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Continuing on their rapid rise in the industry, Raymond Weil enters the integrated bracelet sports watch game with the sporty-chic A.R.T.

Independent watch brand Raymond Weil has made significant strides on its way to the horological mainstream. and on the eve of its 50th anniversary, a fire has been lit beneath the brand.

Since the introduction of the Millesime in 2023, Raymond Weil has quickly risen to the occasion as a new contender in the middle market, providing clean designs, reliable mechanics, and accessible price points. With this resurgence comes repositioning, and the Raymond Weil catalogue has been shaken up significantly to reflect those efforts.

With the Freelancer taking on the flagship position, and dress watches like the Millesime and Toccata Heritage branching out the offerings, the brand needed an effective go-between that could appeal to all comers.

And what better place to look than the integrated bracelet sports watch scene? Finally making its entrance into the subgenre, Raymond Weil has unveiled the new A.R.T. line in spectacular fashion, welcoming 14 new watches to the permanent roster.

Feeling The Flow

Spanning two sizes, the Raymond Weil A.R.T. comes in either a 38mm or 30mm case. Regardless of which you prefer, both are impressively slim, measuring 9.95mm and 7.5mm thick respectively. Wearing low on the wrist and seamlessly wrapping around it, the new A.R.T.’s case architecture is defined by Raymond Weil’s indelible connection to the arts and culture.

While the silhouette appears carved from a single block of stainless steel, or gold PVD depending on the model you choose, there is an unprecedented level of detail throughout the collection. The bezel is subtly sculpted, with four hollowed sections positioned across the bevelled edge.

A polished chamfer also frames the A.R.T., outlining the watch in a subtle halo of light. The bracelet flows seamlessly from the case, with central H-links featuring polished chamfers for added light play. Finished with a butterfly clasp, the watch is neither ornate enough to be considered dressy nor spartan enough to be considered casual. Yet it still offers 100 metres of water resistance, further underscoring the collection’s versatility.

Audacity, Refinement, Transmission

In design, it’s clear which areas of the market Raymond Weil is targeting. Five models debut in the masculine/unisex 38mm size, while a whopping nine models are available in the more feminine 30mm size.

For the former, the choices are relatively straightforward: three models are available in steel, while the remaining two are executed in a two-tone combination with yellow gold PVD. Dial options for the 38mm models include black, blue, and grey, all finished with a sunray-brushed effect that adds that all-important touch of elegance.

The women’s selection, on the other hand, is far more diverse. There are models in rose gold PVD, yellow gold PVD, two-tone configurations, diamond-set references, and even diamond-set bezel variants.

Here, only two sunray-brushed colours are available, a grey-green and a grey, while the remainder of the range is fitted with white mother-of-pearl dials. Nevertheless, the dial layouts further reinforce the A.R.T.’s identity. Simple stick hands and indexes encircle each dial, all lightly lumed for a convenient, if modest, level of low-light legibility.

Sensational Sellita

As for the movement, Raymond Weil has made the deliberate choice to omit an exhibition caseback, opening the door for personal engravings and customisation. Within the watch, the movement responsible for timekeeping depends on the size.

Inside the 30mm collection is an unspecified quartz calibre, perfectly suited to an everyday set-and-forget lifestyle. The 38mm models, however, utilise the Calibre RW4420, developed in collaboration with Sellita.

An ever-reliable movement manufacturer, Sellita has maintained a longstanding partnership with Raymond Weil over the years, resulting in dozens of capable calibres at approachable price points. The Cal. RW4420 is no different, delivering a reliable 41-hour power reserve and the standard luxury beat rate of 4Hz (28,800VpH).

While I appreciate Raymond Weil leaving the final touches up to the owner, I personally would have liked to see an open caseback on this piece. I suppose, though, that it aligns with the sporty-chic nature of the collection, so it is hardly a deal-breaker.

Initial Thoughts

Now celebrating 50 years in operation, Raymond Weil has done well to step into the spotlight. Balancing elegance and robustness for all luxury watch enthusiasts, the A.R.T. serves as another feather in the cap of Raymond Weil’s renewed value proposition.

There was a time when the brand was considered less than an underdog within the industry, but releases such as the A.R.T., Toccata Heritage, and refreshed Freelancer references have left those darker days firmly in the past.

With a solid build, adaptable styling, and a strong variety from launch, the Raymond Weil A.R.T. once again stays true to the brand’s enduring philosophy of fine, accessible Swiss watchmaking.

References & Specifications

Australian Retail Price:

• Full Diamonds: $4,995 (Rose gold PVD) / $4,895 (Two-tone PVD) / $4,350 (White MOP) / $4,200 (Grey-green)
• Diamonds: $3,300 (Yellow gold PVD) / $3,200 (Two-tone PVD) / $2,800 (White MOP)
• Standard: $2,600 (Grey-green / Grey)

Australian Retail Price: $3,500 (Two-tone PVD) / $3,300 (Standard)

Availability (All): Available now, from Raymond Weil retailers or online at Raymond-Weil.com