Raymond Weil Celebrates 50 Years with the Elegant Hand-Wound Chronograph “The Fifty”

Raymond Weil is among the few Swiss watch brands that have remained independent and family-owned since their founding. Established in Geneva in 1976, the company is now led by Elie Bernheim, the grandson of founder Raymond Weil, representing the third generation at the helm. Over five decades, the brand has built a reputation for elegant Swiss watchmaking offered at accessible prices. Refined design, clear functionality, and a balance between tradition and contemporary aesthetics continue to shape the collection. For its 50th anniversary, Raymond Weil expresses these values in a particularly compelling way with the Millesime The Fifty 37 mm. The chronograph is powered by a historic hand-wound Valjoux movement and features the sophisticated design language of the Millesime collection.

This becomes especially apparent in the elaborately constructed bicompax dial. It is composed of four individual components, each finished separately before being assembled into a single structure. The result is a pronounced sense of depth with multiple layers and textures. Beneath the hour markers lies a finely grained surface with a subtle crystalline effect. The sector-shaped central portion of the dial features a Tapisserie pattern whose alternating ridges interact dynamically with the light. The two separately crafted subdials — one for the running seconds and one for the chronograph minute counter — are decorated with azurage, further enhancing legibility and visual refinement. The hour markers add another elegant touch. Filled with black Super-LumiNova, they glow green in the dark, just like the hour and minute hands. Together they harmonize with the tachymeter scale positioned on the outer flange. To highlight the occasion, the bezel is crafted from white gold.

At the heart of the anniversary model beats a true chronograph connoisseur’s delight. Raymond Weil has fitted the watch with an original Valjoux 23-6 movement dating from 1976 — the very year the brand was founded. The caliber has been carefully restored in-house and finely decorated. This hand-wound column-wheel chronograph features bridges and a balance cock adorned with Geneva stripes and finished with a black ruthenium coating. Blued screws provide a striking contrast, while the anglage and polished screw sinks have been executed by hand. Measuring 37mm in diameter and 10.75mm in height, The Fifty is fitted with an anthracite-gray leather strap and priced at CHF8,650 or approximately $11,100 when converted to USD.

To learn more, visit Raymond Weil, here.