I've already received countless compliments on this watch. I'm very happy with the purchase. Currently it is enjoying more wrist time than many of my other watches (including a very jealous IWC Portuguese). It's my 4th automatic watch so far, and the first that doesn't have a leather strap. Hand-crafted mechanical movements are definitely the way to go.
The sailcloth strap turns out to be a good material for diving or swimming, and also gives the watch an elegant yet casual feel. The watch is rather heavy, and has a solid presence, as most well built automatic watches should. Also, I have a very small wrist, but I'm able to pull off this watch without it looking ridiculous at all. I should also mention that the strap has a deployant clasp (not sure if the pictures on amazon show that), which is an added bonus. I believe the movement to be a Valjoux 7750 - the same as in the IWC Portuguese Chronograph, as well as many other pieces.
The only complaint I would have is the picture that Baume et Mercier chose for this watch - it makes the rotating bezel seem like it has a shine (which it does not), and makes the color of the roman numerals look more of a yellow/gold color. Keep in mind that this color is actually the same exact orange as that of the stitching on the strap as well as the inside of the strap. Look at the picture of this watch from overstock.com if you would like to see the watch in its true color. Lastly, as the other reviewer mentioned, the luminescence isn't that great.
Regardless, I couldn't help but give it 5 stars. It's Swiss made, has an automatic movement, has a gorgeous face with a very unique strap, and is listed at a fraction of it's retail price. Baume & Mercier Men's 8797 Riviera Chronograph Strap Watch
This is a great looking watch, and I've never seen it on anyone else, which living in Los Angeles is a big deal. I wrestled with myself for a month about getting this watch. I usually get immediate buyer's remorse as soon as I succumb to my addiction and hit BUY on something as frivolous and overpriced as a quality timepiece, but the second I opened the box and saw this baby that all went away. I love the juxtaposition of the matte black finish on the bezel and dial against the polished steel of the case and subtle detailing of the chrono dial. The dial itself is absolutely stunning with just the right amount of orange to black contrast. A great masculine, athletic looking watch, but not so much that its ostentatious. (Not to step on any toes, but come on Panerai, its big enough already) The chronograph movement is of the highest quality, very crisp and substantial when you push the buttons and pull the crown, like you would expect from a premiere Swiss watch house like B&M. Usually I prefer a tang and buckle to a deployment strap because deployments always pinch and cut off circulation. This one is no different in the pinch department, but the sail cloth has a nice pliable finish, and doesn't feel as stiff and restricting as most leather straps.
The other reviews are correct in pointing out the lack of illumination on the numbers, it does glow after exposure to direct sunlight, but nowhere near as bright compared to my Seamaster. This may be an unfair comparison though, you can see that thing from the moon at full glow.
I'm an architect, so I got this thinking it would be a great everyday job site workhorse between the weekend G-shock and the office Omega, but it looks so good I don't want to mess it up. Get it, its awesome.
I've been looking at this watch for sometime now at the local dealer; what can i say? it was love at first sight and i kept going back just to try it on. I've been looking for a watch to get to myself for my 40th birthday and was deciding between this one and a Rolex, but tought the Rolex was so "popular", a lot of people have it, plus is the watch brand that is "imitated" the most, so i wanted something different.
Since i also liked Baume & Mercier for a while now and had found a particular model that i really liked, i almost bought it at the local store, but then tought about looking it up on Amazon. To my surprise, i found it almost half-prized. So i press click and ordered without hesitation.
Good that i did because this is one the best watches i've had and i'm not bluffing when i say that i get compliments every time i wear it.
Besides the renown swiss brand, the good look, craft quality and the nice price listed here, i say that if somebody is reading this because you're thinking about getting this watch: go for it; it's worth it.
Highly recommend it.
Very elegant yet sporty watch. Does not look cheap at all. Highly recommendable. Only catch is that the luminescence is not that good - does not stay on long enough in the darkness of the night. Like the strap and the color combination. Perfect fit.
Also be wary since the watch is actually not covered under manufacturers warranty.
Nice watch. Was shipped promptly.
The watch is excellent. I fell in love with it right away.
Just like other reviews have mentioned, luminescence is practically non-existent, but then if luminescence is so important to you, then get Timex for an inexpensive piece or a Ball watch for something sophisticated.
Other than that everything is perfect.
The orange highlights add some individuality.
Good looking, great time keeper, no strap adjustment needed. At first I thought it was defective due to lack of luminescence. I have since discovered that if exposed to bright light it glows just fine.
raise this to four stars.
these days, b&m makes so many watches a year and many of them end up on discounted online stores. this 8797 stands out being the absolute best deal if you are looking for a diver chrono and automatic movement. cheaper alternative to an iwc aquatimer. i usually buy mid level watches from amazon for fun. at 70% off retail, most of the time i can sell them after a year and still break even. not to mention 6 months free interest by using an amazon store card. knowing how amazon operates, likely price will go up soon and at $1,299 it is at fire sale. over all, the watch is decent and even comes with blank registration card. not a major issue since b&m uses contractors in the US for watch repair rather than its own service team. basic eta 7750 movement that is quite popular by its peers in such price range. in summary, buy it for the price and fun. not much collective value. b&m is like your entry level BMW that every mailman probably has one. - Chronograph - Sport Watch'
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