This article was written and contributed by Joanne Ward, a former Editorial Assistant at Time Out magazine
As a forerunner of the Swiss watchmaking industry, it is no wonder that Raymond Weil, the Geneva-born company conceived by its namesake, produces such seductively elegant ladies’ timepieces. A business run by a tight-knit team of family members spanning three generations, the standards are set high for precision, quality and reliability, all of which are embodied by the beautiful technical materials and components used. Just recently, three new ladies’ collections were released, all possessing the unmistakable Raymond Weil monogram and regard for quality, but with each being unique in their conception.
Jasmine
Jasmine; a delicate bloom, full-bodied and sweet-scented. So significant is the flower to the collections’ vision that its five-point form can be picked out from amidst the swirling guilloche design. The name Jasmine has various cultural meanings, most notably the Chinese interpretation ‘Jian Ming’, the first part of which represents the good and the beautiful. Decisions don’t stop at simply concluding this is the collection for you; there are 19 varieties on offer, each with subtle differences but still married together by the signature watch face. Available in 29mm or 35mm diameter, the next choice to make is material; stainless steel, rose gold, or both together as two-tone. The diamond set versions feature a simple circle of gems that serve to enhance the distinctively stunning dial. Strap choices include stainless steel or sleek alligator leather. Perhaps the most striking feature on all models is the electric-blue leaf-shaped hands, again mimicking the detail of the jasmine flower.
Lady Maestro
The Lady Maestro collection again boasts numerous difficult choices; however, it is the coloured versions that are the loud and proud representatives of the group. An assortment of eye-poppingly bright hues, including orange, red, green and blue, all highlight the lustrous mother-of-pearl dial, upon which are nestled six diamonds interspersed with bold roman numerals. The 39.5mm diameter models offer a choice between 74 sparkling diamonds encircling the dial, or a simple, elegant stainless steel casing. If you have ever marvelled at the inside workings of a timepiece, this may be your perfect watch. Through the opening on the dial at just under 12 o’clock, and a sapphire crystal case back, you can while away time becoming mesmerised by the pulsating mechanisms within.
Freelancer Lady Sunshine collection
The sun has been the inspiration for many a work of art, and not least in the case of the Freelancer Lady Sunshine collection. The gorgeously gleaming pink gold accents on the jewelled indexes, hands and viewing window succeed in brightening the piece, and with the mechanism on show for all to see, you are treated to a burst of colour from the stunning deep pink rubies mounted within. With its alternate satined and polished steel bracelet segments, diamond encrusted bezel, sunray guilloche design, and feminine façade, this watch truly does speak for itself.
It’s clear that aesthetics are not played down here; although the watches appear fashionably simple, this belies their closely considered form, functional design and fresh, modern demeanour. The Swiss have never been shy with sharing their watchmaking skills over the centuries, and the company have made a concerted effort to capitalise on this in all stages of development, from design through to completion.
