Usually when things are complicated, it means more stress, more work, and more effort, but in the end, it’s worth it. The same holds true for wristwatches, where gifted artisans and engineers from years gone by labored months and years to create complicated timepieces that transcend art and talent. When it comes to wristwatches, the highest realms of respect and value are reserved for these watches that do much more than merely tell time.

Created in the quartz era when complicated watches were not the rage as much as they are today, this distinctive “Riviera Complications” Baume & Mercier clearly stood out from the pack.

The Riviera line, launched in 1973 transformed aesthetic watch-making characteristics with a dodecagonal case. The 12 sides represented 12 hours and the geometric expression of innovation, classicism and creativity.

Though it has fewer moving parts than a comparable mechanical watch, its presence still showcases that the art of fine watchmaking was not entirely lost during the period. It displays the month, date, and day of the week along with the phases of the moon, and when set correctly it can be used as a full featured calendar tool or as a display of precision purchased to adorn a deserving gentleman’s wrist.

It is in beautiful condition and presents as about a 9.5 out of 10. It has light wear to the back but on the wrist presents almost perfectly.

Baume & Mercier:

Since 1830, the Swiss firm of Baume et Mercier has been producing very fine and collectible timekeeping instruments. Worn by celebrities Kiefer Sutherland, Gary Sinise, and Ashton Kutcher, their timepieces rank with those of the world’s fine luxury watch firms.