While collectors and neophytes alike chase after models and brands they can’t get – like the Rolex Daytona and the Patek Philippe 5711 – we take a moment here to celebrate the tried-and-true, everyday timepieces that most people wear, and the companies that make them. Raymond Weil is one of these dependable producers of such classic, quality watches that are reliable, accessible, and affordably priced, and which don’t get their fair share of press because, well, reliable and accessible just isn’t as exciting. This is perhaps one of the reasons producers like this are pulling out of Baselworld, something Raymond Weil recently announced it would also do. This month, the brand launches two new pieces in its top-selling Raymond Weil Parsifal collection.
The two new pieces represent a redesign for the iconic line, which was first introduced in 1991 when quartz watches still dominated the market. The line’s signature elements are still there, including the cross-link bracelet, the crown protector and the signature gadroons on the bezel. However, the case and bracelet are more refined, with “rounded outlines” and “aesthetic refinement,” according to Raymond Weil. Raymond Weil also retained the theme of dancers in its advertising for the fall, a signature of Parsifal marketing campaigns in the past. This year, the campaign includes images of dancers from the Sydney Opera Ballet. The name of the watch was inspired by Richard Wagner’s last opera, Parsifal.
The two new pieces, one men’s and one ladies’, are available in classic two-tone stainless steel and PVD yellow gold. The ladies’ case is 30mm and includes a bezel set with 48 diamonds. Indices are marked with eight diamonds and three gold-colored applied Roman numerals, and there is a date window at 3 o’clock. The dial is mother-of-pearl, and the bracelet is a cross-link style two-tone steel and PVD yellow gold, with a stainless steel folding clasp and a double push-security system. The men’s case is 41mm wide and the dial is white with applied Roman numerals. Case and bracelet are also two-tone, and it also has a date window at 3 o’clock. The crowns on both pieces are topped with a blue lacquer dome, and both are water-resistant to 50m.
Both the ladies’ and men’s models contain ETA quartz movements. Raymond Weil says its “sell-through” on mechanical versus quartz watches is roughly the same, with the key objective being to offer quality at reasonable prices. Based in Geneva, the brand recently announced it would no longer exhibit at the Baselworld fair, and when asked what its plan was going forward in terms of meeting with dealers and media, the company gave the following response: “We have reviewed our strategy following the watchmaking industry development to focus on exclusive events during the full year to be closer to our customers. We will have local events in our different markets in order to have a closer approach to our markets and meet regularly with our network and customers. Special events will also be organized with our partners to show them our main stories and novelties. For example, Raymond Weil participated in the WatchTime fair in New York at the end of October.”
Raymond Weil watches have an average price of around $1,500 with a core range between $700 and $3,000. So the Parsifal collection is right in that territory. There are seven Parsifal ladies’ models, priced between $1,295 and $1,995, and five Raymond Weil Parsifal men’s models priced between $1,395 and $1,595. Learn more at raymond-weil.us