RAYMOND WEIL Unveils The Freelancer Chronograph Bi-Compax 7780

RAYMOND WEIL unveils a new timepiece that’s been inspired by the open road and a customised motorbike crafted by the artisans of Meister Engineering. The freelancer bronze chronograph 7780 is a vintage-inspired watch with a pulsometer scale. 

The background 

RAYMOND WEIL wanted to procure a customised motorbike for promotional purposes, so it turned to the specialist firm, Meister Engineering, paying a visit to its showroom in the centre of Geneva. Meister Engineering, a collection of artisans and engineers, reimagines standard motorbikes, infusing its own distinctive blend of creativity, style and mechanical skill. Seeing these remarkable vehicles inspired the Genevan watch brand to create a new bronze timepiece equipped with a chronograph, the freelancer 7780.  

Inspired by the bespoke bike

The brand’s customised motorbike was made, with the name RAYMOND WEIL emblazoned the fuel tank in rose gold foil. This feature is echoed in the watch’s 43.5mm bronze case and the two counters gracing the dial. Likewise, the motorbike’s gradient effect paint provided the idea for the watch’s black smoked dial; an interesting display with light tones at the centre, that assume a darker shade near the edge. The tachymeter and pulsometer scales engraved on the motorcycle tank cap have been recreated on the watch’s satin-finished ceramic bezel insert and flange.  A rich brown calf leather strap has been inspired by the motorbike’s leather-clad seat, enlivened with contrasting stitching and paired with a bronze folding clasp equipped with a double push-security system. And a tachymeter scale, presented on the bezel, enables the wearer to determine the speed of a motorbike (or another vehicle) over a known distance. 

Attention to detail 

A symmetrical bi-compax layout features a 30-minute chronograph counter and a small seconds display, while the golden hour and minute hands are large and legible. The hour track is snailed, while the hands and indexes feature luminescent treatment, allowing clarity in darker conditions The central chronograph seconds hand, the hand on the 30-minute register and the numerals on the pulsometer scale are all in the same shade. A date display is positioned at 6 o’clock, contributing to the overall symmetry of the dial; its disc is presented in black, matching the colour of the dial, a feature proving very pleasing to the eye and contributing to the watch’s sophisticated appearance. 

Bronze and steel

Residing on a bronze-toned flange, a pulsometer scale allows the wearer to identify the heart rate of an individual. Over time the bronze will mature and form a patina, increasing its classic elegance. An exhibition case back is presented in stainless steel, with the Calibre RW5030 visible and the watch is fitted with a W-shaped skeleton oscillating weight, a reference to the founder’s surname. When the mainspring is fully wound, the watch will run autonomously for  56 hours.