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Raymond Weil appears to be on a little bit of a roll. The Millesime assortment is broadly beloved and appreciated, and these new Freelancers hit the spot too. Immediately, I am going hands-on with two variations of the brand new Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar.
I obtained to spend a while with the metal blue-dial model on the bracelet and one other one in rose gold PVD on leather-based. Each price CHF 3,495 / €3,775. Let’s get into it!
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar
So, what do we have now right here? At first look, you could mistake the Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar for a Patek Annual Calendar. After all, that’s not what that is. For starters, an entire calendar requires guide adjustment after months with lower than 31 days. That’s a small compromise, contemplating this Raymond Weil prices about 20 instances lower than a Patek.
Nonetheless, you do get the acquainted structure of a double aperture displaying the day and month on the higher half of the dial. On the decrease one, you get the equally conventional moonphase indicator inside a pointer-date sub-dial. None of that is unique to the Freelancer, however why repair what isn’t damaged? The structure is classical, clear, and extremely aesthetically pleasing.
The rose-tone model mimics the sensation of a classical, difficult costume watch. The metal model, in the meantime, has a extra individualistic identification. It’s a sportier and extra modern-feeling watch. As such, it additionally feels extra unique to Raymond Weil, which is why it’s my favourite of the 2.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar specs
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar’s stainless-steel case measures 40mm large, 48mm from lug to lug, and 10.2mm thick. This implies it has fairly fashionable, substantial dimensions, like a sports activities watch. Up high and down beneath, we discover sapphire crystals for a transparent view of the dial and the motion.
Talking of the motion, that is the automated caliber RW3281. It contains a Sellita SW300-1 base with a calendar module on high. The motion runs at 28,800vph and presents a 56-hour energy reserve on a full wind. Its calendar capabilities are adjustable through pushers within the case flanks.
The rose-tone PVD mannequin comes on a brown leather-based strap with a plated single-deployant clasp and curved ends/spring bars. The metal mannequin, in the meantime, sits on a five-row bracelet with a butterfly clasp. Each choices lack micro-adjustment and quick-release pins.
Sporting the Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar
As alluded to above, these two variations provide radically totally different sporting experiences. The rose-tone mannequin has a proper, old-school vibe to it. Though it suits effectively on my 18cm wrist, I discover it a bit too massive for that vibe. The metal model, in the meantime, wears way more like a sports activities watch. From that perspective, its measurement is completely high quality.
The phrase that retains popping up in my head is “inoffensive.” The Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar brings collectively quite a few well-proven components in a means that, granted, isn’t unique, but it surely works. The watches are effectively made, properly completed, and, above all, fairly delicate. If you end up drooling over unobtainable annual and perpetual calendars however need one thing simpler to amass and personal, this may very well be your guess.
I discover these watches fairly fairly on the wrist. This is sensible as they don’t do something jarring and even new. They’re merely handsome, well-made, and, consequently, inoffensive. I do know that sounds a bit bland and uninspired. I assume it’s, however that doesn’t all the time must be a unfavorable factor.
Who’s it for?
I don’t assume it is a collector’s watch. I reckon seasoned watch fanatics would like the stronger identification of the Millesime assortment. As an alternative, I feel that is extra more likely to find yourself on the wrists of one-time watch consumers. Should you just like the look of an annual/perpetual calendar however have set your self a €5K funds, this might scratch your itch.
Would I like to recommend it to such folks? Sure, I wholeheartedly would. The Raymond Weil Freelancer Full Calendar presents a ton of high-horology attraction with out the hefty price ticket and sophisticated possession expertise. My clear favourite is the metal model as a result of I feel its dimensions higher go well with its character. As well as, it feels barely extra unique to me, even when the bracelet design is strongly related to one other model.
All in all, Raymond Weil delivers a compelling package deal with the Freelancer Full Calendar. What do you consider it? Tell us within the feedback part down beneath!
