ReviewRaymond Weil Add Square-Shaped Watches To Their Freelancer Collection

Established in 1976, independent watchmaker Raymond Weil have managed to build a favourable reputation among watch lovers and connoisseurs, mainly due to their individuality and a state of independence, which the brand guards zealously. Their watches are steeped in traditional Swiss watchmaking traditions and showcase a largely classical design aesthetic—crafted to suit the tastes of a contemporary audience. One of their best-selling collections is the Freelancer, which was launched in 2007, to cater to the horological choices of the urbane population; people who are absolutely confident of their choices. This line offers an eclectic mix of mechanical watches that marry classic and modern design elements, with innovation at its core and we have seen some brilliant chronographs, GMT watches and even dive timers in this range.

However, these timepieces have always maintained a round case shape and the brand has now shaken things up to introduce new models with square-shaped cases—a very neo-retro aesthetic for the collection. It’s important to note that while the brand is in a constant state of evolution; aestheticism and art are the major driving forces and also serve as inspiration for their timepieces, which combine ergonomics, refinement, and modernity. The new Freelancer automatic models also highlight this philosophy as they reinterpret the old, round form into a cushion-shaped design with signature brand details that radiate contemporary sophistication. Let’s take a closer look.

The new watches are housed in a 40 x 40mm square case with options of a green or blue dial. Crafted in stainless-steel, they offer a water-resistance of up to 100m, despite having an exhibition caseback that gives a glimpse of the powerhouse—Calibre RW1212

A Square Deal: Raymond Weil Freelancer—Now In A Cushion-Shaped Design

The new watches are housed in a 40 x 40mm square case with options of a green or blue dial. Crafted in stainless-steel, they offer a water-resistance of up to 100m, despite having an exhibition caseback that gives a glimpse of the powerhouse—Calibre RW1212, which brings these watches to life. The fluted, screwed-down crown with the RW monogram also contributes towards the waterproofness of this timepiece. The edges of the case softly arc, almost seamlessly blending to form this framework, allowing various facets, lines, and curves to play with light—enhancing the beauty of these gorgeous timekeepers.

The dials, as mentioned earlier come in hues of blue or green with a gradient pattern and texture, and feature hands and indexes enhanced with Super-LumiNova. Anyone who is familiar with the Freelancer watches would know that one of their signature designs is the balance wheel, visible through an aperture at six o’clock. The new square models also showcase the same and this is quite a spectacle, when the watch is beating on one’s wrist. While the dial offers this view, the caseback offers a grand view of the Calibre RW1212 and the W-shaped oscillating weight. The watches are presented on matching leather straps, also available in green or blue colours to balance the design and one can also choose from stainless-steel bracelets, in case you live in more tropical climes and are not a fan of leather straps.

The dial features their signature design where the balance wheel is visible through an aperture at six o’clock

These new square-shaped Freelancer watches are driven by the Calibre RW1212, which contains 27 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800vph to supply a power reserve of at least 38 hours

Raymond Weil Freelancer

₹2,50,000

Check Our Selling Price

There are also slightly smaller and more compact versions available for those who may want minimalistic dials with basic three-hand timekeeping and date functions. This models have been reimagined for the modern individual, fusing a cushion-shaped design with signature brand details that radiate contemporary sophistication. Measuring 34.5 x 34.5mm in diameter, these Freelancer timepieces also have a cushion-shaped case and are driven by the automatic RW4200 movement, with a 38-hour power reserve, and are ideally suited to daily wear.

There are also slightly smaller and more compact versions available for those who may want minimalistic dials with basic three-hand timekeeping and date functions

Measuring 34.5 x 34.5mm, these Freelancer automatics also have a cushion-shaped case

Raymond Weil Freelancer Shop the Collection

Available in blue or green dials, they feature luminescent hour and minute hands with matching indexes, a centre seconds hand and a rectangular date window at three o’clock. The dial’s gradient draws the eye towards the centre, where a captivating W-shaped motif, creates a wave-like pattern.

Water-resistant to 100m, these versions are available with blue or green leather straps, matching the respective dials, featuring bezels paved with 60 lab-grown diamonds; all-steel versions with matching bracelets, also with bezels dotted with 60 lab-grown diamonds; and a steel version with blue dial without any diamonds on the bezel.

Water-resistant to 100m, the all-steel version featured here, comes with a matching steel bracelet, and features a bezel dotted with 60 lab-grown diamonds

These Freelancer watches are driven by the automatic RW4200 movement, with a 38-hour power reserve

Raymond Weil Freelancer

₹2,90,000

Check Our Selling Price

The Iconic Calibre RW1212: Raymond Weil’s First In-House Movement

It was in 2017 that the brand launched their first in-house movement—Calibre RW1212. Its distinctive characteristic is the aperture at six o’clock, which gives a view of the regulating organ. It derives its name from the postal code of the company’s headquarters in Grand-Lancy, Geneva, and pays homage to the brand’s watchmaking expertise. The development process was a tedious one and began with the Calibre RW4200, where the R&D team disassembled this movement, with the goal of revealing the balance wheel as the main highlight. After many trials and tribulations, the Calibre RW1212 was born, displaying its beating heart, positioned beneath an open-worked traversing bridge. These new square-shaped Freelancer watches are also driven by the Calibre RW1212, which contains 27 jewels and beats at a frequency of 28,800vph to supply a power reserve of at least 38 hours. It has an Incabloc shock-protection system and an Etachron-type regulator mechanism for supreme accuracy and precision. Powered by the fine mechanics of this reliable powerhouse, the new Freelancer watches are sure to pique the interest of those looking for a timekeeper, which lies at the intersection of elegant design and innovation.