Raymond Weil history

Raymond Weil history

1976 : Mr Raymond Weil launches the brand during a period of crisis for the watchmaking industry. His fundamental goal: to
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 is obliged to expand and increase competitiveness, albeit without
losing its family identity. To help take this crucial step, Raymond Weil's son-in-law Olivier Bernheim joins the family business. He modernizes its structure and organization, develops numerous markets, and takes charge of communication and marketing. His arrival reinforces the commitment to the idea of an independent family company dear to Mr Weil.

1991 : Launch of the men's and ladies' parsifal collection: a subtle, original blend of complications, noble materials, meticulous finish and innovative design. This collection marked a new step within RAYMOND WEIL's growth in the
luxury Swiss watchmaking industry.

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.

1996 : Olivier Bernheim becomes President & CEO. His dynamism, entrepreneurial vision and avowed aesthetic sensitivity enable RAYMOND WEIL to develop internationally while maintaining its family identity.

1999 : Launch of R&D department to help RAYMOND WEIL enjoy full control of the watch-design process. By embracing the latest technological innovations, R&D has been responsible for numerous RAYMOND WEIL innovations.

2002 : Introduction of the don giovanni così grande collection, with its refined, contemporary design, reflecting all the hi-tec precision of RAYMOND WEIL's watchmaking savoir-faire. Totally masculine, fully mechanical... the dynamic don giovanni così grande timepieces offer the last word in chic technique!

2006 : Celebrating 30 Years of Success Elie and Pierre Bernheim - RAYMOND WEIL's 3rd generation - join the company, ensuring family continuity and guaranteeing equilibrium, stability and the future in the eyes of the Brand's partners.
Launch of the ladies' shine collection. The different facets of shine make this watch jewel a must. With its strong, glamorous, sensuous, audacious personality, shine is perfectly attuned to the rhythm of the women of today.

2007 : Launch of the nabucco collection at BASELWORLD. This new men's mechanical collection is the Brand's first collection with an imposing 46mm case, water-resistant to a depth of 200m and integrating a high-tec material - carbon fibre.
RAYMOND WEIL's new freelancer male and female mechanical collection heralds two watchmaking innovations for the watch company: 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), who wished to mark the success of the Brand's corporate economic model: a young, dynamic, innovative Geneva-based industry that has successfully adapted to the evolution of its environment, and displayed an exceptional ability to make the innovations needed to remain a leader in its business and technology.

2008 : RAYMOND WEIL becomes Official Watch 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 music world, marked the occasion by designing a special official watch for the 2008 BRIT Awards - a limited edition issue from the freelancer collection, set with full-cut VS/VVS diamonds.BASELWORLD 2008 was really successful and rewarding for RAYMOND WEIL comparing to 2007 show which recorded already very good figures.

Nabucco cuore caldo, unveiled during the show, 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, produced in an exclusive limited edition of 500. To coincide with the launch of the nabucco cuore caldo limited edition, the family company also presented a range of luxury male accessories (cufflinks and 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".