ReviewInside The Box: Raymond Weil’s New Toccata Edition Takes Forward The Raging Trend Of Rectangular Timepieces

Having been around for more than a century, rectangular watches haven’t really enjoyed as much popularity as round ones. First introduced by Cartier in 1917, they did become quite the rage in initial years but the enthusiasm around them quickly ebbed away. The reasons were several, such as, in the old days, it was much harder to engineer rectangular cases than round cases and designers found it easier to house movements in the latter. Therefore, except for some notable watch brands, most manufacturers stuck to crafting round watches which led to their unequivocal dominance in the market. Aside from a few icons, such as the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso and the Cartier Tank, rectangular watches enjoying the limelight have been few and far between. However, in recent years, this has begun to change, as we’ve seen a new coming of rectangular timepieces that are once again capturing attention. While the Reverso itself is entering its 91st year in production, A. Lange & Söhne reintroduced their high-end rectangular Cabaret Tourbillon Handwerkskunst model in 2021, and Girard-Perregaux continue to introduce newer editions of their Vintage 1945 rectangular pieces. On the other hand, Baume & Mercier have brought back their rectangular Hampton line, and Oris have also launched a new collection of rectangular timekeepers. Adding to this resurgence of rectangular watches, and vociferously following this hot trend are Raymond Weil who recently introduced a new range of rectangular models to their well-established Toccata collection that has been primarily round thus far.

Founded more than four decades ago, Raymond Weil are among the younger watch brands in the industry today. Yet their timepieces are a formidable challenger to the legacy watchmakers. The Geneva-based company are particularly known for their music-inspired collections that offer a seamless blend of avant-garde technology and refined design. Not only this, unlike several other watch manufacturers, they have a wide range of distinguishing timepieces made for both men and women. Part of their extensive repertoire—including quartz and mechanical watches—is the Toccata collection. Launched in 1986, it caters to the needs and requirements of both genders. The range now consists of exquisite and reliable rectangular timepieces that exude a timeless look and offer optimal legibility along with flawless performance. So let’s take a closer look within those four walls, and see what makes these watches so special.

The new offerings of the Toccata collection consist of exquisite and reliable rectangular timepieces that exude a timeless look and offer optimal legibility along with flawless performance. Here is one of the ladies' models in steel with a crisp white dial

A Classic Design

At first glance, the beholder is transported to the early 1920s, an era of economic boom and the expansion and evolution of jazz music. What makes them such appealing and eye-catching timekeepers is their elongated rectangular face that has a sophisticated art deco-esque look, exuding vintage charm. Crafted from high-quality stainless steel, they are available with or without yellow gold PVD coating, which elevates the overall retro appeal. Exemplifying the careful attention paid to each detail is the crown that has been knurled for better grip, while it features the brand’s logo. Despite being reasonably priced, Raymond Weil haven’t compromised on any aspect of these timepieces and they stay true to Swiss craftsmanship. While watches intended for women are sized at a slender 23.4mm, those targeted at men measure 37mm. Regardless of their proportions, all the timepieces are ergonomically designed for a comfortable wearing experience. What’s more, you can pair each watch with an elegant black leather strap, a monotone steel bracelet, a two-tone bracelet or a bracelet completely coated with yellow gold PVD.

Raymond Weil Toccata SHOP THE COLLECTION

A Clean And Balanced Display

The Toccata models offer a no-fuss display. A complete antithesis of complicated watches with overwhelming displays, these watches are presented with just central, two-hand timekeeping, and a neatly placed date aperture at the three o’clock position. The dial also consists of a rectangular track—with clean, black markings—on its periphery, echoing the shape of the case. There is another rectangular track in the centre of the dial, except for in the smaller versions, which feature a thin rectangular box instead. Raymond Weil have offered the Toccata collection with two varieties of dials. The monochrome stainless steel iterations come with a crispy white display, which looks simple yet elegant. Whereas the yellow gold PVD-coated models have a resplendent mother-of-pearl dial. To add a touch of luxury to the overall design, here the brand have used alternating gold and diamond indexes on the display.

Raymond Weil Toccata

₹1,03,000

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A Promise Of Longevity And Flawless Performance

Under the solid caseback, the Toccata timepieces are equipped with a quartz movement that comes with far better accuracy and precision than the most finely-tuned mechanical watches. Another plus point of these quartz watches is, save for the occasional battery changes, they need much less servicing than their mechanical counterparts.

The Toccata timepieces are equipped with a quartz movement that comes with far better accuracy and precision than the most finely-tuned mechanical watches

In all, Raymond Weil have once again showcased their ability to craft timepieces with superior designs and a luxurious feel that also won’t burn a hole in one’s pocket. Unlike their round siblings, these new rectangular iterations are presented with a perfectly refined retro aesthetic all the while remaining true to the brand’s philosophy of making exquisite timekeepers for women and men alike.