Pix Posted December 31, 2007 Report Share Posted December 31, 2007 Hi Folks, sorry, these days I've been a bit delayed in my reviews. But there have been so many reps flying to France in the last two monthes, I'm just overbusy with this hobby Worst is that I love that... Every parcel coming is like the first one : and you know how good it is ;-) I have to admit I'm terribly hooked Tonight I'll try to review the Baume & Mercier Riviera XXL, with SS bracelet. That might sound like an odd choice, but actually I am never looking for a brand : beauty has no brand, that is also why I sometimes buy a 40 dollars Trias... Lanikai's pictures made me want this rep, shame on him, otherwise I would never have gone for a second 7750 ! Seriously, thx Lanikai, as I think that's one of my best 2007 rep. But let's don't tell the end before we started... BTW, this is my last review of the year 1. Pictures (my favorite part) Perfect deployant and sexy caseback. It would have deserved a deeper engraving IMO A large screw-down crown, easy to use. Finally a bracelet with screws that are as good as the rest ! Look, no scratch, no ding, no nothing ! Acceptable date depth The lume does its job. Standard+ I would say. And the wristshot...with one of my birthday's present 2. The Dealer I have learnt not to praise dealers blindly, as what is white one day can turn black very quickly. We have all experienced this. But let's thank our apprentice dealer here, as for now everything is going more than well : responsive (you get your answer within the day, sometimes within the hour depending on the local tim)e, he's fast and helpful. What I aprreciate with Watchmark is the "Ruby style". He sends you pictures of your watch upon request : that's the best service to avoid some unpleasant surpises (wrong model for instance). It's also an evidence that your watch is not dropshipped. Of course it does not warranty that you have a perfect rep, but somehow I feel better with pics BEFORE. Got the thing within a small week after the order was placed. It was also priced cheaper than the Cartel dealers. 3. How is it as a watch ? You might think that I'm a bit too enthusiastic on that Baume & Mercier and therefore don't see the flaws. But actually I have had this watch for more than 10 days now (arrived a few days before Christmas), and honestly, I do not have anything to say against this Riviera as a watch ! The only watch which brought me the same feeling this year was the HBB. And the SFSO to some extent, although it had a slightly misaligned bezel. The look and feel are close to perfect, as I do not like to use extensively the word "perfect" for reps. Some of you know I often wander in the "cheap field", but I also own some higher cost reps (Nautilus, VCO, HBB, SFSO, Montblanc Timewalker). The Riviera just looks and seems built as a gen : - the bracelet is a beautiful mix of polished/brushed plain stainless steel. That is not uncommon. But what I loved is that I could resize it in a few minutes, without any anger. No scratch, no sweat ! The screws are so easy to handle, and that was a real pleasure after my #"*% experience with the Chinese Nautilus or worse, the VCO ! Believe me, that makes half the satisfaction of getting the watch. If so much care is brought to the bracelet, you easily imagine that the rest follows... Needless to say that it's comfortable as it comes : I did not need to use any kind of polish or WD40. Look at the pictures, you'll see how soft it folds. - the clasp is a double deployant one, which is what I prefer, by far. Easier to open/close and much more comfortable for small wrists like mine. Besides, it is fully polished... That might sound strange, but I unfortunately experienced raw edges with some supposed high quality reps, and that one just looks perfect. The engravings are also as they should be : sharp ! - the dial, mmm, the dial : I don't know exactly why but there's a real feeling of top quality : maybe the mix of modern and classic attributes. All is so crisp, clear and perfectly aligned (the pictures don't prove the perfect alignment of the hands, but believe me, they ARE). Advertized as "AR coated", the sapphire crystal does not show the usual blue hue. I must say I'm quite stuck here. I have no evidence of an AR coating, but actually there is no bad reflection and everything is clear and pops up under any angle. I don't know what to confirm, that's pretty confusing. Never heard of a clear AR coating on reps yet. I particularly loved the large hands and the shape of the small one. - the crown and pushers are also a pleasure : big flat crown, which screws down without any trouble - the caseback is mirror polished with an elegant engraving. I would have liked it to be a bit deeper, as this one could look like a simple laser etching. But it seems to follow the genuine... - the movement : I have not and won't open the caseback, but the Riviera is run by a 28,8 K Asian 7750. Unlike my 21,6K 7750, the date needs less time to switch, I mean it will switch at 12.00 !! The rotor is supposed to be customized too... That means a high level of finishing, as noone will see it ! :thumbsup: - the lume is quite good. Always one of the weak points on reps, as we all know. Not as good as the SFSO, but much better than most f my other reps. And the illuminated digits are just beautiful... Probably a pain to relume - the bezel : a chunky, nicely brushed piece, those who like the AP or Hublot style will like this one, for sure. 12 sides, that stand for the 12 hours... Surely the best rep out of the box for me in 2007. I don't hesitate to rate it over the (lite) HBB, as the Big Bang suffers from a clasp that hurts most wrists... 