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Raymond Weil Freelancer 43mm Automatic Mens Watch
Ref. 2780-SP5-20001
The Freelancer line has long been Raymond Weil's case for wearing mechanical finishing openly, and this reference makes that argument through an open-heart aperture at six o'clock rather than through a conventional dial. The RW1212 was developed in collaboration with Sellita, and the exposed balance wheel sits beneath a pair of bridges in an arrangement that draws a deliberate visual line toward the architecture of a tourbillon — without the cost or complication one demands. At 42.5mm across and only 10.6mm thick, the case sits flatter on the wrist than the open-heart format usually allows, which keeps it readable beneath a cuff. The two-tone execution — bare steel against rose gold PVD on both case and bracelet — gives the black dial something to work against, and the multi-row bracelet with its double push-button folding clasp wears securely without feeling ceremonial.
- Reference
- 2780-SP5-20001
- Brand
- Raymond Weil
- Collection
- Freelancer
- Case size
- 42.5mm
- Case thickness
- 10.6mm
- Case material
- Two-tone
- Case shape
- Round
- Dial
- Black
- Crystal
- Sapphire
- Movement
- Automatic
- Calibre
- RW1212
- Functions
- Skeleton dial
- Water resistance
- 100m
- Bracelet / strap
- Stainless steel bracelet
- Strap colour
- Two-tone
- Clasp
- Folding clasp
- Lume
- Luminous
- Condition
- Ex-display
- Retailer
- Goldsmiths
Additional specifications
- Power reserve
- 38 hours
Learn more about Raymond Weil
Raymond Weil founded his company in Geneva in 1976, which was close to the worst possible moment: Swiss mechanical watchmaking was being dismantled by quartz, and established houses were closing. Starting one from nothing took a particular kind of nerve.
The company survived and stayed independent, which is rarer than it sounds — most Swiss names of comparable size were absorbed into Swatch Group, Richemont or LVMH. Raymond Weil is still owned and run by the founding family, with his grandson Elie Bernheim as chief executive.
Music runs through the brand deliberately rather than decoratively. The collections are named for it — Maestro, Toccata, Tango, Freelancer — and the company has built long partnerships with orchestras, conservatoires and record labels.
The watches sit where Swiss watchmaking is still attainable: slim dress pieces, chronographs and skeletonised automatics, mostly on Sellita and ETA calibres, with the Millesime line taking a more vintage-minded direction in recent years.
- 1976
- Founded in Geneva at the height of the quartz crisis.
- 1983
- The Amadeus line begins the brand's association with music.
- 1996
- The Parsifal collection establishes its dress-watch identity.
- 2014
- Elie Bernheim, the founder's grandson, becomes CEO.
- 2022
- The Millesime line moves the range in a vintage direction.
Also in 6 collections
This watch appears in the Raymond Weil Freelancer range (18), Back in Stock (4,847), Automatic Watches (1,736), Two-Tone Watches (476), Pre-Owned, Ex-Display & Vintage Watches (344) and Skeleton Watches (310).
Best of 2 retailers
What the specifications mean
A mechanical watch for everyday wear.
Strengths
- 100m water resistance covers swimming and watersports
- Sapphire crystal, which resists scratching
- Luminous hands and markers for low light
Worth knowing
- 38-hour reserve means winding it after a day off
Price history
This watch is currently at its highest recorded price. It was £1,526 on 14 September. Prices are checked every day, and we record any changes.
Raymond Weil Freelancer alternatives
Watches from other brands at a similar price, style and size, so you can see what else your budget can buy.
| Specification |  2780-SP5-20001 | CM3090C-L1J-BK | 01 774 7661 4424-07 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,795 | £1,755 | £1,795 |
| Case size | 42.5mm | 42mm | 44mm |
| Water resistance | 100m | 100m | 100m |
| Movement | Automatic | Automatic | Automatic |
| Strap | Stainless steel bracelet | Leather strap | Rubber strap |
| Power reserve | 38 hours | 38 hours | 48 hours |
| This watch | Closely matched |
|
Your new watch
Frequently asked questions, and things you should know about this watch
Can I swim with it?
Yes. At 100m it is rated for swimming and snorkelling, though not for diving.
Water resistance explainedWill the glass scratch?
Unlikely. Sapphire is second only to diamond in hardness and shrugs off everyday marking.
Sapphire, mineral and acrylic comparedDoes it need a battery?
No. It is automatic — the motion of your wrist winds it, and there is no cell to replace.
Quartz, automatic and solar comparedHow long does it run for when it's not worn?
About 38 hours fully wound — so it will usually stop if you leave it off overnight.
Is it a men's or women's watch?
Listed as men's.
Cheapest place to buy
Both Mappin & Webb and Goldsmiths list it at £1,795, so choose on delivery and warranty rather than price.
Has the price changed recently?
It's currently at its highest recorded price. It's ranged between £1,526 and £1,795, today it's £1,795.
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