In the dynamic world of watchmaking, where precision and artistry intertwine, collaborations often spark unexpected and captivating creations. RAYMOND WEIL, the independent, family-owned watchmaker from Geneva, has a rich history of embracing the arts, drawing inspiration from music, contemporary art, and now, the captivating world of graphic novels. Their latest venture brings together the classic elegance of their Millesime collection and the adventurous spirit of Largo Winch, the renowned comic book hero, in a limited-edition chronograph that is as intriguing as the character himself.
This partnership marks a significant step for RAYMOND WEIL, further solidifying their commitment to bridging the gap between horological expertise and artistic expression. The brand's journey began in 1976, founded by Mr. Raymond Weil, a man with a deep passion for opera, a passion that resonated in the naming of some of the brand's early collections. This appreciation for the arts has been passed down through the generations, with Elie Bernheim, the current CEO and grandson of the founder, being an accomplished pianist and cellist himself.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
Over the years,
Raymond Weil has nurtured partnerships with musical legends like the Beatles, Bob Marley, and AC/DC, demonstrating their dedication to celebrating creativity in all its forms. In more recent times, the brand has expanded its artistic horizons, venturing into the realm of contemporary art with the Freelancer BASQUIAT special edition in 2023. This successful collaboration showcased the synergy between the Freelancer collection and Basquiat's distinctive graphic universe, paving the way for their latest exploration into the world of graphic novels.
This year, RAYMOND WEIL delves into the 9th art, partnering with Philippe Francq, the acclaimed Belgian illustrator of Largo Winch. This graphic novel series, a global bestseller with nearly 15 million albums sold, has captivated readers for generations with its blend of action, suspense, and intrigue set against the backdrop of international finance and business. Largo Winch, the modern-day adventurer, embodies values of loyalty, independence, and justice as he navigates a world filled with challenges and adversaries.
"As a child, every album by Philippe Francq took me on an amazing journey to somewhere in the world, and it still does today with my family and children, who are also fans," says Elie Bernheim, capturing the essence of Largo Winch's enduring appeal. This shared fascination between the watchmaker and the graphic novel hero forms the foundation of their collaboration, resulting in a timepiece that reflects the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of a better world.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
The Millesime collection, known for its refined aesthetics, craftsmanship, and precision, aligns perfectly with the meticulous detail and storytelling found in Francq's graphic novels. The classic, sporty design of the Millesime Chronograph Tri-Compax, with its neo-vintage appeal and subtle nod to the iconic Panda dials, resonates with the sophisticated style of Largo Winch, the ever-elegant gentleman adventurer.
The RAYMOND WEIL x Largo Winch Millesime Chronograph is not just a watch; it's a narrative, a journey encapsulated in a meticulously crafted timepiece. The watch's design echoes the Largo Winch universe, incorporating subtle details that pay homage to the graphic novel series. The green hue of dollar bills, a recurring motif in the comics, is artfully integrated into the chronograph's counters and tachymeter scale, adding a touch of intrigue and symbolism.
On the case back, an exclusive illustration by Philippe Francq depicts Largo Winch on the Mont-Blanc Bridge, a landmark in Geneva, with a glimpse of one of the historic paddle steamers on Lake Geneva in the background. This evocative scene symbolizes the beginning of a new adventure, mirroring the spirit of the graphic novels and the essence of Largo Winch himself.
Francq's involvement in the project extended beyond mere inspiration; he played an active role in the design process, meticulously crafting the details to ensure the watch truly captured the essence of his creation. From the initial hand-drawn sketches to the final digital blueprints, every step was executed with precision and passion, reflecting the dedication of both the artist and the watchmaker.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
"I've always been and continue to be an artisan in my creative process as an illustrator, the same way the artisans at RAYMOND WEIL assemble the watches of this special series by hand in their workshops in Geneva," explains Philippe Francq. This shared commitment to craftsmanship underscores the collaboration, highlighting the intricate work and dedication involved in bringing both a graphic novel and a watch to life.
The mechanical movement of the RAYMOND WEIL x Largo Winch watch mirrors the fast-paced rhythm of Largo Winch's adventures, where split-second decisions can have far-reaching consequences. This fusion of two worlds, horology and graphic novels, results in a unique collector's item that appeals to both watch enthusiasts and fans of the 9th art. It's a testament to RAYMOND WEIL's ability to push the boundaries of traditional watchmaking while staying true to their heritage of artistic collaboration.
At first glance, the watch captivates with its classic, sporty aesthetic. The finely crafted stainless steel case, measuring 39.5mm in diameter, houses a silver sector dial that exudes a refined, understated charm. The dial's intricate design features a captivating interplay of textures and colors, with the "dollar green" counters providing a subtle nod to the Largo Winch universe. These green accents, specifically Pantone 4214C, are strategically placed within the chronograph's subdials and tachymeter scale, adding a touch of vibrancy and intrigue to the overall composition.
The chronograph's tri-compax layout, a hallmark of classic watchmaking, adds a functional and visual appeal. The 30-minute counter at 3 o'clock, the 12-hour counter at 6 o'clock, and the small seconds subdial at 9 o'clock work in perfect harmony, providing a clear and intuitive reading of elapsed time. The subdial at 9 o'clock features a subtle "W" motif, discreetly referencing the Largo Winch logo, further solidifying the connection between the watch and the graphic novel series.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
The hands of the watch are equally refined, with obelisk-shaped hour and minute hands and sleek, polished chronograph hands. These hands, along with the indices, are coated with Super-Luminova®, ensuring optimal legibility in low-light conditions. The chronograph seconds hand, with its distinctive green tip, adds a dynamic touch, mirroring the fast-paced nature of Largo Winch's adventures. Protecting the dial is a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with dual-sided anti-reflective coating, ensuring clarity and durability. The fluted crown, adorned with the RW monogram, provides a secure grip for winding and setting the time.
Turning the watch over reveals another captivating detail: a sapphire crystal case back showcasing the intricate mechanical movement within. But it's not just the movement that catches the eye; it's the exclusive illustration created by Philippe Francq specifically for this limited edition. The illustration depicts Largo Winch on the Mont-Blanc Bridge in Geneva, with a hint of one of the historic paddle steamers on Lake Geneva in the background. This scene, imbued with a sense of adventure and anticipation, perfectly encapsulates the spirit of the collaboration.
Powering this exceptional timepiece is the RW5030 automatic movement, a testament to RAYMOND WEIL's commitment to horological excellence. This movement, based on the reliable Sellita SW510, boasts a robust 62-hour power reserve, ensuring accurate timekeeping even when the watch is not worn for an extended period.
Completing the watch's refined aesthetic is a grey genuine calf leather strap with a unique W-stitched detail, providing a comfortable and secure fit on the wrist. The stainless steel buckle, featuring a traditional design, adds a touch of classic elegance. Even the lining of the strap carries a subtle reference to Largo Winch, with an embossed "W" from the official logo.
Courtesy of Raymond Weil
The RAYMOND WEIL x Largo Winch Millesime Chronograph is a true collector's item, embodying the spirit of adventure, the precision of Swiss watchmaking, and the artistry of graphic novels. It's a watch that tells a story, inviting you to explore the world of Largo Winch and experience the thrill of his adventures on your wrist.
This limited-edition of 300 timepiece is priced at CHF 3,595 / £3,195 / $3,775 / €3,895, making it a compelling proposition for watch enthusiasts and fans of the graphic novel series alike. It's a testament to RAYMOND WEIL's ability to create exceptional timepieces that resonate with a diverse audience, bridging the gap between horology and the arts.