Freelancer Men’s 43.5mm, Automatic Bi Compax Chronograph Calibre RW5030, Bronze Case, Black Fume’ Index Dial with Bronze Sub Dials, Antique Brown Leather Strap

The Limited Edition Raymond Weil freelancer Bronze Chronograph 7780 is available in two variants, one with orange accents, limited to just 300 pieces, and the other with blue accents. This new chronograph is perfectly suited to free thinkers and creative individuals. This model encompasses a number of exquisite refinements.

On the brand’s customised motorbike, the name RAYMOND WEIL adorns the fuel tank and is depicted in rose gold foil. This provided the inspiration for the texture of the 43.5mm bronze case and the two sub-counters gracing the dial. Likewise, the motorbike gradient-effect paint influenced the watch’s black smoked dial. This latter detail confers an interesting display with light tones at the centre of the dial that assumes a darker shade near the edge. The tachymeter and pulsometer scales engraved on the motorcycle tank cap are replicated on the watch’s satin-finished ceramic bezel insert and flange, respectively. Even the freelancer’s rich brown calf leather strap has been inspired by the motorbike’s leather-clad seat. Clearly, the specification of the bespoke motorbikes has provided a wealth of ideas for the brand’s new vintage-inspired watch.

The symmetrical bi-compact layout features a 30-minute chronograph counter and a small seconds display. The golden hour and minute hands are generously proportioned and, in conjunction with the applied indexes, prove highly legible. The hour track is snailed, while the hands and indexes feature luminescent treatment, augmenting readability in restricted light. The colour of the central chronograph hand, the hand on the 30-minute register and the numerals on the pulsometer scale are all presented in the same shade.

A date display is positioned at 6 o’clock, once again contributing to the overall symmetry of the dial. The date disc is presented in black, matching the colour of the dial, a detail much appreciated by purists. The tachymeter scale, presented on the bezel, provides the means to determine the speed of a motorbike or vehicle of your choice, over a known distance. Residing on a bronze-toned flange, a pulsometer scale allows the wearer to determine the heart rate of an individual. A notable characteristic of this dial is that it wonderfully plays with shades, depths and textures, contributing to the watch’s sophisticated appearance.

With time, the bronze will mature and form a patina, heightening the overall sense of elegance. To the rear of the watch, the case back is presented in titanium PVD stainless steel. The movement, the calibre RW5030, is visible via the exhibition case back. Once again, the attention to detail is clear to see, for example, the watch is fitted with a W-shaped skeleton oscillating weight, a reference to the founder’s surname. A further attribute to this automatic movement is that assuming the mainspring is fully wound, the watch will run autonomously for 56 hours. As stated earlier, the watch comes on a brown calf leather strap, it is enlivened with contrasting stitching and paired with a bronze folding clasp equipped with a double push security system.