The Freelancer Calibre RW1212 is the first Raymond Weil to be powered by an in-house movement.

Raymond Weil is among the few Swiss watch brands that are still independent and family-owned and this year they have reaffirmed their independence by introducing a new model powered by an in-house movement, the Calibre RW1212. It was actually developed and designed by Raymond Weil but it is produced by Sellita. Some puritans might turn their nose up at calling the RW1212 an in-house calibre, but I think it is actually a very smart and pragmatic move by RW. They got to develop a movement that fits 100% their needs while doing it in partnership with a company that is an expert in movement manufacturing and it has all the necessary infrastructure to make it happen in an economic way. After all, Raymond Weil is a brand that is known to be in the more reasonable price ranges.

I can’t think of a better way for a watchmaker to celebrate 40 years of existence than presenting their own movement. Even its number, 1212, is a nod to the origins of the brand as it is the postal code of Grand-Lancy, the Geneva suburb where RW has its headquarters.

Raymond Weil Freelancer Calibre RW1212

It took 18 months for the R&D team at Raymond Weil to develop the movement and design the dial that would reveal the escapement at 6 o’clock. This open heart design with the bridges holding the diamond-polished balance wheel gives the watch a high-end allure.

The first Raymond Weil model to have this movement is the freelancer “Calibre RW1212”, a stainless steel two-hand watch with a diameter of 42.5 mm and a thickness of only 10.6 mm.

Raymond Weil Freelancer Calibre RW1212

There will be several variations of this model, with silver-toned or black dial matched with a steel bracelet or a leather strap, as well as two-tone models featuring matching bracelets or leather straps.

I don’t have the exact prices yet, but here is Canada, it is expected to retail somewhere around $2,500 CAD for the strap version and about $2,700 on a bracelet.

More about Raymond Weil at raymond-weil.com