Here at DiscerningGent.com we are fans of independent watchmakers. We are also fans of the large watch groups – we love many timepieces after all – but we get very excited by the independent makers. Raymond Weil is one such independent watchmaker and the Freelancer Calibre RW1212 is the first in their line up to feature their very own in-house design movement and celebrates 40 years of the timepiece brand.
The significance of making your very own watch movement cannot be underestimated. Many Swiss watchmakers are owned by huge conglomerate groups such as Swatch, amongst others. This watch group decided to reduce the supply of its own ETA watch movements within the industry, causing a big impact to those makers that rely on its movement to power their watches. So, outside of these large conglomerates like Swatch, many brands were forced to find alternative suppliers or develop their own. Raymond Weil’s approach was to work with movement manufacturer Sellita to produce its own movement – a sort of hybrid approach between truly developing its own or working with a supplier.
But enough of the history lesson, this is a fantastic timepiece for any discerning gent looking for a great looking dress watch with a level of detail that catches the eye. Starting with the movement, 1212, named after the postcode of Raymond Weil’s Geneva suburb – it is visible on the dial of the timepiece at 6 o’clock to showcase the escapement feature. On the caseback on the reverse the sapphire crystal section of the movement can be seen too.
The dials are available in black or silver, with the overall size of the timepiece comes in at 42.5mm with a case thickness of 10.6mm – so it has the presence without being too big. Available in bracelet or strap – there are seven options available from silver, gold and two-tone metal to black and brown leather.
RRP £1,595 – £1,795 – Raymond Weil
