Independent Swiss brand Raymond Weil has just released a U.S.-limited blue variant of its Skeleton Freelancer, a model originally released in 2018 and already the subject of several variations.
The Release
The new Raymond Weil Blue Skeleton Freelancer Limited Edition is presented in a stainless steel case with grey PVD coating, measuring 42.5mm in diameter and 10.6mm thick; the lugs measure 22mm. Under a sapphire crystal, the RW1212 (so named for the brand’s area code in Switzerland) is on full display. The only thing on the dial, as it were, is the lumed handset, bold varsity-style floating numerals, and the vibrant blue flange with the minutes track. The RW1212 is on full display, with the bridges PVD coated and decorated with perlage, with a full bridge across the balance wheel at 6 o’clock. The handwound RW1212 is manufactured by Sellita using CNC machining and has power reserve of 38 hours with a beat rate of 28,8000 vph. On the caseback, a sapphire crystal allows for further admiration of the movement and the periphery is features red text indicating the limited nature as well as an engraved edition number. A fitted leather strap with contrast blue stitching to match the dial flange features a branded push-button deployant clasp.
Our Thoughts
While many of Raymond Weil’s limited editions are focused on musical figures or influences, it’s nice to see the brand pushing forward with the RW1212 movement. While the first model to feature this movement still had a circular portion of dial under the hour markers, the move to fully open the dial made the offering more impressive, instead of looking like an exaggerated open-heart design. Taking it another step by adding the floating lumed numerals—with a fun athletic style—gives the Blue Skeleton Freelancer a bit more character and improved legibility over its siblings. That said, Raymond Weil—like so many brands before it—has not found a way around the awkward orientation shift of the 3 and 4.
That small nit thusly picked, Raymond Weil is doing just about everything right with this skeleton: a balance on display, contrasting lumed hands and numerals for great legibility, a pop of peripheral color, and perhaps most importantly, it’s not too see through (a common complaint I hear about epically skeletonized movements like those from Angelus is that no one wants to look down at their watch and see their fleshy wrist through the dial). The gray PVD is an interesting choice, given that steel is already grey, but perhaps the brushing and added coating will give the case a bit of extra intrigue in the metal. The larger 42.5mm case is the only thing that might dissuade potential buyers, though such a size is necessary to properly showcase the movement.
Availability
The Raymond Weil Blue Freelancer Skeleton Limited Edition is priced at $3,075 and is limited to 200 pieces. It will be available for purchase April 18, exclusively in the United States through authorized dealers and the brand’s online store. Eager beavers can pre-order the model 48 hours early if they sign up here.
