Sameera Gamage 
The all-new, all-black Freelancer Automatic Cushion Skeleton Limited Edition displays Raymond Weil’s commitment to innovation and watchmaking excellence!
Raymond Weil unveiled their novelty timepieces ahead of the Watches & Wonders schedule in early March. One of the presented timepieces was the all-new Freelancer Automatic Cushion Skeleton Limited Edition. This striking new model takes a familiar form of the Freelancer Skeleton predecessors, especially reference: 2785-BKR-20000.
Limited to just 500 pieces, this timepiece embodies the brand’s commitment to balancing traditional Swiss craftsmanship with contemporary design. What Raymond Weil has done with this model, however, is upgrade the case design to a more non-traditional style, creating a bold new silhouette for enthusiasts and fans to enjoy. It also serves as a reminder of Raymond Weil’s continued approach to modern watchmaking.
The introduction of a cushion-shaped case is certainly a deliberate move by the brand, signaling a departure from the conventional round profiles that have defined much of the brand’s portfolio. This design choice embraces vintage aesthetics while incorporating a modern, urban edge that aligns with the watch enthusiasts of today. Beyond the striking new exterior of the Freelancer Skeleton, this limited edition model also showcases the intricate craftmanship Raymond Weil is able to produce, with the skeletonised dial and the movement being beautifully displayed together in a well-balanced and aesthetic look.
Case Design
In Raymond Weil’s own words, this new design is a “meeting of innovation and elegance”. The cushion-shaped case brings elegance in what is a very architecturally “refined” dial. The stainless steel cushion-shaped case has a black PVD coating, which is made to pair with the black galvanic openworked/skeletonised dial. The case measures 40mm x 40mm while being 10.5mm thick, which sits similar to the more traditional circular Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton Men’s Automatic.
As mentioned earlier, the design choice of using a cushion-shaped case over a traditional circular case not only pays homage to the vintage appeal of cushion cases but also infuses a modern twist, appealing to contemporary watch enthusiasts. Having an all black DLC coated case also means that the watch gives all the attention to the skeletonised movement in the dial, which is where we see touches of colour from the gear train and the balance spring.
Dial Design
As mentioned previously, the main design of this latest Freelancer Skeleton takes inspiration from the brand’s Freelancer Calibre RW1212 Skeleton Men’s Automatic (reference: 2785-BKR-20000). This new model uses the same dial layout, with the barrel, balance wheel, and gear train all in full view.
Raymond Weil takes advantage of the black galvanic bridges in the movement to make the RW1212 movement as visual as possible to the wearer, with the movement’s elements perfectly contrasting against the black. The brand states that “The R&D department meticulously reimagined each component to highlight the balance wheel at 6 o’clock, elevating the beauty of the horological mechanics through an openworked traversing bridge. The result is a movement of striking depth, where architectural sophistication meets mechanical ingenuity.”
Movement
Of course, the movement is the main focus of this timepiece. Raymond Weil developed the RW1212 proprietary calibre in-house. It was first introduced in 2007 and has remained a key milestone in the brand’s history. The movement was given the name RW1212 as a nod to the brand’s headquarters in Grand-Lancy, Switzerland (postal code 1212), further emphasizing the brand’s Swiss heritage.
The movement was developed in collaboration with Sellita. It operates at a high frequency of 4Hz (28,800 VpH) and has a power reserve of 41 hours. Since its creation, Raymond Weil has used the movement in various models within the Freelancer collection, including skeletonized versions that further highlight the intricate mechanics at play.
Initial Thoughts
While the overall design remains the same, Raymond Weil’s Freelancer Automatic Cushion Skeleton Limited Edition is still a refreshing, more contemporary take. The brand steps outside its comfort zone by introducing a cushion-shaped case, merging vintage inspiration with a bold, modern aesthetic. The decision to release this model in a limited run of 500 pieces adds to its exclusivity, making it an appealing choice for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Like its predecessor, the standout feature of this latest Freelancer Skeleton is the beautiful execution of the skeletonised dial. By maintaining the signature RW1212 movement’s openworked design, Raymond Weil ensures that the watch remains true to its mechanical roots while elevating its visual appeal. This is a timepiece that commands presence on the wrist without being overpowered. The Freelancer Automatic Cushion Skeleton Limited Edition is not just a new silhouette in the collection but a statement piece that reinforces the brand’s commitment to evolving its design language!
Specification: Freelancer Automatic Cushion Skeleton Limited Edition (2795-BKC-20000)
- Dimensions: 40mm x 40mm x 10.5mm thick
- Case Material: Cushion-shaped Black PVD-coated stainless steel
- Dial: Black dial, applied indexes coated with white Super-Luminova®
- Movement: Mechanical self-winding, in-house caliber RW1212
- Movement Frequency: 28,800VpH (4hZ)
- Movement Power reserve: 41 hours
- Water resistance: 100m (10 Bar)
- Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-reflective coating
- Bracelet/Strap: Genuine black calfskin, black PVD-coated ‘RW’ folding clasp with double pusher safety
