The Geneva-based watchmaker RAYMOND WEIL is pleased to unveil its latest timepiece, the freelancer Worldtimer. Capable of displaying the prevailing hour in 24 time zones at the same time, this new watch is ideal for wearers who juggle life in different regions of the world. Despite its complexity, the model remains slim, courtesy of a new self-winding movement, the Calibre RW3230.
The new freelancer GMT Worldtimer is 40.5mm in diameter and has a thickness of 9.7mm, a modest figure considering the complexity housed within. Designed for intrepid explorers, business travellers and individuals who skillfully balance their life in different parts of the world, this model allows the wearer to view 24 time zones simultaneously.
The dial of this model is equipped with a rotating track, marked with one prominent city for each time zone. The city disc sits adjacent a 24-hour scale, indicating the relevant hour in the location shown and whether it is day/night. Barrel-shaped hour and minute hands indicate the ‘local time’. To display the local time for the current location, the wearer simply rotates the crown at 4 o’clock, positioning the name of the local city adjacent to the prevailing hour. In addition to displaying the local time for the current location, the city disc simultaneously shows the relevant hour for each of the remaining 23 time zones.
In addition to the rotating city disc, a black GMT hand, featuring a prominent triangular red and white tip, indicates the prevailing hour at home. A highly legible lollipop hand completes the set of hands.
The freelancer GMT Worldtimer is available in two versions, one with a black dial and the other with a green dial. The black dial is paired with a stainless steel case coated with black DLC, a shade that exhibits an understated character while appearing eminently sophisticated. In contrast, the green dial option features a stainless steel case, but in this instance it is matched with a bronze bezel and two bronze crowns. Bronze is an interesting alloy that acquires an attractive patina with time. This model proves a stylish exemplar of military chic with its khaki tones and bronze accents, making it the perfect timepiece for adventurous types.
While the two watches exhibit different characters, they both incorporate gradient dial tones. The progression from dark to light not only heightens the visual allure of each dial option, but also serves as a means of indicating the transition from day to night. In terms of wearing the watch at night, readability is assured. The hands and indexes are treated with Super-LumiNova®, emitting either a blue or green glow depending on their functional role. In isolation, these refinements may seem subtle, but when viewed collectively they enrich the ownership experience.
Located at the heart of the freelancer GMT Worldtimer is the new Calibre RW3230, a Swiss automatic movement with a power reserve of 50 hours. Measuring just 4.1mm in height, the modest thickness of the movement has led to the new model’s elegant, slender profile.
Consistent with RAYMOND WEIL’s esteemed reputation for quality, the lower part of the bridges is adorned with perlage, the barrel cover is snailed and the top part of the bridges and oscillating mass are embellished with Côtes de Genève motif. Purists will be pleased to learn that the movement can be admired at close quarters, courtesy of the model’s exhibition case back.
Each timepiece comes supplied on a colour-coordinated calf leather strap with tone-on-tone stitching and a folding clasp, featuring a double push-security system.