History

1976

Mr Raymond Weil launches the brand during a period of crisis for the watchmaking industry. His fundamental goal: produce watches with a novel concept and design. Independence, Savoir-Faire, Aesthetics, Creativity – the Brand's Founding Values.
 

1982

After a period of rapid development, the company must expand and increase competitiveness without losing its family identity. To reach this goal, Raymond Weil's son-in-law Olivier Bernheim joins the family business. He modernizes its structure and organization, develops numerous markets, and takes in charge the communication and marketing departments. His arrival reinforces the idea of an independent family-owned company dear to Mr Weil.

1983

A prime example of the cultural influences on the marketing and communications strategies is the Amadeus collection, named after the classical Austrian composer, Mozart, and launched in conjunction with Milos Forman's world acclaimed film of the same name.

1985

The more things change, the more they stay the same… Fidelio, the Brand’s emblematic collection, has a design magnified by subtle details. Named after Beethoven's only opera, the elegance of the collection is under the guise of duality and liberty. A mixture of skilfully interlaced satin-finish and polished gold plated bracelet links, an interplay of shiny and matt contrasts on the case, a two-tone reading zone, Roman numerals or pearls spread across the dial to indicate the time… An irresistible double play.

1986

The Othello collection is launched to celebrate RAYMOND WEIL’s tenth anniversary, a blend of avant-garde technology and refined design.

These ultra-thin timepieces (1.2mm) play a great part in the worldwide success of RAYMOND WEIL, as much for their technical construction prowess, as for the symbolism of their creative audacity and the appeal to “individuality” they convey to the wearer.

1988

Another spectacular product launch introduces the new Traviata collection, again shaking traditional aesthetic criteria down to their very foundations and further projecting RAYMOND WEIL’s image as a bold and yet tastefully refined innovator.

1989

The Eternity advertising campaign is unveiled. Shot in Iceland, this campaign reveals unforgettable landscapes where RAYMOND WEIL key models appear through water, earth, wind and fire. …

“When time is creation”.

1990

Launch of the gents and ladies' Parsifal collection: a subtle and original blend of complications, noble materials, meticulous finish and innovative designs. This collection marked a new step for RAYMOND WEIL’s growth in the Swiss luxury watchmaking industry.

1994

The award-winning Precision Movements advertising campaign consolidates RAYMOND WEIL's image as a Brand committed to the arts.

Acclaimed photographer Lois Greenfield portrays dancers in mid-air, symbolising the essence of the campaign. Black and white images project a campaign full of modernity, art, creativity and attention to detail.

RAYMOND WEIL links the past with the present and launches the Tradition collection. This new range has a classical and refined style embodying the watchmaking heritage in its most uncluttered version. A collection created for true amateurs.

1995

New gentlemen's and ladies’ Tango collection. Its contemporary, classical or relaxed allure and perfectly proportioned round or rectangular cases, ingeniously blend elegance, functionality and aesthetics.

A tribute to the art of composition, the cult collection Toccata combines the virtuosity of style with a timeless classicism. With its case in steel and gold plating, or entirely 18ct gold plated, Toccata interprets a sensual vision of the time that passes, thanks to a richness of ornamentation freely inspired by the watchmaking tradition. Water-resistant to 30m, it alternates Roman numerals with precious stones on a mother-of-pearl dial. A major work of art…

Round, square or in the shape of a cat’s eye and created exclusively for women, Fantasia reinvents a marvellous animal carnival with its stylized silhouettes, almost like a tattoo around its bezel. A facetious monkey, a majestic swan or a mysterious fish dance one after the other in a baroque circle, adorned with colored lacquer in subtle harmony with the nuances of the leathers or the precious plated links of the bracelet.

1996

Olivier Bernheim becomes President & CEO. His dynamism, entrepreneurial vision and aesthetic sensitivity enable RAYMOND WEIL to develop internationally while preserving its family identity.

1999

Launch of the R&D department to enable RAYMOND WEIL to fully control the watch-design process. By embracing the latest technological innovations, this R&D department has been responsible for numerous innovations exclusive to RAYMOND WEIL.

2002

Introduction of the Don Giovanni Così Grande collection, with its refined, contemporary design, establishing RAYMOND WEIL's watchmaking know-how and technological precision. Totally masculine, fully mechanical... Don Giovanni Così Grande timepieces offer the last word in dynamism and chic technique!

2004

Parsifal Large Date with Power Reserve Indicator expands this collection, again illustrating the harmony between the technicality and aesthetics of the RAYMOND WEIL design.

The main features of this watch are a large date system operated by two discs and displayed in two adjacent windows, together with a counter of 42 hours on the dial at 6 o’clock, enabling you to check the remaining operating autonomy at any moment.

This magnificent timepiece breaks away from all rules: worn by men and admired by women, it will be seen on the wrists of those whom it bewitches…. without reserve!

RAYMOND WEIL launches a new star in its collection of evergreens: the Don Giovanni Così Grande Two Times Zones, for modern day globetrotters.

This watch attracts attention with its mechanical complication manufactured exclusively for RAYMOND WEIL. Indeed, it functions with one single mechanical movement.

With this new model in its Don Giovanni Così Grande collection, RAYMOND WEIL blends watchmaking know-how attractively with an entirely contemporary design.

2005

Femininity, sensuality and glamour: the new ladies' collection is launched. Its name: Shine.

Bewitching and luxurious, overflowing with sensuality, Shine is an ode to beauty, an exhilarating blend of sensation and emotion. Its rounded curves and forms are remarkably feminine and the stunning brilliance of the diamond-studded steel case highlights its beauty.

With the patented interchangeable bracelet system, Shine changes to match the mood and desires of the women who wear them. A true declaration of love… an ode to the eternal woman…

Shine by RAYMOND WEIL has but one declared intention: to make women even more enchanting, today, tomorrow, forever!

