HOLIDAY SEASON: A SPECIAL SELECTION FROM ELIE BERNHEIM
Elie Bernheim, CEO of RAYMOND WEIL, looks back and discusses his favourite models of 2022.
RAYMOND WEIL has enjoyed much success over the years and our family business continues to flourish. Part of the reason for this growth is that we never stand still, conceiving new ideas and striving to make our products even better. I can confidently say that 2022 has been a great year for our company, with our talented team producing some incredible watches. Having released several exciting new models, it has been difficult to select just three personal favourites, however, I’m never afraid of a challenge.
The freelancer GMT
As the CEO of RAYMOND WEIL, I need to travel extensively around the world. Often, I have to liaise with colleagues in different times zones. Wearing a watch that shows the time in 24 time zones simultaneously proves very useful.
Historically, the Worldtimer complication was prohibitively expensive, however, with the advent of the freelancer GMT Worldtimer, RAYMOND WEIL has managed to democratise this genre of watch. Whilst this watch is more accessible, it makes no concessions in terms of quality, with numerous luxurious details in evidence. This new freelancer GMT is available in three versions: a khaki green and a black dial variants for the Worldtimer models, and the blue dial GMT. Personally, I prefer the black GMT Worldtimer because its case is coated in black DLC, allowing a contemporary and stealthy appearance.
The maestro Small Seconds
The new maestro serves as the perfect companion for special events. Offered in a choice of three dial colours, I am especially drawn to the grey dial option, which is elegantly understated.
Numerous subtle details enrich the dial’s appearance, distinguishing it as refined. Slightly smoky in appearance, the dial transitions from mid grey at the centre to a deep grey near its outer edge. Measuring 39.5mm in diameter, the case is fitted with a sapphire caseback, affording sight of the self-winding movement. When I need to attend an important occasion, the new maestro is invariably my go-to watch.
The freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax
Of all of the RAYMOND WEIL models of 2022, the freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax is certainly the most personal to me. Seeking a motorbike for promotional purposes, we turned to Meister Engineering, a Geneva-based company reimagining motorbikes in a creative and beautiful way, with a passion for signature details.
I enjoy riding along country roads and admiring Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery. This custom motorbike fuelled my imagination and led to the creation of this new chronograph in bronze. The watch is endowed with numerous features such as a tachymeter scale and a pulsometer scale, a useful feature when your heart is racing!
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