The first good reason to consider buying a watch is to keep track of time. The second good reason is to use your watch as a piece of jewelry to adorn your wrist with. This is where Raymond Weil’s Freelancer collection of watches comes in. The sleek designs of the Swiss-made watch brand make sure to attract attention. Whether trying to make a statement, start a conversation, and eventually make yourself feel better, a Raymond Weil Freelancer has a “Yes Sir” from us.
But some of you would say: Is the design of the watch enough to hit the Buy button? What type of mechanisms does it use? What if it is empty from the inside? More about Raymond Weil Freelancer watch collection below…
Raymond Weil Brand Passport
The year of foundation: 1976
Where was it founded: Geneva – Switzerland
Brand founder: Raymond Weil
Watch type: Dress Watches
Price range: From $500 up to $2000
Movements: ETA mechanical and quartz movements, Sellita Automatic movements, In-House movement RW1212
Brief History of Raymond Weil and the born of Freelancer
Mr. Raymond Weil was part of Camy Watch Co. for 27 years until he decided to step out of his General Manager role in 1976 to create his own watch company. It was the “big decision-making time” for Raymond Weil during those years as the Quartz Crisis or Quartz Revolution had just begun to gain momentum.
Unlike other Swiss watch brands who chose to switch to battery-operated movements, Raymond Weil decided to continue with the former old-fashioned method. This way, the journey to the world of watches started for Raymond Weil. The decision to remain faithful to the mechanical movement and honor the craftsmanship above machinery is what strengthened the identity of the brand in a time of slump.
The not-so-humble beginnings include a patented two-time zone complication, an interchangeable bracelet used in the Raymond Weil Shine collection, and hundreds of models made with love for the wrists of the world. Primarily focused on the fundamentals of timekeeping, Weil decided to take the next step. Eventually, a research and development department was opened in the facilities of the company. The results?
- Carbon fiber cases & split-second chronograph mechanism used in Nabucco – 2005
- Fine mechanical movements with visible balance wheel for Noemia collection – 2009
- Featuring complications like day, date, month, and moon phases for Maestro – 2010
Today the brand is inherited by the third generation of Raymond Weil’s family with Elie Bernheim (the grandson of Raymond Weil) as leadership.
…Raymond Weil Freelancer Comes to Life
Raymond Weil has long been connected with the world of music icons. This can be seen in the names of their watches and collections too. Maestro, Parsifal, Toccata, and Tango are some of Raymond Weil’s watch collections inspired by the greatest composers and their musical artwork throughout the years.
On the other hand, Raymond Weil Freelancer, launched in 2007, worships the free human spirit. Designed for the man who controls his own destiny, the Freelancer is as classic as it is free-spirited. Freelancer mechanical watches for men and ladies announced two innovations in the brand’s journey: the introduction of the visible balance-wheel; and the development of a mechanical variety of ladies’ timepieces.
Best Raymond Weil Freelancer Watches
Raymond Weil Freelancer AC⚡DC Review
An ltd edition watch with only 3000 pieces manufactured, the Freelancer AC/DC watch is a product of the newest collaboration of RW with AC/DC for their “Music Icons” series. The watch pays tribute to the legendary Rock n’ Roll band AC/DC. It comes with the in-house developed mechanical movement calible RW1212 with 38 hours of power reserve and a self-winding function.
The balance wheel is visible at the 6 o’clock position, courtesy of an open-hearted dial. The AC⚡DC logo is perfectly positioned at the 12 o’clock position and is reaffirmed in the black leather strap. Studded indexes reinforce once again the enthusiastic nature of the watch. Cured to details, further features include a luminescent treatment, a screwed-down scratch-resistant, an anti-reflective sapphire crystal case back and watch face glass, and 100 meters of water resistance.
Raymond Weil Freelancer David Bowie Review
In an attempt to gather the music icons all around the world and use them as an inspiration for their timepieces, Raymond Weil has this time decided to celebrate David Bowie’s 70th anniversary, honoring the work of the British singer and songwriter also considered as one of the most influential musicians in the 20th century.
The watch itself is a work of art. The 42mm stainless steel case houses a Swiss made mechanical movement with automatic winding that delivers up to 38 hours of power reserve.
