The arrival of Elie and Pierre Bernheim at the side of their father, Olivier Bernheim, CEO and President of Raymond Weil (Raymond Weil himself is still active in the company and holds the title of Honorary President), is confirmation that the independent and family business intends on remaining independent and that this new generation is contributing by bringing a collection of revived, rejuv-enated, and reaffirmed products to the table. This is not a ‘revolution’ but rather an ‘evolution’ that is in tune with the marketplace and that has resulted in a line-up of watches that are more imposing and more architectural, with prime importance given to the mechanical movement.

Nabucco Cuore Caldo
A perfect example of this evolution is the totally new and imposing Nabucco Cuore Caldo, which is available in a limited edition of 500 watches. It represents two firsts for Raymond Weil. It is the brand’s first bi-compax flyback automatic chronograph and its first utilization of titanium. In the new Nabucco Cuore Caldo, the titanium is combined with pink gold and polished/brushed steel in a very architectural case featuring a diameter of 46mm and lateral inserts in carbon fibre.
Another important element of this new timepiece is that it prefigures future developments. This watch will be offered in a box that also contains a pen and a pair of cufflinks made in steel and carbon fibre. It is a prelude to the upcoming launch of a new line of men’s luxury accessories.




NABUCCO CUORE CALDO



NABUCCO


Nabucco
Just as impressive with its 46mm diameter and its robust, strong, and very sporty appearance, the Nabucco (presented last year at BaselWorld) is a Valjoux tri-compax automatic chronograph operating at 28,800 vibrations per hour. It also features a power reserve of 46 hours and water resistance to 200 metres, obtained thanks to its screw-in crown, pushbuttons, and caseback.
For the first time, Raymond Weil is now integrating steel and carbon fibre into the sides of this timepiece’s sculptural case and in the links of its very flexible bracelet made of polished steel, brushed steel, and carbon fibre, with a motif that echoes the dial. Very architectural in design, the dial has a raised central zone that contains the counters and the date display window.

Freelancer
Last year also saw the birth of a new men’s and ladies’ collection whose name itself—Freelancer—symbolizes the ‘tribute that Pierre and Elie Bernheim wanted pay to their grandfather for his spirit of independence’. This spirit is incarnated notably in the first Raymond Weil ladies’ mechanical collection, in which the presence of the calibre is affirmed by letting the balance be seen through an opening.
Evoking distinction as well as discretion, the Freelancer features a natural white mother-of-pearl dial, indices in the form of 11 full-cut set diamonds, an opening at 1 o’clock that exposes the balance, a classic round case, steel bracelet, and an automatic mechanical movement with a 38-hour power reserve.




SHINE JEANS and FREELANCER


Shining brightly
Still for the ladies, we note the appearance of the Shine Jeans watch, a part of the very charming Shine collection. With its interchangeable cloth straps, this watch, set with 66 diamonds, exudes an urban and somewhat rebellious image, while offering very modern styling. A reaffirmation of the brand’s spirit of independence.


Source: Europa Star April-May 2008 Magazine Issue