Is the Baume & Mercier Riviera worth it?

[jag0]

So, I'm considering picking up a silver Riviera chrono (on steel band) for around $1800. I was wondering what the opinion on the brand and in particular that model is? Is it worth the $1800? or is there something else out there that would be worth the VERY hard earned money??

(On a side note, I'm also considering the Hampton on stainless steel band as well)

For those interested this is the one I'm considering

[John MS]

It is worth it if you both like the watch and have the disposable income to spend that much money on one watch. Whether anyone else thinks it is worth the price is irrelevant for a couple of good reasons. A different question is whether someone else likes the watch.

[Watchbreath]

Yes.

[jipajappa]

Not that I know much, but here's my two cents.

A big consideration for me as I'm searching for a new watch is the fact that, as I don't have many watches, it would have to be versatile, being a watch I could wear with jeans or with a tux. That's probably my biggest concern when deciding if it's worth it, because if it isn't that versatile then maybe it would make more sense to buy 3 $600 watches that would each serve a unique purpose. That may not apply to you, though.

As far as that particular watch, its definitely attractive and I'm sure it's a great watch functionally, but it isn't something I would personally buy; just not my style. I do like a lot of the other B&M models though.

But the bottom line is, don't let other people decide whether it's worth it or not. Our opinions don't really matter at the end of the day. If you're in love with the watch and you want to (and are able to) spend the money, go for it.

[jag0]

Thanks for the feedback guys... I think the issue is whether or not this is the BEST piece to buy for the money. I'm not as familiar with brands and models to really know what else is out there. And where I live there aren't many authorized dealers so I can't exactly go and try on different watches.

That combined with the fact that I wasn't sure is Baume and Mercier was a 'worthy' brand of watch or if it was more strictly FASHION, like movados (hope I'm not offending or starting a debate with that comment, but in my humble opinion movados are strictly fashion pieces).

Thanks, any more feedback would be great!

[Hall]

I just saw this watch for the first time in person yesterday. I thought it was very cool looking. Whether it is the best watch for the money? You'll likely get a lot of responses telling you to get what you want/like and not to worry about stuff like that - But, I understand what you are getting at with your question and I think my answer would be 'Yes' Baume and Mercier is a 'worthy' brand in the context that you are referring. The question would simply be if you preferred it to Longines, Hamilton, or a pre-owned piece from another brand perhaps.

[novedl]

Not that I know much, but here's my two cents.

A big consideration for me as I'm searching for a new watch is the fact that, as I don't have many watches, it would have to be versatile, being a watch I could wear with jeans or with a tux. That's probably my biggest concern when deciding if it's worth it, because if it isn't that versatile then maybe it would make more sense to buy 3 $600 watches that would each serve a unique purpose. That may not apply to you, though.

As far as that particular watch, its definitely attractive and I'm sure it's a great watch functionally, but it isn't something I would personally buy; just not my style. I do like a lot of the other B&M models though.

But the bottom line is, don't let other people decide whether it's worth it or not. Our opinions don't really matter at the end of the day. If you're in love with the watch and you want to (and are able to) spend the money, go for it.

welcome to watchuseek!

to the op, for what it's worth i own a pair of b&m's.

[ColinW]

As I understand it, many consider B&M to be just over the mid-range line and into the luxury area and the brand is well respected. However, if:

I'm not as familiar with brands and models to really know what else is out there.

I think you should slow way the [expletive deleted] down and spend some time here and other places and savor the experience of learning and deciding what you really want.

Unless of course you're rich. Then just go nuts!

[b06]

I like my Riviera! Good in size for dress watch and still has "solid" looking. To me its design has a "touch" of Corum watch feeling.
But it expresses in its own style! Only one thing I don't like that its hard to match with the standard rubber/leather straps because of its unique linking design.

[jag0]

DEFINITELY not rich... I've actually been looking for a watch for a while now... the brands I've looked at so far include, Movado, Hamilton, Tissot, Oris, B&M and Citizen...for the most part these are the ones that seem to be in my price range. However I KNOW there are TONS of other good brands and models out there that may be a better watch for the money, so I'm just looking for feedback on whether or not the forum think this B&M is worth it, or if there are other equal (or better) alternatives for the money :)

Never hurts to ask...