As with Raymond Weil Freelancer AC/DC, this one too features an anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both sides of the watch. In the black dial, you will find the beautifully lined up hour markers, in harmony with David Bowie’s emblematic trademark – the red bold. Further features include 100 meters of water resistance, a screwed-down crown, and a genuine calf leather strap.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Automatic Chronograph Review
This automatic chronograph features a sporty look with the chronograph function accessible from the sub-dials in the watch face. To further make the watch as functional as possible, a day and date window display is placed at the 3 o’clock position.
The outer rim houses minute markers and the stationary bezel serves for the tachymeter function. Some would say it kinda feels like an Omega Speedmaster (judging by the design of the bezel and the pushbuttons) however, the green chronograph hands, sub-dials positioning, and hour markers alignment, make it unique and worthy.
As for the mechanism, the watch incorporates a Swiss made mechanical chronograph calibre RW 5200, a reworked variation of the reputable Valjoux 7750. The automatic winding movement with 46 hours of power reserve is responsible for the ultimate accuracy of the day, date, and chronograph function.
As if it wasn’t enough, the robust construction of this timepiece guarantees premium quality. The selection of materials includes a stainless steel case with black PVD coating, anti-reflective scratch-resistant sapphire crystal on both sides, and a genuine calf leather strap with a double-push security system folding clasp. What a watch!
RW Freelancer Diver Watch Review
For around 2000 dollars, you can get your hands on a Swiss made diver watch. This Freelancer is built with durability and precision in mind, to help everyone interested in water-based sports keep track of time. The watch comes with 300 meters of water resistance, courtesy of the screwed-down crown and case back.
The robust construction features a 42mm stainless steel case with a black ceramic unidirectional rotating bezel. From the anti-reflective and scratch-resistant sapphire crystal glass, you can catch a glimpse of the Super-Luminova treated hands and markers. An escape from the default date window gives this watch an avant-garde look.
The controversially extended date aperture simply helps the watch make its distinctive move and not fall prey to a Submariner homage. Other features include a Swiss made mechanical movement with automatic winding which provides up to 38 hours of power reserve when not on your wrist.
In terms of durability, Raymond Weil Freelancer Diver has passed several tests to ensure resistance from impacts, magnetic waves, temperature changes, and 300 meters of water pressure.
Is Raymond Weil Freelancer Worth it?
In terms of mechanisms, the watches from the Freelancer collection use either the in-house RW1212 mechanical movement or high-quality reputable Swiss-made movements. The selection of the materials is also a valuable quality of Freelancer.
Scratch-resistant sapphire crystal with an anti-reflective coating, stainless steel, and genuine leather straps of supreme quality is what you get from Raymond Weil’s Freelancer. And the craftsmanship reflects the Swiss know-how when it comes to watchmaking. If you are looking for a decent Swiss made dress watch, Raymond Weil Freelancer is worth having on your wrist.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Resale Value
In a very competitive world, as the watch industry is, Raymond Weil seems to be struggling with its customer base. The brand promises quality, however, it sometimes takes more to pay 2000 dollars than just accuracy and durability.
Sounds crazy, but it is true. The Swiss watchmaking industry is centuries old and newbies have to do twice the effort to achieve a piece of glory. It is due to this fact the reason why you can get your Raymond Weil Freelancer at a way more affordable price on the grey market, Chrono24, WatchFinder, eBay, and Amazon.
Sure, that means you have to do your due diligence and always make sure the watch you are purchasing is authentic. Box and papers are sometimes the main indicators of authenticity. And for as long as your watch comes with the correct documents, you should be okay.
In conclusion
If you’re looking for an affordable Swiss-made luxury watch, look no further as this Raymond Weil Freelancer has it all. From the sleek design to functionality, and everything in between, it is hard not to fall in love with one of the greatest watches manufactured lately (mid-price category speaking).
Raymond Weil Freelancer is a great timepiece that will blow the minds of even the most skeptical watch connoisseurs. The watch is made with functionality in mind while keeping a straight line when it comes to the design. A reflection of the classic with a contemporary touch is what you get from a Raymond Weil Freelancer.
