RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER 7730 CHRONOGRAPH WATCH REVIEW

RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER 7730 CHRONOGRAPH WATCH REVIEW

RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER 7730 CHRONOGRAPH WATCH REVIEW

I recently finally got hands-up with Frederique Constant

Reviewing two timepieces (the Slimline Classics and Business Timer Moonphase), and the actual closing the first month of 2018 with another first for me personally: a Raymond Weil.

Founded in 1976, throughout the so-known as quarta movement crisis, Raymond Weil is comparatively youthful one of the ranks of Swiss horology. Not youthful enough that need considering an upstart, but nonetheless missing the expansive legacy that lots of century-old Swiss watchmakers posses.

RAYMOND WEIL FREELANCER 7730 CHRONOGRAPH WATCH REVIEW

Raymond Weil has become, obviously, one of the most prominent names connected with Swiss watchmaking. The Freelancer collection, released in 2007, is among their mainstay lineups. The Freelancer Chronograph is much more costly than other chrono’s I’ve tested from Swiss brands readers of WYCA knows that I’m mostly speaking concerning the Jazzmaster Auto Chrono. Strangely enough, I still occur to own that Auto Chrono. I question the way the two will compare…

In almost any situation, I view RW in the same manner - with similar appreciation - when i do other notable Swiss brands. Within this cost bracket, I’ve spent probably the most time with Piece of fabric brands - particularly, Hamilton and Tissot - but additionally Mido and a few non-Piece of fabric brands, including Frederique Constant. Suffice to state, I’m very curious to determine the way the Freelancer Chronograph compares.

The Freelancer Chrono is racey 

In the same manner the special form of a midsize sedan is. Consider the Freelancer Chrono because the Audi S4 of mechanical chronographs. That’s a great comparison.

It earns such praise - which is praise - due to its lower-to-earth, put on it anywhere styling that comes with sufficient flash to allow an educated observer know what’s underneath the hood. This RW isn’t a good example of brand value commanding a high cost, a minimum of not completely. Underneath the (stainless) sheet metal lies a computerized RW 500 - also known as, a rather modified Valjoux 7750 - and many other impressive specs.

The dial - a combination of surfaces and textures - is finely crafted and appears fantastic under all amounts of scrutiny. The dash of flash around the dial, through the red automatic lettering and chronograph seconds hands, is substantiated through the right movement - more about that below - and through the types of materials used and overall quality of build. It’s rare that you’d look for a watch from the major Swiss brand which was built poorly, however this RW sticks out among its peers to be among the best.

At each touchpoint, and anywhere your skills would find itself, RW has put focus on presentation. In the dial and just how well it’s printed, towards the finishing around the movement, towards the branding around the leather. It is totally polished and welcoming - pleasing - towards the eye.

It wears well, comfortable, and sits nicely around the wrist. It’s somewhat tall, although not uncomfortably so. Less than a peacock watch - in the same manner that the S4 isn’t an ostentatious sports vehicle - but close enough. It feels just a little above peackockiness.

I am not sure why watch brands apply 

Small changes to some movement and alter its name, but it’s frustrating within the respect it causes it to be hard to determine what’s unique and fascinating concerning the new movement when compared to base. Within the situation from the RW 500, apart from being finely decorated, I’m unsure should there be any significant modifications towards the base Valjoux 7750.

Still, there’s no problem using the 7750. Actually, it’s been the pretty much defacto standard of mechanical chronograph movements because the 1980s. The 7750 may be the base that underpins many modern mechanicals, including variants which i have within my personal collection.