• Raymond Weil Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton a Legacy of Innovation
  • Raymond Weil Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton

    A Legacy of Innovation

    Hourstriker Staff
    Words by: Hourstriker Staff
    December 3, 2024
  • Raymond Weil has consistently distinguished itself as a purveyor of exceptional timepieces. The brand's unwavering commitment to innovation and craftsmanship is evident in its latest creation, the Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch. This remarkable timepiece seamlessly blends technical prowess with aesthetic finesse, captivating watch enthusiasts and collectors alike.

    The story of Raymond Weil began in 1976, during a period of considerable upheaval in the Swiss watchmaking industry. The quartz crisis, as it came to be known, threatened the very existence of traditional mechanical watchmaking. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Raymond Weil, the brand's founder, remained steadfast in his belief in the enduring appeal of mechanical watches. With unwavering determination, he established his eponymous company, determined to preserve the art of traditional watchmaking while embracing innovation.

    Courtesy of Raymond Weil
    Courtesy of Raymond Weil


    Over the years, Raymond Weil has earned a reputation for producing high-quality timepieces that embody both elegance and sophistication. The brand's unwavering commitment to excellence has enabled it to navigate the ever-changing tides of the watchmaking industry, consistently delivering timepieces that resonate with discerning collectors.

    The Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch is a testament to Raymond Weil's unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. This exceptional timepiece represents a significant milestone in the brand's history, as it houses the first in-house movement developed by Raymond Weil. The Calibre RW1212, named after the brand's headquarters in Grand-Lancy, Switzerland, is a symbol of the brand's commitment to innovation and its unwavering dedication to the art of watchmaking.

    The Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch is a study in contrasts, seamlessly blending intricate mechanics with a refined aesthetic. The watch's 38mm stainless steel case exudes an understated elegance, its polished surfaces catching the light with a subtle brilliance. The openworked dial, a defining feature of the Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch, offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate workings of the movement within. The balance wheel, prominently positioned at 6 o'clock, oscillates with mesmerizing precision, a testament to the watch's mechanical prowess.

    Courtesy of Raymond Weil
    Courtesy of Raymond Weil


    The dial's blue flange, now treated with Super-Luminova, adds a touch of vibrancy to the watch's overall aesthetic. The hands, also treated with Super-Luminova, complement the blue flange, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. The interplay of blue and silver tones creates a visually harmonious design, reflecting the watch's refined character.

    The Calibre RW1212, the heart of this exceptional timepiece, is a testament to Raymond Weil's dedication to horological innovation. This self-winding mechanical movement, developed in-house, beats at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring exceptional accuracy. The movement's skeletonized design further enhances the watch's visual appeal, allowing the wearer to appreciate the intricate interplay of gears, levers, and springs.

    The Calibre RW1212 features a new sunray brushed finish, coated in black ruthenium, adding a touch of sophistication to the movement's aesthetic. The iconic W-shaped oscillating weight, a new horological signature of the brand, is prominently displayed through the watch's openworked dial. This distinctive feature not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also serves as a symbol of Raymond Weil's unwavering commitment to innovation.

    Courtesy of Raymond Weil
    Courtesy of Raymond Weil


    The Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch is accompanied by a stainless steel bracelet, its brushed and polished links complementing the watch's refined aesthetic. The bracelet's double-push security system folding clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist. The screw-down crown, embossed with the RW monogram, adds a subtle yet distinctive touch to the watch's overall design.

    At the heart of this remarkable watch beats the Calibre RW1212, a self-winding mechanical movement developed in-house by Raymond Weil. This movement, named after the brand's headquarters in Grand-Lancy, Switzerland, represents a significant milestone in Raymond Weil's horological journey. The Calibre RW1212 is a testament to the brand's unwavering pursuit of innovation and its dedication to preserving the art of traditional watchmaking.

    The Calibre RW1212 operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour, ensuring exceptional accuracy and precision. Its skeletonized design, a defining feature of the Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch, offers a captivating glimpse into the intricate workings of the movement. The balance wheel, prominently positioned at 6 o'clock, oscillates with mesmerizing precision, a testament to the watch's mechanical prowess.

    Courtesy of Raymond Weil
    Courtesy of Raymond Weil


    The movement's bridges and plates are adorned with a sunray brushed finish, coated in black ruthenium, adding a touch of sophistication to the watch's overall aesthetic. The iconic W-shaped oscillating weight, a new horological signature of the brand, is prominently displayed through the watch's openworked dial. This distinctive feature not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also serves as a symbol of Raymond Weil's unwavering commitment to innovation.

    The Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch features a blue flange, now treated with Super-Luminova, which adds a touch of vibrancy to the watch's overall aesthetic. The hands, also treated with Super-Luminova, complement the blue flange, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. The interplay of blue and silver tones creates a visually harmonious design, reflecting the watch's refined character.

    The watch's 38mm stainless steel case exudes an understated elegance, its polished surfaces catching the light with a subtle brilliance. The case's dimensions strike a harmonious balance between robustness and wearability, making it suitable for a wide range of wrist sizes. The screw-down crown, embossed with the RW monogram, adds a subtle yet distinctive touch to the watch's overall design.

    The Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch is accompanied by a stainless steel bracelet, its brushed and polished links complementing the watch's refined aesthetic. The bracelet's double-push security system folding clasp ensures a secure and comfortable fit on the wrist.

    Courtesy of Raymond Weil
    Courtesy of Raymond Weil


    The Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch is water-resistant to 100 meters, making it suitable for everyday wear and a variety of activities. The watch's sapphire crystal, with dual-sided anti-reflective treatment coating, ensures optimal clarity and protects the dial from scratches and impacts.

    With a retail price of $3,325, the Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton watch offers exceptional value for a timepiece of this caliber. Its in-house movement, skeletonized design, and refined aesthetic make it a compelling choice for collectors seeking a watch that embodies both technical innovation and timeless style.

    Case: 38mm stainless steel case. 10.87 mm thick with a screwed-down case back and sapphire crystal. Water-resistant to 100 meters.

    Movement: Calibre RW1212 in-house automatic movement with visible balance wheel. 41-hour power reserve.

    Dial: Blue with complete opening on the skeleton movement. RAYMOND WEIL logo on the flange with Super-Luminova. Rhodium-plated and steel-colored movement components. Gold accents on the movement wheels and balance wheel.

    Strap: Stainless steel bracelet with a double-push security system folding clasp.

    Price: $3,325.00

    Notes: This is the first time the freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton is housed in a 38mm stainless steel case. It is also the first freelancer skeleton watch to feature the iconic W-shaped oscillating weight.
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