GPHG 2023 Challenge Watch Prize: Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Small Seconds

The saga of three generations, who understood how to make their independence their greatest strength is rewarded by their peers : an honor on the eve of RAYMOND WEIL's 50th anniversary. Swiss watchmaking know-how, accessibility, and a modern flair: since 1976, the RAYMOND WEIL dynasty has been inventing and boldly reinventing itself, while still preserving the DNA of its original success : a strong vision recognized into its Millesime Automatic Small Seconds timepiece just awarded at the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève by winning the Challenge Watch Prize. 

As the third generation leading the company established by my grandfather nearly 50 years ago in Geneva, winning this award in our hometown is a true privilege. I’d like to extend my gratitude to our loyal suppliers and partners. Our historic and long-lasting collaborations are invaluable. Another wholehearted thank you goes to my team, who work hard every day to create exceptional timepieces that combine tradition and innovation". Elie Bernheim – CEO.

In the heart of Switzerland’s watchmaking center, RAYMOND WEIL has been nurturing its craftsmanship for nearly half a century with a relentless pursuit of creative elegance, innovative technicality and Swiss-made excellence, all offered at an unequalled price.

For this inaugural millesime collection, RAYMOND WEIL pays homage to the rich heritage and traditions of horology while celebrating the simplicity of refined design. The brand has naturally delved into the past, creating new timepieces that offer period charm combined with present-day practicality.

The complex and carefully orchestrated watchmaking process behind the millesime collection highlights the brand’s expertise, skill, and precision. From the delicate assembly of the mechanical self-winding movement to the intricate finishing touches, every component is crafted with the utmost care. The result is a symphony of complex details that captivates watch enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike.

The collection comprises two horological variations referenced 2925 and 2930, one featuring a center-seconds and the other a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Both models are housed in a slender stainless-steel case, measuring 39.5mm in diameter and enjoy a graceful thin profile.

The dial, located beneath a vintage-inspired sapphire crystal glassbox, has been refined to the highest degree. The hours and minutes are eloquently conveyed with silver-toned hands, lined with Super-LumiNova®. The sector dial presents the hours, minutes and seconds periods on discrete tracks, augmenting readability. A closer inspection of the dial reveals contrasting finishes. For instance, the hour track is smooth, the minute track is snailed and the central area of the dial is adorned with a delicate vertical brush. As previously stated, the millesime 2930 features a small seconds display at 6 o’clock which is enriched with a tasteful selection of details. For instance, it is delineated with a neat recessed circlet, introducing a seemly play with depths.

The bezel is decorated with a vertical satin-brush that contrasts wonderfully with the highly polished bevel nearby. This juxtaposition of two finishes reinforces the overall level of finishing, a characteristic that distinguishes the millesime collection as special within a crowded marketplace.

A sapphire caseback affords sight of the self-winding movement within and the “W-shaped” oscillating weight, RAYMOND WEIL’s horological signature. Offered in a selection of dial colours, each model is paired with a colour-coordinating genuine calf leather strap with a unique W-stitched detail.

As the name suggests, the collection is a grand vintage interpretation of the RAYMOND WEIL brand. It represents an enduring family legacy and a commitment to preserving generations of Swiss-made artistry while honouring the craftmanship, finesse and passion of watchmaking. Millesime timepieces are genuine collector’s item.

Technical specifications

Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Small Seconds

Reference: 2930-STC-65001

Case

• Material: Stainless steel
• Diameter: 39.5mm
• Thickness: 10.25mm
• Glass: Glassbox sapphire crystal with dual-sided antireflective treatment
• Crown: Fluted with RW monogram
• Case back: Snapped, with sapphire crystal
• Water-resistant to 50 m, 165 ft, 5 atm

Dial and hands

• Silver sector dial, with various finishes
• Nickel plated with Super-Luminova®

Movement

• Mechanical self-winding movement, with small seconds hand at 6 o’clock – RW4251
• Power reserve of 38 hours
• Number of jewels: 31

Functions/Indications

• Central hours and minutes and small seconds at 6 o’clock

Strap and buckle

• Grey genuine calf leather, stainless steel traditional buckle

MSRP: EUR 1'950 (incl. taxes)

For more information, please visit raymond-weil.com