Over the past year, we’ve been falling in love with the Raymond Weil Millesime collection. First, Rex got hands-on with the GPHG award-winning 39.5mm version. Then, Thomas got hands-on with some of the other variations. These experiences led us to conclude that the Millesime collection is very modern and sophisticated. Today, we’re taking a look at some of the new 35mm models added to the brand’s collection, including new dial colors, a “new” moonphase complication, and a rose gold PVD version. Let’s take a look at the new version of the 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime.
Thomas compared the sector dial Millesime to watches from brands like Longines and Jaeger-LeCoultre. However, he felt that while the dials were similar, the Millesime stood out for its contemporary design approach. Looking at the Millesime, especially in the 35mm size, it strongly reminds me of the 34.5mm Breguet Ref. 5907. This is mainly due to the similar case and lug shapes, but also because of the different dial finishes. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that Raymond Weil has created a uniquely modern dress watch.
35mm Raymond Weil Millesime
Some elements of the Millesime certainly look like they were lifted directly from my Breguet. For example, looking at the drilled lugs from the side, I could swear I was looking at a 5907. But from above, the Millesime’s lugs aren’t quite so straight. They taper slightly, with a brushed finish on the sides and polished on top. The midcase is also horizontally brushed, whereas the Breguet has a coin-edge engraving of course. I like how RW’s designers clearly took inspiration from elsewhere and made it different for the Millesime in subtle but effective ways.
The sector dial is similar; the different finishes juxtaposed remind me of the silver guilloche dial of the 5907, but with a modern twist, as Thomas already mentioned, and the brushing and engraving aren’t done by hand. Still, it’s a very well-put-together design visually, and the different finishes play well with the light. Sharp brushed hands complete the modern look, with just the right amount of lume applied.
I also like how the vertical brushing in the center of the dial matches the brushing on the top of the bezel, which is accentuated by the polished bevel that surrounds it, giving the case a strong sense of character.
Put on gloves
All four of these watches share the same 35mm case shape, but each has their own unique design features. First, there’s the “basic” stainless steel version with a silver-white dial. Thomas has already seen this watch, too. This model is the basis for all the other watches. It’s time to put on your jeweler’s gloves. These watches are about to get even more luxurious.
There is also a stainless steel version, but this one has lab-grown diamonds on the lugs. It also has a blue-grey sector dial. This dial is not exactly the same finish, but the textured differences in each sector remain. I love this blue-grey dial, and I would have bought this model in a heartbeat if it didn’t have diamonds on the lugs. This version is also available with a moon phase complication.
Rose Gold PVD and Moon Phase Complication
When I opened the box of 4 press samples, my eye was immediately drawn to the rose gold PVD-coated version with a bright red dial. It reminded me of the bronze Oris x Fratello Big Crown Pointer Date. The rose gold of the dial matches perfectly with the velour red. I love that the brushed hands are also in rose gold PVD. This is the first time I’ve seen the Millesime on a bracelet, and I have to say it’s amazing. The brushed and polished five-row bracelet matches the case well. However, if you have a wrist of about 17cm like me, it’s a bit tight, so you might want to order a few extra links.
Finally, we have another rose gold PVD-coated version, this one with a moon phase display at 6 o’clock. We’ve already seen this complication on the 39.5 mm Millésime; however, this smaller 35 mm version features a more classically styled dial. The simple hour markers have been replaced with more elegant numerals, which match very well, especially with the rose-toned case. I agree with Thomas, the moon dial is a fun detail that adds a bit of playfulness to an otherwise more serious watch.
Inside Sellita
Each 35mm Raymond Weil Millésime watch is powered by a Sellita movement from the SW200 series. The time-only model is called the RW4200, while the moon-phase version is called the RW4280. It beats at 28,800 vph and has a power reserve of 41 hours. A sapphire window on the caseback allows you to see the basic finishing of each caliber and its skeletonized rotor. They’re nothing special, but they fit the price range of these watches. The metal frame on the caseback also lists the water resistance of the watch, which is a comfortable 50 meters.
lastly
In their press materials, Raymond Weil promotes the 35mm Millesime as aimed at female customers. Only one press photo shows the watch on a man’s wrist. However, I feel that the 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime fits my 17cm wrist perfectly. It’s small, yes, but has a powerful looking case that gives it a lot of wrist presence. The 39.5mm version is also great, but it doesn’t fit my wrist as well as this little 35mm version. Let’s see if we can convince the brand to release a blue dial version without diamonds. That would be an absolute win, wouldn’t it?
The 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime is available from 1,695 euros for the time-only model in stainless steel. Prices rise to 2,650 euros for the stainless steel version with lab-grown diamonds and a moonphase complication (not shown in the photos). Models without a bracelet are available with a blue or grey calf leather strap and a traditional pin buckle. For more information on the 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime, visit the brand’s official website.
Let me know what you think of the Raymond Weil 35mm Millésime in the comments below.
