A model that’s well-known throughout the entry-level luxurious watch phase, Raymond Weil can be one of many largest Swiss watchmakers, producing an estimated 200,000 items per 12 months. Based in 1976 – amid the quartz disaster – by its eponymous founder, the model managed to thrive, and right this moment it stays underneath the stewardship of the unique household, now in its third era.
The model has all the time had a penchant for including a little bit of spice from the music business, working with musicians as collaborators, and producing watches with a definite musical contact. Now, it has simply unveiled one other music-related timepiece: the Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax Chronograph.
Because the watchmaker welcomes its newest partnership with saxophonist Sandy Sax and pianist Victor Le Douarec, Raymond Weil seeks to create a particular version wristwatch with colors that convey the thrill of life’s musical performances. And the outcome doesn’t disappoint – the Freelancer Pop encompasses a pleasant interaction of turquoise and gray, complemented by an abundance of considerate particulars on the dial, including to the general pleasure.
“This restricted version is an ode to dwell music. With hints of vibrant color on the dial, the design presents an added inventive vitality inside our assortment of freelancer chronographs,” says Elie Bernheim, the model’s chief. “The total titanium case and bracelet present light-weight comfortability each on stage and within the viewers. I hope this timepiece will encourage you to dwell your life with ardour, creativity, and pleasure.”
Certainly, the Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax Chronograph measures 43.5 mm in width, but it’s totally constructed from light-weight titanium, together with the five-link bracelet. This makes it a super selection for these searching for a powerful presence whereas prioritising consolation. Moreover, the bezel insert, manufactured from ceramic, options an uncommon matte end and round brushing, deviating from the standard excessive polish.
Transferring on to the dial, which is the place the watch stands out. The most recent iteration seems to be an enchancment over earlier Freelancer chronographs when it comes to dial structure and design – the sooner fashions felt considerably simplistic, and a few even resembled vogue equipment. Nevertheless, the newest model manages to be a bit extra professional-looking, because of its array of chic particulars.
Ranging from the centre of the dial, which encompasses a grained piece completed with a gradient impact darkening in direction of the sting. Surrounding it’s a ring adorned with round guilloche (often known as azurage), adopted by a minute monitor in gray, earlier than reaching a raised, sloped flange in turquoise, printed with the pulsation scale. Equally, the dual registers at three and 9 o’clock are additionally in turquoise, creating a powerful and modern distinction towards the gray background.
Notably, the time-telling fingers, together with the small seconds at 9 o’clock, are all in plain silver, whereas the chronograph fingers, such because the elapsed minutes at three o’clock and the middle elapsed seconds, are painted in colors. This pays homage to historic chronographs, the place the fingers and colors differ for numerous capabilities. One other attention-grabbing element is the date wheel, that includes an uncommon and full of life font that provides a spontaneous contact to the watch, harking back to a dwell jazz music efficiency.
Contained in the watch is the RW5030, which is basically a Sellita SW510. It’s initially a three-counter chronograph, however right here the elapsed hour at six o’clock has been omitted for a cleaner look. The watch has a working time of 56 hours.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax Chronograph
Motion: RW5030 (SW 510); automated; 56 hours energy reserve
Features: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, and chronograph
Case: 43.5 x 13.7 mm; titanium; water-proof to 100 m
Strap: Titanium bracelet folding clasp
Availability: 400 items
