Raymond Weil takes inspiration from a custom motorbike for a new chronograph heavy on vintage charm
Motorbikes and watches share a similar time-old appeal, a showcase not only for mechanics and performance, but for style, too. When Raymond Weil wanted its own custom vehicle made, it turned to Geneva-based Meister Engineering, which specialises in the transformation of old motorcycles. The result, much like the watchmaker’s timepieces, blended vintage sensibilities with cutting-edge elements to create a final result that is both technical and with its own unique charm.
It provided ample inspiration for Raymond Weil’s latest release, the Freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax 7780. The retro detailing is unmistakable in the watch’s eye-catching colour scheme, with a gradient-effect smoked dial paired with a bronze case, a material that will age gracefully as it develops a patina with the wearer over time. This is handsomely matched with the brown leather strap, taking its cues from the material used for the motorbike’s seat.
Powered by the automatic Calibre RW5030, it comes packed with features useful for on and off the road. Complementing the 30-minute chronograph display are the tachymeter scale, which can be used to determine the speed of a motorbike over a distance, as well as a handy pulsometer to measure heart rate during those high-octane journeys. The watch comes in two different versions, one with blue accents and a second with orange details, limited to 300 pieces.
