Three New Raymond Weil Millesime Watches

The Millesime assortment by Raymond Weil took us without warning when it launched final 12 months. Every now and then, a watch comes alongside that simply appears to work. The design and the execution simply click on. The Millesime is such a watch. So when Raymond Weil introduced new fashions, I used to be eager to present them a strive.

Immediately, I’m testing the 35mm Automated, the 39.5mm Moon Section, and a brand new green-dial Small Seconds mannequin on a bracelet. These fashions will grow to be out there in September.

The Raymond Weil Millesime

In case you aren’t but accustomed to the Raymond Weil Millesime, let me provide you with some background. Millésime means “classic” in French, and these watches definitely look the half. Nonetheless, for those who observe my writing, chances are you’ll know I undergo from a slight vintage-inspired fatigue. I’m nearly achieved with all of the fake patina and one-to-one copies of historic references. The Millesime, nonetheless, takes a unique method, and it occurs to be one which I like fairly a bit.

Raymond Weil applies a way known as “developed design.” It takes a historic idea as a place to begin after which asks what it could seem like if it have been drawn in the present day. The end result, if achieved proper, tends to be extra unique and fewer sentimental than most straight classic reissues are. The method takes the gimmicky vibe out of vintage-inspired design.

For those who take a look at the Raymond Weil Millesime, you see a classical watch somewhat than a classic one. It’s supremely clear and easy but characterful. Certain, it’s much like sector-dial watches from manufacturers like Longines and Jaeger-LeCoultre, however additionally it is distinctly completely different. The truth that RW went with a properly faceted case, non-blued fingers, and crisp white lume offers the old-school idea with modern attraction and relevance.

The 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime Automated

Now on to the watches in entrance of me. The primary I want to cowl is the 35mm model with its center-seconds structure. At just below 10mm thick and 42mm from lug to lug, it is a small watch. I prefer it as a result of the dimensions is in excellent concord with the design. There may be much less unfavorable house on the dial, and the whole lot is a bit more condensed.

The 39.5mm and the 35mm in contrast

You possibly can see the caliber RW4200 by the sapphire window on the again. If the motion appears to be like acquainted, it’s as a result of it’s based mostly on the Sellita SW200 household. This can be a good factor as a result of these are among the longest-running and most dependable ébauche calibers within the enterprise. In RW guise, it has an influence reserve of 41 hours. Accuracy isn’t specified, so anticipate one thing pretty customary.

The water resistance is rated at 50 meters, which is loads for a watch of this model. The hour and minute fingers are lumed, and so they make their rounds over a good looking multi-textured sector dial. This 35mm model is my favourite as I really feel the dial works greatest at this scale. The flat vertically brushed bezel is narrower than on the 39.5mm fashions, which is the one factor I’d change. I just like the meatier bezel as a result of it provides the bigger fashions a barely extra muscular look. This 35mm model is priced at €1,695.

The 39.5mm Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Section

The second new mannequin is housed within the 39.5mm case of the unique Millesime. This case is simply over 10mm thick and 46mm lengthy. Whereas it stays completely wearable, it does look considerably bigger and extra trendy in consequence.

Including a moonphase complication to the Millesime makes a ton of sense. For starters, it fits this model like a allure. Moreover, the dial was already completely balanced for a sub-dial at 6 o’clock as a result of the unique mannequin had a sub-seconds structure. The “Automated” line stays beneath a subdued moonphase show with a face drawn on the moon.

Inside, we discover one other Raymond Weil model of a Sellita 200-family caliber, the RW4280. Aside from a customized rotor, it isn’t adorned. I may see why you may lament this, however I really feel the naked look of the caliber fits the watch fairly effectively. I’d have been effective with an all-steel again too. The moonphase show does add visible curiosity, even when it is vitally subtly utilized. The face on the moon takes somewhat little bit of the seriousness out of the design, which is good. This Millesime Moon Section is available in at €2,295.

A inexperienced dial and a bracelet

Lastly, we’ve the Raymond Weil Millesime Automated Small Seconds with a brand new inexperienced dial and a bracelet. Underneath the hood, this is identical watch Lex described earlier than. Aesthetically, nonetheless, the bracelet and the dial change the character of the watch drastically.

Beginning with the dial, you get the acquainted structure however lacquered in a form of acid or kelp inexperienced. Inexperienced is a notoriously troublesome shade to get proper on watch dials. On the one hand, Raymond Weil succeeded find a really versatile shade. You can find this simple to pair with apparel, and it’s suited to each day sporting. On the identical time, I really feel the colour would have been extra interesting if there have been a tad much less yellow in its make-up. Granted, it is a subjective matter.

Transferring on to the bracelet, we discover a traditional five-row chrome steel instance with feminine finish hyperlinks that keep the watch’s 46mm general size. This bracelet is kind of thick, and it feels stable. The double-push-button butterfly clasp fits the model of the watch. It’s important to shut it in a particular order, although, which some may discover bothersome. The Millesime wears effectively on the bracelet. Sadly, there are not any quick-release or micro-adjustment mechanisms, so it’s one thing of a set-and-forget choice. On the time of writing, we don’t but have a value for this mannequin.

Good additions to the Millesime lineup

I feel these three new fashions present that Raymond Weil takes the Millesime line significantly. And that’s rightfully in order it appears to get individuals excited in regards to the model. The brand new fashions present the potential for the road when it comes to sizes, colours, and issues.

My favourite, as you will have gathered, is the 35mm Automated. I really feel it lets the design sing, and I like its under-the-radar, old-school presence on the wrist. The bracelet mannequin might be my least favourite. This additionally speaks to the truth that the grey leather-based straps simply look very good on the others. If, nonetheless, you need extra versatility, the bracelet is a superb choice.

I, for one, am curious to see what the long run brings for the Raymond Weil Millesime line. The potential is definitely there, as these three stable choices show.

What do you consider the Raymond Weil Millesime assortment and these three new variations? Tell us within the feedback under!