Ask our Watch Expert: 4 Raymond Weil Collections

26 DECEMBER 2022 | SCOTT GIBSON ERNEST JONES WATCH SPECIALIST

The history of Swiss watchmaking is filled with cautionary tales of collapsed companies, especially ones that went under in the period known as the quartz crisis of the 1970s and 1980s. It was during this tumultuous time that a man called Raymond Weil and his partner Simone Bedat began selling their watches from a fold-out table stall in Geneva in 1976.

Today, nearly 50 years later, Raymond Weil has established itself as a serious player internationally, going head-to-head with the older Swiss brands that dominated the market for so long. Raymond Weil is still a relative newcomer in the world of watches. Such a swift rise has come thanks to the appeal of the collections they offer, with a wide range of styles and budgets catered for including classic designs, sporty offerings, or the sparkle of diamonds.

Tango

For any watchmaker, having a collection that is instantly recognisable as being yours is often the key to your success. The biggest brands all have that staple model, like Omega and their Speedmaster, Rolex and the Submariner and so many others. For Raymond Weil, the Tango is the model that best encapsulates this. One of the oldest collections of the four, the Tango has become Raymond Weil’s staple, as popular now as it was when it first launched.

The Tango’s most distinctive feature is no doubt the bezel, which on the three-handed models features distinctive screws set into it. The large roman numerals make for an instantly recognisable dial, as well as an easily readable one. In recent years, the Tango has seen new models added to its lineage, including chronographs, diamond set models and some sportier options too.

The sports models swap out the screwed bezel for one more suited to the timepiece’s functions. This includes a tachymeter for the chronographs, as well as a 24-hour register bezel for the GMT models, both available in a variety of colours. There is no doubt that for Raymond Weil, the Tango is a crucial part of its collection, and we will hopefully be seeing plenty more additions to the range for years to come.

Noemia

A key part of Raymond Weil’s success has been the popularity of its ladies’ range. It is also thanks to its distinctive and elegant looks. The sleek and modern case design flows into the equally stylish bracelet, creating a unified look and appeal to the range.

In luxury watchmaking, details make all the difference. So, the little details in the Noemia collection, such as the blue cabochon stone set into the crown, perfectly emphasise the luxury feel of this timepiece collection. The Noemia has a lot of different options to choose from with a wide variety of dials, Mother of Pearl options as well as sunburst style metallic colours, cases with diamonds and different case sizes (from 24mm up to 34mm).

The Noemia comes equipped with highly accurate Raymond Weil quartz movements. This means the timepiece is super slim, so it can easily slip under a sleeve. The timepieces also have an all-steel construction and a scratch-resistant sapphire crystal, proving the Noemia timepieces are a perfect daily companion (that can also be dressed up when the occasion arises).

Within the Noemia collection, there is a timepiece exclusive to Ernest Jones. The dial grabs the eye immediately with its stunning galvanic green dial, 11 diamonds, and a gold-toned roman numeral at 12 o’clock. The timepiece is fitted with a two-toned bracelet and gold accents which complement the gold tones also present on the dial. With a delicate profile and a 24mm case, this timepiece certainly proves that good things do come in small sizes.

This timepiece is the ultimate expression of Raymond Weil’s passion for luxe watchmaking.

Toccata

If you looked up classic in the dictionary, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a picture of the Toccata collection. Like the Noemia, there is a lot to choose from in the Toccata collection.

There are different case shapes, with a traditional round shape joined by a rectangular cased option and a bracelet or leather strap to attach the watch to the wrist. Add into the different colours available for the case, whether it be stainless steel, gold plated, or a two-tone mix. There is plenty to choose from.

The Toccata also comes in sizes for both gents and ladies, which makes for the perfect his and hers option. If you are looking for a classic timepiece, whatever your preference, there is certainly a Toccata for you.

The dial options of the Toccata range also give plenty of scope. If you prefer a true classic, the white dial with black Roman numerals is timeless in its appeal. For the more minimalist approach, the blue and back options with simple polished markers offer a cleaner look. For the diamond lover? The mother-of-pearl and diamond dial offers a feast for the eyes, glistening in every light.

The Toccata is fitted with slimline quartz movements and features a sapphire crystal, making it a great daily wearer for almost everyone. Subtle enough to be worn casually, but classically styled so it pairs well with a suit or dress, a Toccata makes for the perfect companion.

Freelancer

If the Toccata offers up classic style in buckets, the Freelancer collection does the same but with a Sporty appeal. The softer more rounded edges of the other models are replaced with sharper, more defined angles to create a much bolder design. Whether you plump for the classic three-handed range, the racing style chronographs or the diver’s equipped models, the Freelancer is the timepiece to wear to grab life by the scruff of the neck.

The latest iterations of the chronograph Freelancers introduced new colourways into the line-up. An immediate head turner is the green dial, green leather strap variant. Whilst it shares its mechanics and silhouette with the rest of the range, the green colours make this stand out from the rest (especially with the strap being the same colour as the dial). The silver rings on the chronograph timers add another level to the dial, which is then neatly complicated with a ceramic tachymeter bezel surrounding the whole piece. The strap makes for a very comfortable watch to wear, despite the slightly larger than average case size.

The other variant brought into the range is a white dial, with black surrounds to the chronograph sub-dials. Thus the ‘Panda’ style of the dial has increased in popularity in recent years, and the Freelancer wears it exceptionally well. The black ceramic bezel creates a nice contrast with the dial, while the steel bracelet offers comfort and style thanks to its five-piece links.

The Freelancer comes in a wide variety of sizes, complications, and colours. The majority of the range comes equipped with automatic movements, with an impressive 56-hour power reserve and stunning views of the mechanics, whether it be through the sapphire crystal case back or on some models, the open-worked dial. The same is true of the Chronograph models as well as the World Timer models that are also available, making it the perfect companion for those who love to travel.

Why do we Love Raymond Weil Timepieces?

In the world of luxury watches, one thing that is not in short supply is competition. There is always plenty of choice for anyone looking to buy a new timepiece. Raymond Weil has dealt with this challenge well, going head-to-head against much older and more established brands and carving out its own place in the market. The huge variety of timepieces Raymond Weil offers, with watches to suit any tastes, as well as a wide range of budgets, has been key to its success.

Raymond Weil should definitely be on your radar, no matter where you are in your timepiece journey. Whether it be the first tentative steps into the world of Swiss watchmaking, the next timepiece of many, or if you are looking for someone else, Raymond Weil’s collections will have a timepiece that’s right for you.