For nearly five decades,
Raymond Weil has been a prominent name in Swiss watchmaking, synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and a commitment to high-quality timepieces. Founded in 1976 by Raymond Weil himself, the company has grown from strength to strength, solidifying its position as a family-run business that thrives on innovation and artistic inspiration.
The brand's dedication to the arts is evident in its longstanding partnerships with renowned musicians and iconic concert venues. This artistic influence is what sets Raymond Weil apart from its competitors, infusing each of their creations with a touch of creative flair.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
In 2023, Raymond Weil received its most prestigious accolade to date: the Challenge Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. This award marked a turning point for the brand, signifying its dedication to excellence and its unwavering commitment to watchmaking expertise.
Building on the momentum of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève triumph, Raymond Weil unveiled the Millesime collection in 2024. The Millesime, which translates to "vintage" in French, ushers in a new era for the brand, one that bridges the gap between timeless design and contemporary style.
Elie Bernheim, the brand's CEO and a third-generation member of the Raymond Weil family, describes the Millesime collection as an opportunity to connect with a new generation of watch enthusiasts. These enthusiasts, Bernheim explains, seek high-quality, well-crafted watches that offer a unique blend of classic and contemporary design, all at an accessible price point.
The Millesime collection embodies this philosophy perfectly. The timepieces within the collection feature a distinctive sectorized dial design, a hallmark of the Millesime line. This unique aesthetic gives the watches a graphic and modern look, while still maintaining a certain elegance.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
While the Millesime collection offers a variety of styles, one particular model stands out: the Millesime Moon Phase. This timepiece takes the classic moon phase complication and imbues it with a modern twist, perfectly capturing the essence of the Millesime collection.
The most striking feature of the Millesime Moon Phase is its midnight blue dial. The blue color is deep and rich, and it provides a perfect backdrop for the watch's other elements. The dial features a sectorized design, with different finishes for the various sections. This adds visual interest to the watch face and keeps the viewer engaged.
The rose gold PVD-coated case adds a touch of luxury to the timepiece. The rose gold color complements the blue dial beautifully, and it creates a warm and inviting look. The case measures 39.5mm in diameter, making it a perfect fit for a variety of wrist sizes.
The Millesime Moon Phase is powered by the RW4280 automatic movement, which provides a 38-hour power reserve. This movement is a reliable and robust option, ensuring that the watch will keep accurate time for years to come.
The watch is completed by a navy blue genuine calf leather strap with a unique W-stitch detail. The strap is comfortable and stylish, and it complements the overall look of the watch perfectly.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
Let's talk about the star of the show - the moon phase complication. Nestled neatly at the 6 o'clock position, this classic horological feature is reimagined with a distinctly Millesime flair. While moon phase displays are often found on more traditional-looking watches, Raymond Weil brings it into the 21st century with a stylized moon disc that feels both familiar and fresh.
The moon phase indicator follows the natural waxing and waning of the moon, a cycle that takes approximately 29.5 days. It's a captivating reminder of the cosmic rhythms that subtly influence our lives. Whether you're an astronomy enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of celestial bodies, the moon phase complication adds undeniable allure to the watch.
The Millesime Moon Phase, like other models within the collection, stands out for its distinctive sectorized dial. Unlike other watch dials that tend to have a uniform finish, the Millesime Moon Phase presents a multi-layered, textured landscape. This play of textures adds to the visual depth of the dial, keeping the watch interesting no matter how many times you glance at it.
Surrounding the central textured zone of the dial is a circular, brushed section with applied "obelisk" hour markers plated in rose gold. These baton-style markers complement the sleek look of the rose gold hands. The contrast between the brushed finish of this section and the texture of the central area creates a subtle sense of dimensionality, making the dial more engaging to observe.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
Tucked inside the 39.5mm case, with its 50-meter water resistance, is the mechanical self-winding RW4280 movement. If you think of the watch's design as the face it presents to the world, the movement is its beating heart. This Swiss-made movement, comprised of numerous meticulously crafted components, powers the watch and drives its various functions.
The RW4280 offers a power reserve of 38 hours, which means that once fully wound, it can keep ticking for over a day and a half without needing to be worn. This makes it a practical choice for those who like to change up their watches regularly.
A luxurious watch should not only look the part but feel luxurious on the wrist. The Millesime Moon Phase delivers on that promise with its genuine calf leather strap. The deep navy blue of the strap plays off the midnight blue of the dial, creating a cohesive look. What makes this strap even more special is the W-shaped stitching design, a detail that feels both sporty and refined. The strap is secured by a traditional buckle, also plated in rose gold.
The beauty of the Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase lies in its versatility. While it certainly has a luxurious feel to it, it isn't overly formal, nor is it too casual. It strikes a balance, making it suitable for everyday wear while having the presence to dress up for special occasions.
If you're a watch enthusiast who enjoys some complexity, but wants that complexity packaged in a modern way, the Millesime Moon Phase checks that box. Moreover, the accessible price point, especially considering the level of craftsmanship and complication, makes it even more compelling as a potential choice.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
The Millesime Moon Phase isn't just a well-executed timepiece; it signifies a larger movement within Raymond Weil. The Millesime collection serves as a bridge between the brand's heritage and its future aspirations. It shows that Raymond Weil is committed to staying relevant, catering to the tastes of a new generation of watch enthusiasts without abandoning what has made the brand a celebrated name in the first place.
Whether the Millesime Moon Phase becomes your next watch or simply stays on your wishlist, one thing is clear: it's just the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Raymond Weil.