Raymond Weil seems to have rolled a bit. The Millesime Collection is widely loved and appreciated, and these new freelancers have also appeared on the spot. Today I will practice two versions of the full calendar of the new Raymond Weil Freelancer.
I was able to spend time with the steel blue dial version of the bracelet and another version of the leather rose gold PVD. Both have CHF 3,495/€3,775. Let’s get into it!
Raymond Weil Freelancer’s complete calendar
So, what is there here? At first glance, you can mistake the full calendar of Raymond Weil Freelancer for Patek Annual Calendar. Of course, that’s not the case. First of all, the complete calendar requires manual adjustments after few months of less than 31 days. That’s a small compromise, considering that Raymond Weil’s cost is about 20 times cheaper than Patek.
Still, you get a familiar layout of a double aperture that displays the day and month on the top half of the dial. At the bottom, you get the same traditional moon phase indicator inside the pointer date subdial. This is not original to freelancers, but why fix something that isn’t broken? The layout is classic and clear and very aesthetically pleasing.
The rose tone version mimics the classic and intricate feel of a dress watch. On the other hand, the steel version has a more individualistic identity. It’s a sportier, more modern watch. That’s why I feel that Raymond Weil is also original, which is my favorite of the two.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar Specification
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar stainless steel case is 40mm wide, 48mm lug to lug and 10.2mm thick. This means that, like a sports watch, it has a rather modern and substantial dimension. Up and down there is a sapphire crystal for a clear view of the dial and movement.
Speaking of movement, this is the automatic caliber RW3281. It consists of a Sellita SW300-1 based version with the calendar module above. The movement runs at 28,800Vph and offers a rich 56-hour power reserve. That calendar function is adjustable via the case flank pusher.
The rose tone PVD model is located on a brown leather strap with a plated single deployant clasp and curved edge/spring bar. Meanwhile, the steel model sits on a five-row bracelet with butterfly clasp. Neither option has any tweaks or quick release pins.
Complete Calendar Wearing Raymond Weil Freelancer
As mentioned above, these two versions offer a fundamentally different wearing experience. The rose tone model has a formal, old school feel. It fits well on my 18cm wrist, but I think it’s a little too big for that vibe. The steel version, on the other hand, is worn much more like a sports watch. From that perspective, its size is completely fine.
The words that continue to appear in my head are “uncomfortable.” The Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar works, although not permitted. The watches are well made, well finished, and more than anything, they are rather subtle. If you’re drooling an unruly annual or permanent calendar, but want something that’s easy to win and own, this could be a bet.
I think these watches are pretty beautiful on the wrist. This makes sense because they don’t even do jarring or new things. They simply look good, are well made and, as a result, are not offensive. I know it sounds a bit bland. I think so, but it doesn’t have to be always negative.
For who is it?
I don’t think this is a collector’s watch. I think veteran watch enthusiasts prefer a stronger identity in the Millesime collection. Instead, I think this is likely to reach the wrist of a one-time watch buyer. If you like the look of the annual/permanent calendar, but have set a budget of 5,000 euros on yourself, this can scratch your itch.
Would you recommend it to such people? Yes, I will do so with all my heart. The complete calendar of Raymond Weil Freelancer offers a ton of high temperature appeal without the experience of heavy price tags and complex ownership. My clear favorite is the steel version. Because I think the dimensions are suitable for the character. Plus, even if the bracelet design is strongly associated with another brand, it’s slightly original to me.
Overall, Raymond Weil offers a compelling package with a complete calendar of freelancers. What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below!
