Experience Timeless Elegance with a Modern Twist: The New Millesime Small Seconds

A Legacy Reimagined: The Genesis of the Millesime Collection

Despite not having a historical predecessor in the vein of the iconic Calatrava, the Millesime collection, first unveiled in 2023, rapidly carved out its own niche. It was a deliberate design endeavor, successfully reintroducing Raymond Weil to the discerning eyes of watch aficionados. This collection has since expanded, featuring more compact 35mm variants, a dynamic chronograph, central seconds versions, and moon phase models, each contributing to its growing acclaim.

Crafted for Distinction: The Millesime's Enduring Case Design

The latest iteration of the Millesime Small Seconds maintains the established design principles of its predecessors. It masterfully combines classic and contemporary elements, presenting a dress watch that subtly harks back to the styles of the 1930s and 1940s. The 39mm diameter strikes an ideal balance, complemented by a moderate 10.25mm thickness. Its tripartite case construction, characterized by a sleek, single-step bezel and a domed sapphire crystal, exudes refined craftsmanship. The case finishing is meticulously executed, featuring a harmonious blend of brushed and polished surfaces, notably on the bezel's vertical brushing and polished lateral bevels. The lugs, designed to be slender and short with rounded tips and strap-changing apertures, enhance both comfort and practicality.

Unparalleled Comfort: A Seamless Wrist Experience

Donning the Millesime Small Seconds is an absolute pleasure. Its dimensions are perfectly calibrated—large enough for a contemporary feel yet sufficiently modest to retain its dress watch identity. For those preferring a more petite timepiece, the 35mm version is readily available. The 10mm thickness, initially appearing substantial, is optically minimized by the clever case architecture. Furthermore, the supple and comfortable leather straps provided by Raymond Weil contribute significantly to the overall wearing experience. Standard specifications include a push-pull crown, a sapphire-adorned snap-on caseback, and a practical 50-meter water resistance, aligning perfectly with the watch's intended use.

Introducing the Tuxedo Dials: A Symphony of Contrast and Style

The year's most exciting update for the Raymond Weil Millesime Small Seconds is the introduction of three distinct 'Tuxedo dials,' drawing inspiration from Art Deco aesthetics. The term 'Tuxedo dial,' much like its sartorial counterpart, denotes a striking interplay of contrasting colors, typically black and white, defined by a prominent hour chapter ring. This dual-tone concept is elegantly reimagined across three versions, all while retaining the collection's original sector dial layout: a timeless cream dial with a black chapter ring, a contemporary brushed midnight blue edition paired with a black contrasting ring, and a bold red grape brushed base accented by a silvery-white hour ring.

Elevated Details: Luminous Numerals and Art Deco Flair

Beyond the fresh dial configurations and color palettes, Raymond Weil has thoughtfully updated the hour markers. They now feature luminous Arabic numerals, a departure from traditional baton indices, which harmoniously complement the brushed, luminous hour and minute hands. A central, engraved crosshair adds a touch of precision. The small seconds sub-dial, gracefully positioned at 6 o'clock, retains its distinctive Art Deco-inspired railroad track, underscoring the watch's vintage charm.

The Heartbeat of Precision: A Reliable Automatic Movement

Driving these exquisite timepieces is a well-established and dependable movement: the Calibre RW4251. This automatic movement, based on the Sellita SW261-1 (a small seconds variant of the SW200), operates at 4Hz and boasts a 41-hour power reserve. Its aesthetics are equally impressive, featuring matte bridges and a brushed, W-shaped oscillating weight, visible through the sapphire caseback.

Acquisition and Pricing: Accessibility to Refined Horology

These three new Raymond Weil Millesime Small Seconds 39mm Tuxedo Dials are now a permanent fixture in the collection, offered without limitations. Each watch comes with a calf leather strap, available in black, dark brown, or beige, with an optional steel bracelet also provided. All three references are consistently priced at CHF 2,075, EUR 2,250, or USD 2,295, aligning with the cost of the standard dial versions, making refined horology accessible.