The New Raymond Weil A.R.T., the Brand’s First Integrated-Bracelet Sporty-Chic Collection

For a company that has spent nearly five decades building its reputation on accessible Swiss watchmaking, with quite a few recent successes with vintage-inspired releases, Raymond Weil has largely stayed away from one of the industry’s most competitive categories: the integrated-bracelet sports watch. Well, there’s a first time for everything, and Raymond Weil launches the new A.R.T. collection (Art, Refinement and Timekeeping). This strategically important series introduces a completely new design to the Geneva-based family-owned brand’s catalogue.

The A.R.T. collection marks a few firsts for Raymond Weil. It is the brand’s first watch designed with an integrated bracelet, entering a segment populated by everything from entry-level contenders to some of the most coveted luxury sports watches on the market. Of all the available options, Raymond Weil has chosen a restrained, versatile approach centred on clean lines, balanced proportions and everyday practicality. Not exactly revolutionary, but a formula that works, and the execution is nice. The new collection includes automatic 38mm models and smaller quartz-powered 30mm references, but let’s focus on the automatic A.R.T. Date 38mm, the core expression of the concept.

The watch is built with a newly developed stainless steel case measuring 38mm in diameter and 9.95mm thick. Compact dimensions, a slim profile, and an overall appearance make the A.R.T. more of a versatile daily wearer than a purely sporty watch. The construction is contemporary but avoids the angular form often associated with the genre. Here, the case relies on flowing transitions between surfaces, highlighted by polished bevels and carefully curved edges.

The sculpted bezel is quite interesting, with a distinctive shape that bears a slight resemblance to other sports watches with integrated designs, but gives the collection its own identity. The bezel’s recessed, indented areas allow the lines to continue naturally into the bracelet, creating a cohesive silhouette, which is the prime idea of an integrated design. Satin-brushed surfaces dominate the watch, while polished accents add contrast and help accentuate the case geometry. The fluted crown at 3 o’clock is signed with the Raymond Weil logo. The caseback is solid, consistent with the collection’s positioning as an everyday watch, and provides space for personal engraving, which the brand specifically highlights. Water resistance is 100m.

The integrated bracelet is naturally an essential element of the design. Constructed with H-shaped links, it features polished bevels and subtly chamfered intermediate links. The bracelet tapers from the case down to the folding clasp and prioritises comfort, following the natural curve of the wrist. It is different from anything previously offered by Raymond Weil and is one of the collection’s strongest assets.

The A.R.T. Date 38mm dial is available in graphite, metallic blue and sage grey; all versions share the same multi-level construction. The central portion features a sunray-brushed finish, while the lower-positioned outer minutes track features a finely azuré texture. Separating the two areas is a recessed groove that shows attention to detail and helps structure the display. Small details, such as the luminous dot on the minute track, also demonstrate the attention given to functionality and presentation.

Applied hour indices (a double index at 12 o’clock) and faceted hands are filled with green-emitting Super-LumiNova and look very contemporary, adding to the intended aesthetic. The central seconds hand’s counterweight is shaped to echo the indices. A framed date window is positioned at 3 o’clock, fitting into the overall design without disrupting the dial’s symmetry.

Powering the A.R.T. Date 38mm is a Swiss automatic Sellita SW200-1 movement (ETA 2824-2 alternative) hidden behind a solid caseback. Operating at 28,800 vibrations/hour, it delivers 41 hours of power reserve and displays the hours, minutes, central seconds and date.

At launch, the automatic A.R.T. collection comprises five references. Three models are entirely executed in stainless steel, with graphite, metallic blue, or sage grey dials. Two additional references feature bi-colour executions that combine stainless steel with rose-gold-coloured accents (bezel, crown, intermediary bracelet links), a slightly dressier option in the new collection.

The Raymond Weil A.R.T. Date 38mm will be part of the permanent collection. The compact dimensions, thoughtful case architecture, an integrated bracelet and accessible pricing (CHF 1,795 / EUR 1,995 for the stainless-steel models and CHF 1,895 / EUR 2,095 for the bi-colour) should make it an appealing option for those looking for a modern sports-chic watch from an established Swiss brand.

For more information, please visit RaymondWeil.com.