Raymond Weil has flown under W&R radar for a while, but the Freelancer Chronograph (ref. 7730-STC-20101) has put Raymond Weil back on the map! The Freelancer does not have a new ground breaking design, however, it is very well executed. It manages to separate it’s self from the pack with small subtleties and attention to detail.

  The Freelancer Chronograph has a day/date complication. The day window in a standard layout, with the date window opened up revealing the date previous and after. The shape of the date window adds a nice balance to the 9 o’clock subdial. Hard not to like a nice visual contrast, the yellow gives the Freelancer the “wow” factor it needed. Raymond Weil managed to use the yellow with out being “in your face”, but just enough that it will not be missed. In yellow is the seconds hand, 12 o’clock subdial hand, 6 o’clock subdial hand, “automatic” in the 6 o’clock subdial, and a small triangle pointer all done in a vibrant mustard like yellow. All this is viewable through the double AR coated sapphire crystal. The watch is powered by an automatic Valjoux 7750 and is visible through the exhibition case back. W&R are big fans of an exhibition case back! It is worth mentioning the crown on the Freelancer is proportioned almost perfectly and has “RW” logo boldly done in relief. The watch is supported by a brown leather strap, with a push button deployant clasp.

  The watch is 42mm, perfect for business or sporting a pair jeans. You certainly are not likely to see the Freelancer Chronograph everyday, that is good thing in W&R book.

Pros - Solid movement, good proportions, exhibition case back

Consideration - Not overly unique in overall design

  Raymond Weil goes black, with the stealthy Nabucco Black Chronograph (ref. 7810-BSF-05207). One thing to understand from the start, this is one of Raymond Weil’s top of the line watches. The price is reflective of the execution of this masculine watch. Nothing was seemingly held back on Nabucco, from the design to the construction. The 46mm case showcases the the beauty of the Nabucco. This is a serious watch, with serious wrist presence. Not only in case diameter, but in part because the watch is a chronograph. The all black titanium case has a PVD treatment, with black carbon fiber sides. The carbon fiber sides are extremely well done, providing the added “cool” factor to overall appearance. Yes, the watch is large at 46mm, though, being titanium and carbon fiber the watch has a very manageable weight.

  The matte black dial is appreciated through the double-sided AR (anti-reflective) coated sapphire crystal. The date window is black with white numerals for easier reading. This is a three subdial chronograph, with locations at 3, 6, and 9 o’clock. This particular subdial layout balances the dial very well. The Nabucco Black Chronograph has seductive blue subdial and chronograph hands, offering a glimmer of life into this otherwise mysterious watch. A jet black crocodile strap fits snug to the case, that is fitted with a deployant buckle. For Raymond Weil this is one of their more expensive pieces, evident through the well thought out watch. Overall, the Nabucco Chronograph is a visual stunner, with a price tag to match.

Pros - Aesthetics, carbon fiber sides, great strap, Valjoux 7753 automatic movement

Consideration - Price point if looking at MSRP

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