Raymond Weil's Millésime won the Challenge Award at the 2023 Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix (GPHG). The company's CEO, Elie Bernheim, visited Japan with the actual watch.
Edited & Text by Yukiya Suzuki (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2024 issue of Kronos Japan]
Carrying on the values that flow from our heritage
Born in Switzerland in 1982, he is the grandson of the brand's founder, Raymond Weil. After graduating from the Lausanne Hotel School and working for other companies, he joined Raymond Weil in 2006. After gaining a wide range of experience in watchmaking, marketing, and business management, he took over as CEO from his father, Olivier Bernheim, in 14. As a member of the Weil family, which is also musical, he enjoys playing the piano and cello as a hobby.
"The highlight of this year was our Millesime winning the GPHG. We are delighted that our Millesime has been well received not only in certain regions but around the world."
Bernheim wanted to create a design that combined classic and modern elements, with a retro feel that also contained modern elements.
"I don't create a collection with a new concept every year, but when I returned to Switzerland from a business trip, I had an overwhelming desire to create something new. At that time, I was working on a collection that was both classic and modern, and I spent about three years refining everything from planning to composition and design, working uncompromisingly on even the smallest details, so I'm overjoyed to be able to show it here in Tokyo today."
Currently, there are six Millesime models in the lineup, four with a center second hand and two with a small second hand. The first step for Millesime is to start with this fifth model, and then further increase awareness, with plans to introduce new models between this year and next. Are there any plans to add additional mechanisms to this simple three-hand Millesime model in the future?
"I can't say yet, but I'm thinking of adding a new mechanism that is appropriate for the Millesime design."
Expectations for the new release are growing even more, but the word "millésime" actually means "good year" in French.
"It can also be used to mean a 'good moment' or to share joy. For example, it is a word that expresses celebration, just like describing a good year of wine as a 'vintage year.' It has been 10 years since I became CEO, and looking back over those 10 years, there has not been a single day that I have not learned something. Everything changes every day, and there have been many new and difficult things, both small and big, and I have also been very lucky."
Last year was undoubtedly a vintage year for Raymond Weil, as it won the GPHG Challenge Award.
"At the same time, this year we have resolved to carry on the values that flow from our history, that is, our heritage."
The Millésime won the Challenge Award at last year's GPHG2023. It features a vintage-inspired sector dial, but also has a modern flair befitting a modern dress watch suitable for a wider range of occasions. Automatic movement (Cal. RW4251). 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 38 hours. Stainless steel case (diameter 39.5mm, thickness 10.25mm). Water resistant to 5 bar. Priced at 341,000 yen (tax included).
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