Today, Raymond Weil releases its Freelancer Pilot Flyback Chronograph. With just 400 pieces available, the new Freelancer fuses a high-performance design with a vintage pilot’s aesthetic. The new model is complete with a flyback function and embodies a clear admiration for vintage aviation. As a result, it aligns well with the brand’s heritage by paying homage to its founder, Mr Raymond Weil. The late Mr Weil was a big fan of flying and owned his own plane, which he often flew to admire the beautiful Swiss landscapes. His grandsons have continued his legacy, one as the brand’s CEO and the other as a qualified pilot. With this basis and the model’s attentive design, it is therefore anticipated to be a hit with both watch fans and aviation aficionados alike.
The New Raymond Weil Freelancer Pilot Flyback Chronograph: Core Specifications
Case and Dial
Crafted from durable stainless steel, the round case measures 42 mm in diameter. For added nostalgic charm, this steel is treated with a grey PVD coating and has a brushed finish. Moreover, at 13.8mm in thickness, the watch is not shy on the wrist and certainly has an impactful appearance.
Overleaf, the screw-down exhibition case back seals in the watch’s 100-metre water resistance. It’s made from sapphire glass which allows the wearer to admire the inner mechanism of the watch. To reinforce its roots in aviation and its air of exclusivity, the case back also features a propeller engraving.
Due to its quietly confident colour, your eye is immediately drawn to the green dial. Moreover, with two subdials, it has a slightly utilitarian edge. Luminescent Arabic numeral indices rest upon its textured outer ring, which contrasts the smooth centremost portion of the dial. Although each of the indices appears white, there is a nickel-plated frame outlining each of them. The barrel-shaped central hour and minute hands echo the same design, as does the small seconds subdial. Meanwhile, the chronograph complication and the 30-minute counter subdial distinguish themselves from the main watch’s functions through contrasting yellow hands. For optimal protection, finishing the dial design is an anti-glare sapphire crystal.
Movement and Finishing Touches
Aside from its stunning aesthetics, perhaps the most attractive part of the watch is its movement. Its integrated automatic flyback chronograph movement is the brand’s RW5530 calibre. Featuring a column wheel and a horizontal coupling, the RW5530’s highly sought-after configuration continues Raymond Weils’ lineage of watchmaking mastery. Furthermore, the movement also boasts 29 jewels as well as a 56-hour power reserve.
The ‘flyback’ aspect of the movement also reinforces the watch’s appreciation for vintage aviation. Unlike a conventional chronograph, a flyback function condenses the stop, reset, and start functions into just one press. This is how the function gets its name, as it causes the chronograph hand to fly backwards. Historically, the flyback was incredibly convenient for pilots. It allowed them to time each flight stage in a quick and practical way, which aided with navigation.
In addition to the flyback, there are other smaller details that also celebrate the model’s roots. For instance, resting on the right-hand side of the case is a classic onion-shaped crown. These are typical to vintage pilot’s watches, but the brand has made it its own with an RW engraving.
Finally, tying the design together is a calf leather strap. Its brown colour brings some balance to the vibrancy of the green dial without taking away from it. Moreover, it fastens to the wrist with a grey PVD folding clasp with a double-push security system.
For those interested, you can get your hands on the Raymond Weil Freelancer Men’s Pilot Flyback Chronograph (42mm) Green Dial / Brown Leather Strap (7783-TIC-05520) here.
When Raymond Weil releases its Freelancer Pilot Flyback Chronograph, will you be trying to get your hands on one of the 400 available? We want to hear your thoughts below!
