How Baume & Mercier Made Luxury Feel Like Mine
3 min read
I always thought my first luxury watch would come much later in life maybe as a celebration after hitting some big milestone or when I felt like I had truly “arrived.” Luxury, in my head, was aspirational, untouchable… something older generations wore to boardrooms and formal dinners, not to weekend coffee runs or solo city explorations.
But that changed when I discovered Baume & Mercier. Here was a brand with serious Swiss heritage but with a surprising twist. It didn’t feel dated or feel out of reach. Most importantly, it didn’t feel like I had to change who I was to wear one. That’s a big deal when you’re in your 20s, figuring out your personal style, your career, and your taste in luxury all at once.
The first model that really caught my eye was the Baume & Mercier Riviera. It had this bold, almost rebellious energy that I wasn’t expecting. The dodecagonal (twelve-sided) bezel instantly stood out thanks to its sporty, sharp, and geometric in a way that felt modern without losing its vintage roots. Some versions come with integrated metal bracelets, others with soft rubber straps that are surprisingly comfortable and give off a chill, casual vibe. But the best part? The colours.
There’s a Riviera with an azure blue dial that reminds me of summer afternoons by the water. There’s also the mint green version which perfectly compliments my matcha mornings and give me a boost of positivity as I begin my day. These watches say, “I know design,” but also, “I don’t take myself too seriously.”
Then I came across the Classima, and it was like meeting the quieter, more poetic sibling. It’s simple countenance showcases clean Roman numerals, a polished case and minimal fuss. But the brand has added dial colours that speak to an understated audience. Think military green, deep blue, and blush smoky silver. These aren’t just dial colours they’re moodboards. They add character to what would traditionally be seen as a formal, dressy timepiece. The Classima feels like something you’d wear to your first big pitch meeting, and then to a dinner party later that night.
And here’s the kicker: the price didn’t make me panic. For a Swiss-made watch with this level of design and finishing, Baume & Mercier sits in a very sweet spot. You’re not breaking the bank, but you’re still buying something that carries weight. You’re not compromising on quality you’re simply choosing a brand that believes luxury doesn’t have to mean exclusive or intimidating. It can be open, inclusive, and expressive.
That’s what really connected with me. As someone from Gen Z, I’m not just looking at labels or legacy. I want my purchases to feel meaningful. I want to know I’m investing in something well-made, but I also want to feel seen by the brand. Baume & Mercier gets that. Their watches don’t just tell time they tell stories. And they let you be the one writing it. I ended up buying a Riviera as a gift to myself after landing a new freelance project kind of like a wearable reminder that hard work pays off. I’ve also recommended the Classima to friends who were shopping for graduation gifts or even birthday gifts. These are watches that make sense as gifts not just because they are beautiful. But because they are meaningful and wearable every day.
To me, Baume & Mercier is the new language of luxury. It doesn’t gatekeep or make bold statements. Instead, it quietly connects with the wearer and allows for self-expression. It’s all about choosing something timeless that still feels current. Baume & Mercier isn’t trying to shout or show off it’s just quietly proving that luxury can look a little different today. A little more fun and a little more real. And finally, it’s speaking a language that I actually understand.
