Raymond Weil have unveiled a new version of their sporty chronograph called the Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax Chronograph in a limited edition of 400 pieces. The name Pop comes from the fact that it’s inspired by live music, a subject close to Raymond Weil’s heart. So, let’s pump up the volume and dive right in.
Off rip, the new watch is essentially a recolour of the previous Freelancer Chronograph special edition. Where that watch was a combination of black and brown, the Pop features black and turquoise. It sits right in the pocket of what’s popular at the moment with the proliferation of turquoise watches and it may actually be my favourite colourway that Raymond Weil have ever produced.
The pale blue is striking against the gradient black background and it has a sense of brightness and fun that I sometimes feel RW can lack. It also makes sense for a watch called Pop because it has that bubblegum sweetness that’s associated with chart music, toned down by the black. I almost want to call it the mullet of watches (in case you didn’t know, mullets are making a comeback in the music scene): business in front, party in back – although in this instance, it’s business in black, party in blue.
Beyond the new colourway, the Raymond Weil Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax Chronograph Limited Edition is more or less the Freelancer as we know it. It has a large 43.5mm case in titanium sporting a tachymeter bezel and an internal pulsometer scale. There is a small seconds subdial at 9 o’clock and a 30-minute timer at 3. At 6 o’clock is a date window with the signature Freelancer Chronograph typography, which also suits the pop music theme because you could imagine a band name written in a font like this.
Housed inside is the Calibre RW5030, a solid automatic movement with a skeletonised rotor and a power reserve of 56-hours. Of course, it’s also a chronograph calibre with the central chronograph seconds hand being controlled by the two pushers that flank the crown.
As for pricing and availability, it’s £3,495 with 400 pieces being produced. That’s the same cost as the previous bronze limited edition, although that watch was limited to 300 pieces rather than 400. That actually works out in the Pop’s favour though because you should be able to get hold of it if you want one. I do really like this version of the Freelancer, even if the music theme is a little tenuous. It’s more just a fun colourway than a themed watch, unlike other Raymond Weils such as the Let It Be that go all out, perhaps even a little too much, on the inspiration.
Price & Specs:
Model: Raymond Weil Freelancer Pop Bi-Compax Chronograph
Ref: 7780-TI-20425
Case/dial: 43.5mm diameter x 13.7mm thickness, titanium case, gradient black dial, turquose subdials
Water resistance: 100m (10 bar)
Movement: Raymond Weil calibre RW5030, automatic
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Power reserve: 56h
Functions: Hours, minutes, seconds, date, chronograph
Strap: Titanium bracelet
Price/availability: £3,495, limited to 400 pieces
More details at Raymond Weil.
Oracle Time