4. How is it as a rep ? The first thing to mention is that the Riviera (chrono) exists in 2 sizes : XL (40 mm) and XXL (43mm). The rep is actually based on the XXL but seems to be a bit smaller (42,xx mm) My first problem was to find the white one with a bracelet on Baume&Mercier's website : impossible. The only white one is the XL Riviera (8227), which is damn close, except the hours font. Still, I included it in the comparison to show that the rest is spot on... The black XXL with SS bracelet actually exists, but has a slightly different dial (6 and 12 subdials). Now, speaking of rubber strap models, you will find all the same colors as we have in the offered reps (white, black and panda). This is the third watch on my comparison picture. And let's say it : virtually undistinguishable from the gen. As for the datefont, well, it seems to be a standard ETA 7750 font, which is obviously well replicated too. But I must say I'm not a real expert in these matters. I hope someone will confirm. I don't want to bring the conclusion that the rubber strap versions are better reps, as I still hope to find a white XXL version with SS bracelet, and will update my review accordingly. But for the moment, it seems to be the case. Gens can be found between 2500 and 3000 dollars, i.e. "pretty affordable". And that probably makes this rep further better to fool your neighbours Whereas I will never be able to buy a genuine PATEK or Vacheron Constantin, this Baume & Mercier is the field where I would more comfortably wander. I would compare this brand and this rep to Montblanc watches. Now I'd like to explain my title : is the Riviera replica able to fool even experts against the gen ? That's the quest of many collectors... And I would tend to say YES. The gen has a (Swiss) ETA 7750, and we have the Asian good clone. If the rep makers come with a Swiss version or if one of our experts can swap the movement, we'll have a watch that will be 99% close to the gen ! (I swear I'm not working for Replicahause... ) What else ? Well, the caseback is a pure success too... Let the pictures talk for them. (sorry for the quality of the gen shot, that comes from the 3D view from B&M website). Probably not very difficult to copy, therefore a good result. And to end this review, I'd like to share the pictures of the gorgeous "panda" version of Lanikai... Could have been my choice too I must say ! Thx Lani, I'm sure that with both models pictured, we'll help our dealers to sell a lot Any shot of the black dial is welcome... Aloha Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LordRasta Posted December 31, 2007 Report Share Posted December 31, 2007 I want one! Where can I source one? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted December 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2007 I bought it from Watchmark, (apprentice) dealer on this very board... And can only recommend him. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
italiano17771 Posted December 31, 2007 Report Share Posted December 31, 2007 very nice!! i might need to get one of these. are they suppose to have AR? ...or does it have any AR? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted December 31, 2007 Report Share Posted December 31, 2007 Pix,.. let me know if you want some pics of the black dial version of the Riviera .. i will send them to send them to you and you do with them as you wish.. lani Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Victoria Posted December 31, 2007 Report Share Posted December 31, 2007 1. Pictures (my favorite part) And it shows. This watch looks impeccable against the houndstooth scarf. More shots like these?? Please M. Pix! Can't wait for the next part! @Pix: Thanks! It's my new wallpaper now, for the New Year. @Pix Followup: NICE! 3 new wallpapers. I chose the yellowish one, which looks elegant and cheerful. What a beautiful watch... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted December 31, 2007 Author Report Share Posted December 31, 2007 @Italiano : it's adverdized as "AR coated" but there's no blue hue... However, I feel that there is something, whatever it is, as the dial looks really crisp under many angles. Maybe Lanikai can better comment, as he has the black one. @Lanikai : I'll PM you quickly with my email for your shots, so that I can attach them somewhere. @Victoria : I need daylight for better shots, in the meantime, please let me offer you the full size picture, as a wallpaper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 very nice!! i might need to get one of these. are they suppose to have AR? ...or does it have any AR? It is supposed to be AR'd .. I just messaged my collector and he say's yes .. it is supposed to be AR'd, since it was replicated from the genuine model.. he is contacting the maker and will reply ASAP...i cannot make out even the slightest AR coating ???