This time, Raymond Weil has produced a special edition limited to 100 pieces for BEST ISHIDA. Masamasa Hirota, editor-in-chief of this magazine, who put together this 35mm neo-vintage watch, talks about it himself.
Text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Edited by Chieko Tsuruoka (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2025 issue of Kronos Japan]
A limited edition Millesime model supervised by Masamasa Hirota, editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan.
Based on the 35mm Millésime Moon Phase, this limited edition model for BEST ISHIDA and the Raymond Weil Japan website emphasizes a classic feel. The dial finish is different from the regular model, the moon phase display is exclusive, and the engraving on the case back has been changed to French. The model sold at the launch event to be held at ISHIDA Omotesando on October 10, 2025, will come with a Curios Curio strap (registration for the event is now closed). Automatic movement (Cal. RW4280). 26 jewels. 28,800 vph. Power reserve of approximately 41 hours. Stainless steel case (35mm diameter, 9.98mm thick). Water resistant to 5 bar. Limited to 100 pieces. Price: 462,000 yen (tax included).
In this magazine, we don't have makers explain the watches they create. However, this time, we'll make an exception. The "Millesime" limited to BEST ISHIDA, announced by Raymond Weil in October 2025, was personally supervised by the author of this article, Masamasa Hirota. The base is a 35mm diameter moon phase model. This model combines this with a two-tone dial and a real moon.
It all started when I praised a 35mm moon phase watch I saw at the Watches & Wonders Geneva event. The distributor, GM International, suggested, "If you like it that much, why don't you oversee a Japan-only model?", and I accepted.
When considering the design, I had two points in mind. The first was to create a design that seemed like it might have existed before, but had never existed before. I deliberately chose a two-tone dial because I wanted to create a modern, strong line in the center of the dial. The second was to maintain the high legibility that is one of the virtues of the Vintage. To match the intricate indices, Raymond Weil went to the trouble of creating a special "Real Moon." It would have been fine to give the moon a facial expression, but combining a moon phase display with a face on the sans-serif indices would have made the entire watch too funny.
This limited edition model, including its size, feels a little too niche. However, there are probably 100 people in the world who appreciate the neo-vintage feel that can be worn on a daily basis, and I believe that those who like the size that can be shared with a partner will also like it. If you are interested, we would be delighted if you could come and check it out in person at BEST ISHIDA's store.
