Following the Millesime’s Challenge Prize at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève 2023, Raymond Weil continues to expand its modern flagship watch collection with new iterations. The Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase watches are some of the latest models to join the lineup, poetically displaying the lunar cycle while retaining the collection’s signature neo-vintage style. Available in two sizes, each in two colorways, the Millesime Moon Phase is the independent Swiss brand’s contemporary take on the classic complication.

The larger offering is the Millesime Moon Phase reference 2945, featuring a stainless steel case that measures 39.5mm in diameter and 10.05mm thick. Raymond Weil offers this well-proportioned round case in two styles: natural stainless steel or stainless steel with rose gold PVD coating. The uncoated version is the more subdued of the pair, housing an understated silver dial. On the other hand, the warmer rose gold PVD version is home to a rich midnight blue dial.

Regardless of the color, both are tone-on-tone sector-style dials — a hallmark feature of Millesime models — that marry a range of finishes across the concentric circles. Accompanying the minute/second scale around the periphery are slim baton hour markers and the central circle is divided into four sections via subtle crosshairs. The combination of thoughtfully placed circles and lines results in a dial design that’s familiar and classic yet modern and fresh. Of course, the star of the show is the moonphase display at 6 o’clock, with a delightful smiling moon featuring an optimistic human face making its way across the sky.

The more compact edition is the Millesime Moon Phase reference 2145 with a stainless steel case that measures 35mm in diameter and 9.98mm thick. Yet again, this case is offered in stainless steel or rose gold PVD-coated steel, with the stainless steel version sparkling bright with lugs set with 16 laboratory-grown diamonds. The diamond and steel Millesime Moon Phase is paired with a denim blue dial whereas the rose gold PVD model features an elegant silver dial. While the dial layout of the smaller versions is the same as the larger ones, what sets the petite faces apart are the Arabic numerals that serve as hour markers. These stylized numbers add yet another layer of retro charm to these already exceedingly charming dress watches.

Elie Bernheim, Raymond Weil’s CEO and the third generation to run the family business expressed his excitement about the company’s new models: “Millesime represents a new chapter for Raymond Weil, connecting with a clientele that values timeless elegance. These watch enthusiasts are looking for superior quality, expert craftsmanship, and a design that harmonizes classic and modern aesthetics, with refined finishes—all at an accessible price point. This is a great opportunity, and we fully embrace it.”

The Millesime Moon Phase watches run on the Caliber RW4280 automatic movement, which supplies 41 hours of power reserve and is visible through the sapphire casebacks. The watches are water-resistant to 50 meters, and the dials are shielded by glass-box sapphire crystals with dual-sided antireflective coating on both sides. The obelisk hands and indices provide lowlight legibility thanks to their Super-LumiNova coating.

With superb quality, refined finishes, and striking designs, the Millesime Moon Phase watches stay true to Raymond Weil’s ethos of offering luxury at an accessible price. The 39.5mm Millesime Moon Phase in stainless steel with a gray calfskin strap (ref. 2945-STC-65001) is priced at $2,225 USD whereas the rose gold PVD-coated version with a navy blue calfskin strap (ref. 2945-PC5-50001) retails for $2,325 USD. The 35mm Millesime Moon Phase with a rose gold PVD-coated case (ref. 2145-PC5-05650) is priced at $2,325 USD and the steel and lab-grown diamond edition (ref.  2145-SCS-05511) costs $2,575 USD, both furnished with navy blue calfskin straps. For more information on the Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase watches, please visit the brand’s website.