April 13th 2025
At Watches and Wonders 2025, Raymond Weil quietly dropped a standout piece: the Freelancer Skeleton (ref. 2795-BKC-20000). While its flashier sibling, the Freelancer Complete Calendar, stole the spotlight, the Skeleton quietly impressed with its edgy design and mechanical charm — even if it was accompanied by just one press image.
Encased in a sleek 40mm cushion-shaped case with black PVD-coated stainless steel, the Freelancer Skeleton strikes a confident, stealthy tone. At just 10.5mm thick, it balances comfort with wrist presence. The sapphire crystal features double-sided anti-reflective coating, showcasing the openworked dial and RW1212 movement in all its glory.
The dial’s star? A skeletonized design that spotlights the exposed balance wheel at 6 o’clock, framed by a traversing bridge. It’s not a tourbillon, but it definitely flirts with the look — offering architectural depth and a visual feast for mechanical watch lovers.
Raymond Weil teamed up with Sellita to develop the RW1212 caliber, which boasts a 41-hour power reserve and beats at 28,800 vph. It’s a modern movement, both technically solid and visually expressive.
A black calfskin strap with a black PVD-coated folding clasp completes the look, while a 100-meter water resistance rating gives it real-world practicality. Applied indexes and Super-LumiNova-filled black nickel-plated hands ensure legibility despite the monochrome theme.
This watch feels like the next step for someone ready to move past fashion watches — edgy, mechanical, but still approachable. While some might wish the movement featured more blackout components, the Freelancer Skeleton stands out in a sea of round-cased, entry-level skeletons. At $3,625 USD, it offers bold design and mechanical intrigue without breaking the bank.