Hands-On With The Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar
Raymond Weil seems to be on a bit of a roll. The Millesime collection is broadly loved and appreciated, and these new Freelancers hit the spot too. Today, I go hands-on with two versions of the new Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar.
I got to spend some time with the steel blue-dial version on the bracelet and another one in rose gold PVD on leather. Both cost CHF 3,495 / €3,775. Let’s get into it!
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar
So, what do we have here? At first glance, you may mistake the Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar for a Patek Annual Calendar. Of course, that’s not what this is. For starters, a complete calendar requires manual adjustment after months with less than 31 days. That’s a small compromise, considering this Raymond Weil costs about 20 times less than a Patek.
Still, you do get the familiar layout of a double aperture displaying the day and month on the upper half of the dial. On the lower one, you get the equally traditional moonphase indicator inside a pointer-date sub-dial. None of this is original to the Freelancer, but why fix what isn’t broken? The layout is classical, clear, and highly aesthetically pleasing.
The rose-tone version mimics the feeling of a classical, complicated dress watch. The steel version, meanwhile, has a more individualistic identity. It is a sportier and more modern-feeling watch. As such, it also feels more original to Raymond Weil, which is why it is my favorite of the two.
Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar specs
The Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar’s stainless steel case measures 40mm wide, 48mm from lug to lug, and 10.2mm thick. This means it has rather modern, substantial dimensions, like a sports watch. Up top and down below, we find sapphire crystals for a clear view of the dial and the movement.
Speaking of the movement, this is the automatic caliber RW3281. It comprises a Sellita SW300-1 base with a calendar module on top. The movement runs at 28,800vph and offers a 56-hour power reserve on a full wind. Its calendar functions are adjustable via pushers in the case flanks.
The rose-tone PVD model comes on a brown leather strap with a plated single-deployant clasp and curved ends/spring bars. The steel model, meanwhile, sits on a five-row bracelet with a butterfly clasp. Both options lack micro-adjustment and quick-release pins.
Wearing the Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar
As alluded to above, these two versions offer radically different wearing experiences. The rose-tone model has a formal, old-school vibe to it. Although it fits well on my 18cm wrist, I find it a bit too large for that vibe. The steel version, meanwhile, wears much more like a sports watch. From that perspective, its size is perfectly fine.
The word that keeps popping up in my head is “inoffensive.” The Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar brings together numerous well-proven elements in a way that, granted, isn’t original, but it works. The watches are well made, nicely finished, and, above all, quite subtle. If you find yourself drooling over unobtainable annual and perpetual calendars but want something easier to acquire and own, this could be your bet.
I find these watches quite pretty on the wrist. This makes sense as they don’t do anything jarring or even new. They’re simply good-looking, well-made, and, consequently, inoffensive. I know that sounds a bit bland and uninspired. I guess it is, but that doesn’t always have to be a negative thing.
Who is it for?
I don’t think this is a collector’s watch. I reckon seasoned watch enthusiasts would prefer the stronger identity of the Millesime collection. Instead, I think this is more likely to end up on the wrists of one-time watch buyers. If you like the look of an annual/perpetual calendar but have set yourself a €5K budget, this could scratch your itch.
Would I recommend it to such people? Yes, I wholeheartedly would. The Raymond Weil Freelancer Complete Calendar offers a ton of high-horology charm without the hefty price tag and complicated ownership experience. My clear favorite is the steel version because I think its dimensions better suit its character. In addition, it feels slightly more original to me, even if the bracelet design is strongly associated with another brand.
All in all, Raymond Weil delivers a compelling package with the Freelancer Complete Calendar. What do you think of it? Let us know in the comments section down below!
