baume & Mercier 2026 Turns the Spotlight to Riviera 73 and Joia

Baume & Mercier’s 2026 novelties pair Riviera 73 with Joia, shaping a more defined vision between sport and jewellery watchmaking.
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Baume & Mercier 2026 marks a continuation of the maison’s commitment to refined watchmaking, introducing a series of novelties that balance elegance with contemporary relevance. At its core lies a legacy shaped over more than a century, one defined by the breadth of its offerings following its shift from pocket watches to wristwatches in 1918.

 

While embracing this transition, the brand also prides itself on being a pioneer of watch cases in a variety of shapes, inspired by the rise of the Art Deco movement in the 1920s. As a result, Baume & Mercier is recognised for its elegant-looking offerings. A sportier chapter emerged in 1973 with the launch of the iconic Riviera, which remains one of the brand’s key collections today.

Alongside other core lines such as the Hampton, Classima, and Clifton, the maison continues to push boundaries while responding to the cultural zeitgeist. Beyond the watches themselves, this approach is further articulated through the brand’s latest campaign, which places meaningful moments at the centre of its narrative. This is most evident in Baume & Mercier 2026, where three novelties highlight the brand’s direction today.

1. Joia de Baume & Mercier

Every once in a while, Baume & Mercier introduces a new collection, adding flair to its already diverse catalogue. You may remember the BAUME Ocean from 2020, or the Linea collection, which was briefly revamped in 2012. This year, the brand introduces an entirely new lineup in its women’s category called Joia de Baume & Mercier.

 

This watch serves as a reminder of Baume & Mercier’s longstanding commitment to jewellery-led pieces in its early years, as well as its continued dedication to producing women’s watches today. Taking cues from modern women with dynamic lifestyles, the Joia is naturally designed with versatility in mind while keeping its elegant aesthetic intact.

The Joia comes in three versions that share the same proportions: a 28 mm case designed to hug the wrist seamlessly thanks to the absence of lugs, a polished bezel in either stainless steel or 4N rose gold (PVD), and a silver sunray dial. Two of the models feature Roman-style indices and hands coated in 4N gold, while the third is distinguished by a full rose gold-toned execution, with matching PVD-treated indices and hands.

 

Contrasting the luminous look on the face of the watch are the straps, completing the look. The stainless steel versions come with a deep blue calfskin strap or a three-piece stainless steel bracelet, while the rose gold version comes with a black calfskin strap. All the bracelets are equipped with an easy, interchangeable system without needing any tools. All these watches are powered by a Ronda 751 quartz movement with five years of autonomy and a 50 m water resistance feature.

2. Joia de Baume & Mercier Limited Edition

Another highlight (or dare I say, the pièce de résistance) of the Baume & Mercier 2026 novelties is the limited edition of the Joia. Though still bearing the same design codes, this interpretation stands out with 40 brilliant-cut diamonds (each measuring 0.81 carats) framing a polished stainless steel case with a 28 mm diameter.

 

The most notable difference lies in the dial. While executed in the same silvery shade, it features a satin-like interlaced motif with a satin finish. This contrasts beautifully with the black Roman-style indices and the hour and minute hands coated in a ruthenium alloy. To complete the look, this watch is fitted with a stainless steel bracelet with an embossed “mailles écrasées” decoration. The bracelet also comes with an interchangeable system that enables the wearer to switch it with other straps in the collection.

3. Riviera 73

For the latest generation of its iconic lineup, Baume & Mercier brings the Riviera back to its roots with a quartz movement. Little known to many, the original version launched in 1973 was introduced in response to the quartz crisis that was beginning to unsettle the Swiss watchmaking industry. As an homage to that moment, this reinterpretation is aptly named the Riviera 73.

 

Beyond its F06.115 quartz movement, the reinterpretation is defined by a refined approach to design. The lineup is unveiled in three models featuring the iconic dodecagonal stainless steel case—now free of visible screws to emphasise a more streamlined aesthetic—measuring 39 mm and paired with a wavy dial that evokes the French Riviera, particularly the coastal town of Saint-Tropez.

Two references are presented with a blue sunray satin-finished dial, available either on an integrated three-row stainless steel bracelet with a satin finish or a blue calfskin leather strap. The third features a white opaline dial paired with a similar stainless steel bracelet. Each dial includes a date window at 3 o’clock, along with Roman-style numerals and indexes coated in riveted rhodium plating.

 

Turning the watch over reveals a nod to the original collection: a special “73” engraving set against vertical stripes that mimic the deck of a boat, complemented by typography inspired by the retro spirit of the 1970s. Together, the Riviera 73 and Joia reflect a measured evolution for Baume & Mercier where past and present are brought into quiet alignment.

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Issue #103

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Summary

Baume & Mercier 2026 Turns the Spotlight to Riviera 73 and Joia