Introducing: A 35mm Japan-Exclusive Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase
Stylish, thought through, sophisticated… These are just a few words to describe the 35mm Japan-only Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase. This limited edition of 100 pieces was brought to life with Masayuki Hirota, the editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan Edition. The small watch is clearly a historically inspired Millesime, with its sector dial marking the hours, minutes, and seconds on distinct tracks. However, the classical moonphase indicator with a smiling moon has been replaced with something more contemporary. The two-tone silver and slate-blue dial shows our Moon’s authentic shadows, recreated using NASA imagery, at 6 o’clock.
The 35mm Japan-exclusive Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase Special Edition (ref. 2145-STC-RIH01) is a subtle watch. I know you would expect that from a Millesime, but this creation is subtle with a twist. The modern moonphase display brings together different eras, placing this special Millesime in a sub-category.
Introducing a 35mm Japan-exclusive Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase
We at Fratello have been fans of the Raymond Weil Millesime since it first hit the market in January 2024. Many variations followed that first model, and arguably, the ones with a moonphase complication are the nicest. This is mostly because the poetic complication, which whispers of tradition, fits perfectly in the sub-dial at 6 o’clock, where the original model had a sub-seconds layout. In other words, the perfect balance of the dial remains untouched but gets uplifted by a complication.
This new version’s silver dial is enhanced by hour and seconds tracks in slate blue. This grayish-blue shade balances cool sophistication and gentle warmth. The hour track features custom-designed Arabic numerals in crisp white, rendered in a legible sans-serif font. A refined two-tone bullseye motif, reminiscent of designs from the 1930s to 1950s, highlights each track and enhances readability. Embracing classical craftsmanship, the minute track sits on a subtly inclined surface, and the gently curved tips of the minute and second hands add depth.
A boxy crystal
The 35 × 42mm case has a chamfered bezel that lends it a slimmer profile than its 9.98mm thickness might suggest. The satin-finished sides, lugs, and bezel contrast with the polished top surfaces and beveled edges. Elongated, vintage-inspired lugs curve downward, and their rounded tips ensure comfort. The vintage-inspired sapphire crystal echoes the boxy, plastic crystals of yesteryear. You get the vibe of the past with today’s strength, scratch resistance, and an antireflective coating.
Raymond Weil outfitted this Millesime Moon Phase with another version of a Sellita 200-family caliber, the RW4280. Except for a custom skeletonized rotor, it isn’t decorated, which should not be a deal-breaker in this watch’s price segment (more on the price a little later). The 4Hz movement offers a 41-hour power reserve, and while that’s nothing exceptional, again, it’s not a deal-breaker for most.
Well done, Hirota-san
The Japan-only 35mm Millesime Moon Phase costs ¥462,000 (approximately CHF 2,500). The price of this special edition will likely be similar, so if you want this watch, you can now roughly calculate a budget that includes flights to Japan, transfers, food and drinks, and a place to stay. You might also want to look here to see if the watch is still available.
In my opinion, this is the best-looking version of the Millesime Moon Phase. The dial is vibrant and neatly combines classic origins with a modern look at the Moon in a traditional yet contemporary size. The 35mm version is a bigger style statement than its larger 39.5mm cousins. Well done, Hirota-san and Raymond Weil.
Now, if you had to choose a 35mm Raymond Weil Millesime, which iteration would you choose? Please leave your answer in the comments section.
