Essentially smaller versions of the preceding models, the Millesime Central Seconds and Millesime Moon Phase in 35 mm are the latest additions to Raymond Weil’s successful line of vintage-inspired watches. Debuting with five different variants, the new Millesime models retain the aesthetic that made the earlier versions popular: a contemporary interpretation of “sector” dial watches of the early 20th century.

Initial thoughts

Regarded as a “mall watch” brand for years – but nonetheless a profitable business of decent scale – Raymond Weil hadn’t been on the radar of most watch enthusiasts for some time. So when the Millesime won the award for watches under CHF3,000 at last year’s Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), many of us were surprised.

The Millesime, however, is more than a “mall watch”. It has good proportions with a “sector” dial that is well-balanced, and underneath is a no-frills, reliable Sellita movement. It is an affordable watch and has the build quality to match, but that is a fact rather than a criticism.

Priced between US$1,650 and US$2,575 depending on the model, the 35 mm Millesime remains good value. It brings the “sector” dial-look to someone who wants a smaller watch.

Vintage-inspired aesthetics

The new Millesime takes after the original model, which was just under 40 mm. The case is nearly identical in design, a three-part affair with a flat bezel, large, fluted crown, and “glass box” sapphire crystal that highlight the vintage-inspired aesthetics. The flat bezel is vertically brushed on top with polished bevels, while the lugs feature alternating polished and brushed surfaces.

But the case is now 35 mm and fairly slim. While the central-seconds model is 9.18 mm in thickness, the moon phase model is taller at 9.98 mm due to the additional complication.

The denim blue models feature 16 lab-grown diamonds on the lugs

Both versions share a similar “sector” dial, with the only difference being the indices: batons for the central seconds and Arabic for the moon phase.

The central seconds is available with either a denim blue or silver dial with a steel case. It is also available with a rose gold-plated case and bracelet with a burgundy dial.

The moon phase model is offered in steel with a denim blue dial, a rose gold-plated case with a silver dial.

Both are equipped with basically the same Sellita calibre with 41 hours of power reserve, which features a rotor open-worked to form a “W” logo.

Key facts and price

Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Central Seconds
Ref. 2125-STC-65001 (silver dial)
Ref. 2125-SCS-50011 (denim blue dial)
Ref. 2125-P5-45001 (burgundy dial)

Diameter: 35 mm
Height: 9.18 mm
Material: Stainless steel; stainless steel with rose gold PVD coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. RW4200
Functions: Hours, minutes, and seconds
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: Unavailable
Power reserve: 41 hours

Strap: Calf-skin leather strap; stainless steel with rose gold PVD coating bracelet

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Raymond Weil boutiques and retailers 
Price: US$1,650 for the silver dial, US$2,025 for the denim blue dial, US$1,950 for the burgundy dial

Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Moon Phase
Ref. 2145-SCS-05511 (denim blue dial)
Ref. 2145-PC5-05650 (silver dial)

Diameter: 35 mm
Height: 9.98 mm
Material: Stainless steel; stainless steel with rose gold PVD coating
Crystal: Sapphire
Water resistance: 50 m

Movement: Cal. RW4280
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds and moon phase
Winding: Automatic
Frequency: Unavailable
Power reserve: 41 hours

Strap: Navy blue calf-skin leather strap

Limited edition: No
Availability: Now at Raymond Weil boutiques and retailers 
Price: US$2,575 for the denim blue dial; US$2,325  for the silver dial

For more, visit raymond-weil.com