Continuity is the byword for Raymond Weil at Baselworld 2014. Although the company still mourn the death of its founding father who gave the business his name and whose entrepreneurial skills formed a global distribution network for his high-quality, affordable Swiss Made watches, his legacy continues and this is still very much a family-owned independent watchmaking business.
Olivier Bernheim, son-in-law of Raymond Weil has been at the helm since 1996. Now ably assisted by his sons Elie and Pierre, reassurance of the company’s on-going commitment to distributors, retailers and customers was demonstrated in the best possible way – with some forward-thinking new models which promise to assuage existing fans and to woo some new ones along the way.
Raymond Weil Collection Baselworld 2014 – Nabucco Rivoluzione II
Raymond Weil Nabucco Rivoluzione II
The Raymond Weil booth rises up like an orchestrina in Hall 1.0 taking the shape of a 9-metre high wooden cello, highly symbolic of their musical partnerships. This deep-rooted association with music was evident in one of their new pieces, the Nabucco Rivoluzione II which comes presented complete with a pair of Sennheiser headphones.
For the first time, a ceramic bezel has been incorporated into the Nabucco collection and both the case and dial have been tweaked giving this new all-black model a striking re-fresh. With a steel and titanium case, the Rivoluzione II still wears light on the wrist despite its generous 46mm case size, and its shadowy good looks are enlivened with red or yellow hands offering just the right touch of vivacity.
Raymond Weil Nabucco Rivoluzione II – Case
Raymond Weil Collection Baselworld 2014 – Freelancer
The ever-popular Freelancer collection also has a new model, available in both 29mm and 42mm cases, featuring a black lacquered dial which serves as the perfect backdrop for rose gold plated indexes, barrel-shaped hands and the superb look-see through to the balance at 12 o’clock.
Raymond Weil Collection Baselworld 2014 – Freelancer
Raymond Weil Collection Baselworld 2014 – Toccata
With a keen eye on the future an all-new collection, Toccata was launched. These entry-level quartz models may be designed with the retailer in mind, but with the same build quality for which Raymond Weil watches are renowned, it will no doubt extend the reach of the brand. Choice is the key for the Toccata collection, with steel or yellow gold PVD plated steel cases sized at 29, 39 and 42mm to choose from. With plenty of dial options and some very classical styling, this new addition to the portfolio is guaranteed to expose Raymond Weil to a whole new audience.
Raymond Weil Toccata – Baselworld 2014
Raymond Weil Collection Baselworld 2014 – Maestro Phase de Lune
The Maestro Phase de Lune model provides a new representation of the complication with contrasting dial finishes and blued hands including an elongated pointer date hand which reaches right out to the dial edge to “cup” the date of the month with its charming crescent-shaped tip. The 44mm steel case of the Maestro moonphase model features four unusual correctors which have been concealed within the bezel rim, each providing setting for the functions. An alligator-style leather strap completes this elegant timepiece.
Raymond Weil Maestro Phase de Lune
Raymond Weil Collection Baselworld 2014 – Jasmine
Raymond Weil take the name of the heroine of Puccini’s Turandot for their Jasmine collection and for this year the 35mm model receives a sprinkling of sparkle with 113 diamonds on its bezel, lugs and bracelet and dials made from shimmering mother-of-pearl. Blued hands form an affinity with the blue jewel-adorned crown and automatic mechanical movements or quartz-powered options will be available.
Raymond Weil Collection Baselworld 2014 – Jasmine
Choice, quality, a wealth of new models and the energy and vitality gained from youthful third generation family members ensure that Raymond Weil, the most musical watchmaking company in the business is tuned for success.
