The Smaller 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime Central Seconds and Moon Phases

Last year, Raymond Weil took a gamble with a series of vintage-inspired sector dials that appeared out of the blue. Founded in 1976, Raymond Weil does not have stacks of dusty archives with former glories to re-edit and is hardly the brand you would turn to for vintage-themed pieces. However, Raymond Weil hit a home run with its 39.5mm Millesime Small Seconds, followed by the Millesime Central Seconds and Millesime Moon Phase, culminating with the Millesime Chronograph, all with vintage-inspired sector dials. The good news is that two Millesime models – Central Seconds and Moon Phase – are back in smaller 35mm cases interpreted in five references that will work well for people with slim wrists.

As CEO Elie Bernheim explained, the Millesime collection has nothing to do with past models but is designed to pay homage to a period in timekeeping history when refined, simple designs were the norm, more specifically to the emergence of geometric sector dials popularised in the 1920s-1930s. An accomplished exercise in style, the Millesime has helped put Raymond Weil on the radar and attract a new generation of watch buyers looking for a stylish retro look with modern specs.

All five references share the same three-part case with a flat bezel, a large, fluted crown with the RW monograph and brushed and polished accents. The Millesime Central Seconds (ref. 2125) has a thickness of 9.18mm, and the Moon Phase (ref. 2145) comes in at 9.98mm, slim enough to enter the dress watch category. The flat bezel has vertically brushed surfaces, while the bevel and the top part of the lugs are polished. Underscoring the Millesime’s vintage temperament is the glassbox sapphire crystal protecting the dial. For an extra bit of sparkle, the denim blue models have 16 lab-grown diamonds set in the lugs. Thanks to the drilled lugs, the calfskin straps of the 35mm Millesimes can be easily changed.

Millesime Central Seconds

This family welcomes three new 35mm references: two models in stainless steel cases with denim blue and silver dials and a gold PVD model with a burgundy dial and bracelet (not photographed).

Bereft of numerals, the dial facilitates precision time readings with its three concentric tracks, progressing in size from seconds (180 short markers) on the periphery, followed by minutes (60 medium markers) and hours (12 thick markers). Like the larger versions, the dial has an embossed crosshair in the centre, dividing it into four segments. Further enhancing legibility, the hour track, for example, is smooth, the minutes are snailed, and the central area of the dial is brushed. Despite its retro character, the hour and minute hands are treated with contemporary luminescence.

The watch is powered by a Sellita SW200 automatic movement visible on the caseback, a standard automatic that will get the job done with a 4Hz frequency, a modest power reserve of 38 hours and a customised rotor.

Quick facts: 35mm x 9.18mm – stainless steel or rose gold PVD – 50m water-resistance – silver, denim blue or burgundy dial – hour and minute hands with Super-LumiNova – Sellita SW200 automatic, 4Hz, 38h power reserve – silver dial CHF 1,575, blue dial with diamonds in lugs CHF 1,925, PVD gold with burgundy dial CHF 1,850

Millesime Moon Phase

The new 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase references come in either steel with a denim blue dial and diamonds in the lugs or a rose gold PVD case with a silver dial. Sharing the same tracks and finishes as the Central Seconds, these models have Arabic numerals and a moon phase aperture at 6 o’clock, represented by a smiling face accompanied by planets and stars.

The hour and minute hands and Arabic numerals are treated with Super-LumiNova. These models are equipped with the calibre RW4280, the brand’s name for a Sellita SW280-1 automatic with moon phases and a 38-hour power reserve.

Quick facts: 35mm x 9.98mm – stainless steel or rose gold PVD – 50m water-resistance – silver or denim blue dial – hands and Arabic numerals with Super-LumiNova – Sellita SW280, 4Hz, 38h power reserve – silver dial in PVD gold case CHF 2,225 – blue dial with diamonds in lugs CHF 2,450

For more information, please consult raymond-weil.com.