Music is timeless, so why not celebrate it with a timepiece, and this is what Raymond Weil has done with their new 400 piece limited edition Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax in Titanium in conjunction with Saxophinist, Sandy Sax and emerging pianist Victor Le Douarec
Watch collecting as a hobby is about sharing a common interest amongst collectors and enthusiasts. The same goes with music and as the saying goes, it’s better together. Raymond Weil are celebrating this by combining a love of music and horology into their new 400 piece limited edition Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax which has just been released.
The 43.5mm piece is made from Titanium, making this watch super light and to make the watch ‘pop’ have included hints of turquoise adorning the dial, bezel and oscillating weight. Based on the press images, this contrasts well with the dark dial in a combination that would make George Bamford proud!
“This limited edition is an ode to live music. It celebrates the joy of sharing a musical moment together. With hints of vibrant colour on the dial, the design offers an added creative energy within our collection of freelancer chronographs. The full titanium case and bracelet provide lightweight comfortability both on stage and in the audience. I hope this timepiece will inspire you to live your life with passion, creativity and joy.”
Elie Bernheim, CEO of RAYMOND WEIL
As part of the release, RAYMOND WEIL has joined forces with saxophonist Sandy Sax and emerging pianist Victor Le Douarec to create a special song in collaboration, that celebrates the harmonious relationship between horology and music. Through engaging visuals and a joyful performance, the project ignites a shared passion for the beauty of music and the elegance of timekeeping.
The dial is a multi-faceted dial, something that Raymond Weil is doing more and more nowadays setting them apart from others in their price point. The circular outer track has grooves reminiscent of a record, and around this, an angled rehaut with a pulsometer, which is again encases with a fixed bezel and a Tachymeter scale – a must have for most chronographs with any racing inspired style.
Two turquoise sub-dials at 3 and 9 track the small seconds and chronograph hours respectively and similar to the Freelancer Chronograph launched last year, and their new Pilot’s Flyback Chronograph, they are inset to give the dial more dimensions. A colour matched date window at 6 o’clock helps with the symmetry of the bi-compax dial, and the turquoise seconds hand also adds to the aesthetic of the whole piece.
Inside the new Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax is the RW5030 automatic movement, the same in the standard Freelancer Chronograph, but adapted to have the date and 2 counters rather than the tri-compax layout of the original. This gives the new Freelancer Pop a 56-hour power reserve via the oscillating rotor and to ensure its water resistance, a screwed-down crown, complete with RW monogram as standard.
Final Thoughts
Since Raymond Weil launched the new look Freelancer Chronograph this time last year, the brand has been moving forward with a revitalised range for their marquee collection. Whilst on the larger side at 43.5mm, they are good looking pieces which wear relatively well.
Speaking from experience having had both the Freelancer 7783 and now the new Pilot Flyback Chronograph for extended periods of time for review, these are decent options in the sub AUD $7,000 price point. This piece in particular, seems once again to be value for money: A good looking chronograph in Titanium no less and limited to 400 pieces in a funky colourway. And if you’re in Australia, there will only be 15 pieces delivered, so it makes it a much rarer piece and something different to flaunt on your wrist.
References: 7780-TI-20425
Specification:
- Case: 43.5 mm, Lug-Lug 52mm and 13.7mm thick
- Case Material: Titanium with a black ceramic tachymeter bezel
- Dial: Black with gradient-effect from the centre, two turquoise counters, grey applique indexes enhanced with white Super-Luminova®
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective coating inside
- Case Back: Screwed-down, stainless steel with sapphire crystal
- Water resistance: 100 meters
- Movement: RW5030 Automatic Bi-Compax Chronograph
- Power reserve: 56 Hours
- Bracelet: Titanium with a Titanium and stainless steel folding clasp with double push-security system