2006

Celebrating 30 Years of Success.

Pierre and Elie Bernheim – RAYMOND WEIL's 3rd generation – join the company, ensuring family continuity which is a guarantee of equilibrium, stability and durability to the Brand's partners.

2007

Launching of the Nabucco collection at Baselworld. This new gents' mechanical collection is the result of RAYMOND WEIL's technological audacity and is the Brand's first collection to bear an imposing 46mm case as well as a water-resistance of 200m and at the same time integrating a high-tech material: carbon fibre.

RAYMOND WEIL's new Freelancer gents and ladies mechanical collection heralds two innovations in the company's history: the introduction of the visible balance-wheel; and the creation of a mechanical range of ladies' timepieces.

RAYMOND WEIL receives the 2007 Industry Award, jointly awarded by the State of Geneva and the Office for the Promotion of Industry & Technology (OPI). The jury wished to reward the success of the Brand's corporate economic model: a dynamic, innovative Geneva-based industry that has displayed an exceptional ability to integrate the needed innovations to remain a leader in its business and technology.

2008

RAYMOND WEIL becomes an Official partner of the BRIT Awards, one of the most glamorous and widely-recognized events in the music business. The Geneva watchmaker, which has long enjoyed close links with the world of music, marked this event by designing an exclusive official watch for the 2008 BRIT Awards: a Freelancer limited edition, set with full-cut VS or VVS diamonds.

Baselworld 2008 was really successful and rewarding for RAYMOND WEIL compared to the 2007 exhibition which had already recorded very good figures. Nabucco Cuore Caldo, unveiled during the event, was the Swiss watchmaker’s talking piece of the show. A split-second chronograph with power-reserve indicator – a first in the history of the company, is produced in an exclusive limited edition of 500. To coincide with the launch of the Nabucco Cuore Caldo Limited Edition, the family-owned company also presented a range of luxury male accessories (cufflinks and a pen). These stylish male accessories are another RAYMOND WEIL innovation.

2009

RAYMOND WEIL’s new Ladies’ collection, Noemia, was unveiled at Baselworld 2009. Full of sensuality and elegance, this new range seduced the women present that day, thanks to its sophisticated design and sparkling diamonds.

Establishment of our own distribution company in the United States, RW USA Corp., which will strengthen the achievement of new objectives regarding the Brand’s development and sustainable growth in the US.

Considering the explosion of social networking, RAYMOND WEIL unveiled its own Fan page on Facebook (and on other social platforms). Getting closer to its clients, keeping them updated about the Brand’s news, inciting them to join conversations: social networking is a great way to strengthen the Brand universe.

2010

20 years after its official launch, the iconic Parsifal collection was recreated for BASELWORLD 2010! Parsifal once again shows RAYMOND WEIL's deep attachment to its roots and its desire to preserve tradition as a source of inspiration – while, at the same time, refining the key design elements, which have forged the powerful identity of this symbolic collection.

India is a very fast-moving market with huge potential in terms of economy and development. Indian customers are becoming more and more knowledgeable and great watch connoisseurs. In order to achieve our objectives of Brand development and to ensure a sustainable growth in this mature market, new developments and numerous expansion projects have currently been set-up, such as the creation of our Indian subsidiary, RAYMOND WEIL India Pvt. Ltd., or the openings of several exclusive boutiques (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai).

With its glamorous look, the magic of its diamonds and the power of the colour black: Freelancer Black 8 exudes a devastatingly chic, sensual and elegantly modern feel. This timepiece of refined sensitivity and minimalism, alludes to the universal lucky number, and is a very limited edition of 200 pieces dedicated to the Chinese market.

2011

New addition to the Maestro collection, the Maestro phase de lune watch is RAYMOND WEIL’s first moon phase complication on an automatic mechanism. The casing features innovative push-buttons that allow an easy setup: no tools are required to set the watch. Sober, classical lines, a royal blue emerging from the black depths of the dial, delicate pure white hands and indexes: this Maestro phase de lune is certainly one of the flagships of this collection.

Graceful flower, full of grace and elegance: a new flower has bloomed in the RAYMOND WEIL garden! Jasmine, the new feminine collection of the Brand was successfully launched during Baselworld 2011. Available in automatic and quartz versions, in two diameters, with or without rose gold and diamonds: it is as varied as the flowers in a garden. Jasmine, more than an emblem, a homage to women.

This new ladies collection was accompanied by the launch of a new advertising campaign and tagline. The campaign features watches worn by models in the luxurious and refined atmosphere of the Victoria concert hall in Geneva and keeps with the Brand’s dynamic and innovative spirit. It revolves around music – RAYMOND WEIL’s constant source of inspiration. Celebrating the Brand’s 35th anniversary, the campaign pays homage to music with a new slogan: “Precision is my inspiration”.

2012

In 2012, RAYMOND WEIL proposed a completely new demonstration of its musical and artistic influences with a compaign using strikingly beautiful images - musical scores take off, revealing the Brand's watch creations, illuminated by a halo of light. The style, chosen in homage to the photographic work of the famous Parisian Harcourt Studio, highlights the particular character of each collection, as well as the powerful and elegant design of the watches. A compaign rich in allusions to, and the elegance of, the image of a brand that occupies a unique place in the luxury watch industry.

New addition to the maestro collection, the Phase de Lune Semainier combines harmony, elegance and innovation. Complications such as date, day, month, week number and moon phase were added to an automatic movement generating a 42 hour power reserve. An ingenious push-piece correction system which needs only a simple pressure of the finger was developed by RAYMOND WEIL's watch designers to allow an easy set-up. RAYMOND WEIL offers watchmaking enthusiasts an exceptional timepiece.