Baume & Mercier Riviera MVO45164 Guilloché Dial

The Riviera MVO45164 has always been one of Baume & Mercier’s most distinctive designs. First launched in 1973, it was part of a small group of luxury sports watches that broke away from round cases and conservative design. The Riviera model stood out with its twelve-sided instantly recognisable dodecagonal bezel, a feature that remains its most recognisable signature today.

This reference, MVO45164, is an excellent example of the model’s timeless appeal. It measures 36 millimetres across and just 6.5 millimetres in thickness, giving it a slim profile that wears flush on the wrist. The size places it in a sweet spot. It has enough presence for daily wear but remains sleek enough to slip under a cuff.

What you get

The watch shows signs of wear throughout, especially on the bracelet. The dial is in excellent condition with no observable signs of ageing or stains. A new battery was fitted on September 3rd, 2025, and our watchmaker performed general checks on the movement to ensure the watch is working as it should. The watch comes with a Baume & Mercier box as seen in the photos. It has no observable damage, neither on the exterior nor the interior. It also comes with Certificate de Garantie Internationale, which has been left blank; in the absence of a date, we estimate the purchase was in 1999, in line with other models on the market.

Case and Bezel

The case is made from stainless steel, finished with polished and satin surfaces that play beautifully with the light. The bezel is where the Riviera comes alive. Cast in solid 18-carat yellow gold with a satin finish, it provides a warm contrast against the cooler steel case. This two-tone execution has aged particularly well. It feels distinctly nineties in character but has now circled back into relevance as collectors rediscover the charm of thinner profiles and more conservative case sizes.

Dial

The Baume & Mercier Riviera MVO45164 dial is finished in white with a subtle guilloché texture that gives depth without overpowering the design. Applied Arabic numerals in polished yellow tone add a touch of luxury and tie in with the bezel and bracelet. At six o’clock sits a framed date window that is practical yet unobtrusive, keeping the dial balanced. The hands are also yellow toned, completing the cohesive aesthetic.

Movement

At the heart of the Riviera MVO45164 is the ETA calibre 955.412 quartz movement, signed by Baume & Mercier. This Swiss-made calibre features seven jewels, beats at 32,768 Hz, and is powered by a Renata 315 battery with an expected three-year life cycle.

The 955.4xx family is regarded as one of ETA’s most reliable quartz movements, valued as a proven workhorse for Swiss brands for decades. Importantly, this is the very same movement that Cartier employed during the 1990s and early 2000s in models such as the Tank and Santos.

Crystal and Crown

The watch is fitted with a flat sapphire crystal, which is scratch resistant and ensures clarity when reading the time. The crown carries the Baume & Mercier logo, a subtle reminder of the brand’s heritage dating back to 1830.

Bracelet and Clasp

The bracelet continues the two-tone story, with stainless steel links interlaced with 18-carat yellow gold. The alternating satin and polished finishes give it texture and depth. Secured with a butterfly deployant clasp, it wears comfortably while maintaining a seamless look on the wrist.

Sized for a 22-centimetre wrist, it has the flexibility to accommodate a broad range of collectors.

Wearing the Riviera

This Riviera is water resistant to 50 metres, which makes it suitable for everyday use. It is not intended as a sports tool watch but is perfectly capable of handling daily life without fuss. Its slim profile, refined casework and two-tone styling make it a versatile companion that feels as natural in the boardroom as it does on a night out.

Collectability and Value

What makes this Riviera MVO45164 such a great find is its wearability and superb value. The Riviera name carries serious weight in the history of sports luxury watches, yet prices remain accessible compared to other models from the same era.

The combination of steel and gold has returned to fashion, which makes this model particularly relevant today. If you are looking for an elegant bi-metal watch for under £1000 this Baume & Mercier Riviera MVO45164 is for you.