Introducing: The New Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar

Thanks to the accomplished vintage design of its successful Millesime collection, Raymond Weil is emitting a stronger signal on the watchmaking radar. While the brand has been active since 1976, it really came to the fore with third-generation members of the founding Weil family and their winning bet on the Millesime. Determined to bring the magic touch to another collection, the brand will release a new complete calendar model in its flagship Freelancer family. Well-proportioned, well-designed and well-finished, the Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar is a new contender in the accessible complications market.

Launched in 2007, the Raymond Weil Freelancer was the first collection directed by Elie Bernheim and is an eclectic family with everything from classic time-only models to sportier chronographs and divers and from skeletonised models to world timers with round and square-shaped cases for men and women alike.

The new Freelancer Complete Calendar classically displays the date, month, day and moon phases in a redesigned 40mm case with integrated correctors. A classic round case with stepped tapering lugs, it is available in stainless steel with a matching bracelet or a rose gold PVD-coated model with a brown calfskin strap. Fitted with sapphire crystals front and back, the large, fluted crown screws down to ensure the 100-metre water-resistance, something you might not have expected with a calendar complication and a chic feel.

Nicely proportioned, the case is decorated with bright polished surfaces and a brushed finish on the length of the case middle and lugs. The wide, polished bezel, which extends slightly over the case and protects the crown, frames the dial.

The steel case is paired with a blue dial, and the rose gold PVD has an attractive dune dial, both with a satin/smooth sunray-brushed finish. Classically arranged, the day of the week and month are displayed in two bevelled rectangular apertures at noon, and the moon phases are shown on the circular counter at 6 o’clock with the date displayed on the external ring and indicated by a hand. Set against a starry blue sky, the moon depicted in the complication is taken from a NASA image.

Despite the calendar indications, the dial emanates a sensation of space and serenity. Particularly attractive are the applied hour markers. Rose gold-plated or nickel-plated, the indices have a small rectangular plot of lume at their tips and taper elegantly towards the interior of the dial. The hands adopt the same profile and also feature a luminescent insert. Completing the picture, there is a circular-brushed minutes track on the periphery.

Powered by the automatic calibre RW3281 (a Sellita SW 300-1 base with a calendar module), the modern movement delivers a robust 56-hour power reserve. The steel Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar and the rose gold PVD-coated steel share the same price: CHF 3,495, EUR 3,775 or GBP 3,195 (all prices incl. VAT).

For more information, please consult raymondweil.com.