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanikai Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 @Italiano : it's adverdized as "AR coated" but there's no blue hue... However, I feel that there is something, whatever it is, as the dial looks really crisp under many angles. Maybe Lanikai can better comment, as he has the black one Agree Pix.. there is some faint blue around the edges of the crystal.. but it does not seem to have even the slightest AR... the dial is done very well ..however , I am awaiting a reply from my collector.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b16a2 Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 Beautiful review! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted January 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 Added the dial shot (just under the "acceptable date depth" comment) which was forgotten and making the comment meaningless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
piratedzeus Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 One of the best reviews from you and on the whole board! Pix is a top-class reviewer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted January 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 Thx Pz :thumbsup: BTW, the sample leaves tomorrow morning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted January 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 ...and here some additionnal shots upon Mademoiselle V's request. Larger size for wallpaper Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DuDro Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 VERY NICE REVIEW!!! I've always liked B&M...I have two gens in my collection. I've never liked the size of the original Riviera and I'm glad that they came out with the larger versions. I will be adding one or perhaps two of these to my collection in the near future. After further comparison, this rep seems to be near perfect. Interesting how "boldness" of the text changes between the versions. See the comparo shot from Pix: Thanks again for this write-up! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephane Posted January 1, 2008 Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 Hi Pix, Thanks for this wonderfull review. Great job again !!! Cheers Stephane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted January 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 1, 2008 @Pix Followup: NICE! 3 new wallpapers. I chose the yellowish one, which looks elegant and cheerful. What a beautiful watch... Thx ! I was almost sure you would go for the orchid... Women... @St Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellomen Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Excellent review Pix!! Thanx ... but i'm afraid your review and Lanikai's pictures will make my wishlist longer... again! IMHO this is the poor man's AP ROO... perfectly affordable for most of us... if we give up all or replica-babies. Very nice watch and very nice replica. Thanx :thumbsup: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted January 3, 2008 Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 You are always pulling one out of the hat Pix. A fine, balanced, unbiased review of much use to the board members. Thanks, and I'll take one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted January 3, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 3, 2008 Which colour are you thinking about ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hambone Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 I rather like the TT with white dial, although the stainless is also beautiful. I just tried a couple of them on at Roman Times about 3 hours ago. This would be my first B&M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Tracy Posted January 4, 2008 Report Share Posted January 4, 2008 Fantastic Review ! Perfect Photos !!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
promotersf Posted January 14, 2008 Report Share Posted January 14, 2008 I just got mine from Angus and I noticed your subdials have concentric circles detailing where mine is flat white...does anyone know which is correct? It's a great looking watch, gonna go size the bracelet right now Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pix Posted January 15, 2008 Author Report Share Posted January 15, 2008 Mmm. That means there would be two versions ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
promotersf Posted January 16, 2008 Report Share Posted January 16, 2008 I asked Angus about this, and he advised that only one factory was producing this model...obivously this isn't the case. I've tried looking online to find out which is correct, and the photos i'm coming up with aren't helping. It's a very nice, clean looking watch and i'm happy with it...would be happier if i knew which version was correct Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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