Raymond Weil Releases First Integrated-Bracelet Designs with New A.R.T Collection

While Raymond Weil’s history may be a bit shorter in length than those of other, centuries-old Swiss watchmakers, the brand has managed to maintain its independence and dominate the affordable-luxury sector since 1976, which is no easy feat. As it rings in its 50th birthday this year, Raymond Weil is celebrating the occasion with a brand-new, fully fledged collection, in a stylistic territory previously uncharted for the company. Dubbed the A.R.T collection, the new fleet of watches, in both 38mm and 30mm sizes, have officially launched Raymond Weil into the integrated-bracelet watch category.

Behind the New A.R.T Collection

The Millesieme collection from Raymond Weil has been a resounding hit for the brand in recent years, but for the latest A.R.T collection, it is flipping its own script. The guiding ethos for this new venture, as the brand details it, is one of quiet, understated luxury. This theme is the backbone of the collection, from the flowing, subtle geometry of the case to the variety of the finishing techniques used. The round bezel is circularly brushed when viewed head-on, but reveals some pretty dramatically polished bevels – a theme which is carried on throughout the design. The cushion-shaped case itself has an organic feel with its subtle curves, and the H-link bracelet tapers nicely as it flows, which bodes well in terms of wearing comfort. Additionally, these bracelets feature a double-folding clasp with a double-push security system. 

Dial-side, Raymond Weil has really leaned into minimalism. Rounded, luminous batons mark the hours, and the printed elements on the dial are pleasantly sparse: all we’ve really got are the minutes track, brand logo, and Swiss Made details. What really ties things together, to my eye, is the way all of the dial elements, from the shape of the hands and indices to the date window, all have, again, an organic feel. There has been a complete avoidance of harsh or sharp lines in favor of softer curves carried throughout. A subtle detail, sure, but one that highly pays off, and makes the entire watch feel intentional and cohesive. And, not leaving out the “sport” element from “sport-luxury,” both sizing options are water resistant up to 100 meters. 

Model Variations

Though I think we can all anticipate that the Raymond Weil A.R.T collection will be growing in the not-so-distant future, for the moment, all of the models are dubbed the A.R.T. Date. The larger of the two sizes introduced, the 38mm models, still promise a lot of versatility for different wrist sizes, particularly because of the way the tapered integrated bracelet naturally flows with the natural wrist contours. The case profile measures a slim 9.95mm in height, which, on paper, seems like another win in the watch’s favor. There are currently five distinct 38mm A.R.T. Date models, all of which feature sunray brushed dials in hues ranging from black to blue and sage grey. Additionally, there are two two-toned model options, combining steel with yellow-gold PVD details on the bezel, fluted crown, hands, indices, and center bracelet links. 

The more petite 30mm options are where the brand has played the most with the “luxury” part of quiet luxury. Across nine models, there is a real array of bling to choose from, ranging from the unadorned to an option with a bezel set with diamonds, to diamond hour markers, all the way to a diamond-set bezel-and-hour-markers one-two punch. Of the nine models, only three go for the simpler, sunray brushed dials (in blue or sage green), while the blinged-out models all feature mother-of-pearl dials. In addition to the two-tone options seen in the 38mm size, we’ve also got two full yellow- and rose- gold-PVD-plated models.

Movement

Of course, with two completely different model sizes come two different movements within. The 38mm size is, to no surprise, where we get some automatic mechanical chops within the collection. Specifically, the 38mm A.R.T. Date is powered by the RW4200 Automatic Mechanical movement, which is also seen across the brand's collection, notably in the Freelancer Diver. The RW4200 uses the Swiss Sellita SW200 as its base, which has a 4 Hz frequency, and a 41-hour power reserve. 

For our teeny 30mm models, I’m sure you won’t be shocked to hear that the brand has gone with quartz power for its smaller sizing option. This is par for the course for the small-watch genre, especially with more jewelry-oriented pieces. Across both the 38mm and 30mm sizes, Weil has gone with a closed caseback and does offer custom engraving, free of charge (I did try out the engraving widget on the brand’s website to confirm this, by the way).

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the A.R.T. collection really rounds out the brand’s catalog offerings, filling in the integrated-bracelet watch-shaped void that had been left empty until now. I would also argue that it was worth the wait, too. In terms of how the brand has really nailed the finer details and its overall cohesiveness, I would say the collection is giving some of its competitors in the category a real run for their money, and I’m sure the brand will only be adding more players to the collection with time. Pricing for the 38mm A.R.T. Date starts at $1,995, while the 30mm models start at $1,525.

For more information, visit the brand’s website here.