This Watches and Wonder 2025, Raymond Weil unveiled the Freelancer Skeleton (ref. 2795-BKC-20000) with the kind of fanfare you’d expect from someone announcing a new show on a streaming service… but forgetting to upload the trailer. It’s a sleek, openworked spin on the brand’s modern-meets-classic Freelancer line — and while there’s plenty to like here, it ended up in the shadow of its flashier sibling, the Freelancer Complete Calendar, which got all the attention (and all the applause). But get this: for a limited edition release, the brand gave us one single press image of the Raymond Weil Freelancer Skeleton. Just one. For a skeleton watch. That’s like releasing a sports car and only showing a close-up of the side mirror. For a piece meant to show off its inner beauty, it felt like the brand hit “send” on the email and went on vacation. But don’t worry, we went and got some shots in Geneva.
There’s something undeniably compelling about the Freelancer Skeleton. The 40mm cushion-shaped case immediately sets it apart from the sea of round-cased skeleton watches. Crafted in black PVD-coated stainless steel, it has a stealthy, matte finish that’s both modern and versatile. At 10.5mm thick, it strikes a sweet spot — thin enough to wear comfortably, but thick enough to feel solid on the wrist. The sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating makes it easy to appreciate the star of the show: the openworked dial, powered by the RW1212 movement. Raymond Weil currently offers a round version of this watch, as well, but with cushion and square cases trending lately, the shift makes sense. Completing the look is a black calfskin leather strap paired with a black PVD-coated ‘RW’ folding clasp featuring a double pusher safety system. It’s also rated to 100 meters of water resistance, adding real-world practicality to the bold design.
The black galvanic skeletonized dial offers a clear view into the movement’s inner workings. The exposed balance wheel at 6 o’clock, anchored by a traversing bridge, adds architectural depth and gives off a touch of that “tourbillon look”— without the tourbillon price tag. It’s a visually interesting dial that should appeal to anyone who loves mechanical artistry. Despite the stealthy, monochrome vibe, legibility was clearly a consideration. The applied indexes and black nickel-plated hands are filled with white Super-LumiNova, making it readable even in low light. And that’s a good thing; without lume, this would’ve been a tough one to read. Reading the hour is still a bit of a stretch, but overall, this could have been far worse.
The RW1212 caliber is reimagined by Raymond Weil to enhance its visual impact. The standout feature is the exposed balance wheel at 6 o’clock, framed by an openworked traversing bridge that adds depth to the dial. The goal was to give it a “tourbillon look” when originally developed. Developed in collaboration with Sellita, this self-winding movement blends precision engineering with modern design. The RW1212 has a 41-hour reserve and beats at 28,800 vibrations per hour.
The Freelancer Skeleton feels like the kind of watch you’d gravitate toward as your first edgy piece after graduating from a fashion watch. It breaks away from the safe, minimal crowd and leans into a bolder, more expressive style — without going full avant-garde. If you’re looking to make that jump, this is a strong entry point. While I wish some of the movement workings were blacked out, it’s not bad. Raymond Weil might not always be at the top of the enthusiast radar, but this release shows it’s still willing to take design risks and offer something different at an accessible price point. The Raymond Weil Freelancer Skeleton (2795-BKC-20000) is available now and priced at $3,625 USD. For more information, please visit the Raymond Weil website.
Source: Hands-On: Raymond Weil Freelancer Skeleton Watch | aBlogtoWatch
