Dancing in the Moonlight with The Raymond Weil Millesime Automatic Moon Phase

The Millesime collection has been quite a success for Raymond Weil. It drew the attention of watch collectors around the world and even won the brand the Challenge prize at the 2023 edition of the Grand Prix de l'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG). The collection now consists of time-only models, chronographs, and this very appealing moon phase model.

There are two things that greatly contribute to Millesime's success, and the first is the perfect proportions. The diameter of 39.5mm is spot on for this moon phase model. Combined with a height of 10.05mm, it offers modern proportions with a vintage feel. This is the same for the dail, which combines very subtle differences in height with a sector design. A secret weapon is also that each of the three rings of markers gets less busy the closer it is to the center of the dial. This naturally draws your eyes into the watch, while they also support the superb legibility of this watch.

Raymond Weil uses the moon phase display as a poetic complication, as it is not combined with any other calendar function. This makes the watch playful, and that is also reflected in the way that the moon is portrayed. It is not a real-life replication of how the moon actually is, but rather a friendly face in the moon. Together with some dotted stars and the traditional moon phase window, it is quite a treat. It also goes great with the beautiful blue hue of the dial, all the more because Raymond Weil kept the background of the moon phase disc blue as well, integrating it perfectly into the overall design. The sapphire insert in the caseback shows caliber RW4280. This movement is a Sellita SW280-1 with a personalized oscillating weight. The movement itself is very rugged and dependable but could do with some more decoration to match the luscious look of the front of the Millesime Automatic Moon Phase better.

By opting for a pink gold PVD coating, the Millesime Automatic Moon Phase gets a very rich look without the steep price tag of an actual gold piece. Especially with the different finishes, it adds to the sophistication and the attraction of this Raymond Weil. I also applaud the restraint that Raymond Weil has shown with the strap. While a leather strap with an alligator print might have been the most obvious, a navy blue calf was selected with a little bit of a grain in it. This puts even more emphasis on the watch itself by adding a touch of understatement. Raymond Weil also opted for a buckle with a pink gold PVD coating, which suits the watch much better than a folding clasp would have done.

Raymond Weil also offers the Millesime Automatic Moon Phase with a silver dial and even in a smaller 35mm diameter. The price for the Millesime Automatic Moon Phase in this article is $2,325.

For more info, visit Raymond Weil, here.