DRIFT

 

A close-up of the Shellman x Raymond Weil Millésime, showcasing its champagne-toned sector dial and elegant vintage-inspired design

Raymond Weil has long been celebrated for its elegant and accessible Swiss timepieces, and the brand’s Millésime collection has garnered attention for its sophisticated take on vintage-inspired watchmaking. Now, in collaboration with esteemed Japanese retailer Shellman, Raymond Weil presents a special edition of the Millésime Centre Seconds, distinguished by its champagne-toned, two-tone sector dial. This custom-designed timepiece perfectly encapsulates Shellman’s refined aesthetic while staying true to Raymond Weil’s heritage of precision and craftsmanship.

Shellman: A Curator of Fine Timepieces

Shellman is a revered name in Japan’s luxury watch community, known for its carefully curated selection of both vintage and neo-vintage timepieces. With a keen eye for timeless elegance, Shellman specializes in watches that celebrate classical proportions, refined dials, and intricate detailing. Their collaboration with Raymond Weil brings this ethos to life in a modern yet historically inspired wristwatch.

The Shellman x Raymond Weil Millésime Centre Seconds is not just another limited edition—it is a carefully considered timepiece designed to honor traditional watchmaking codes while appealing to collectors who appreciate nuanced, vintage-style details.

A Closer Look at the Champagne-Toned Sector Dial

At the heart of this special edition Millésime is its striking golden two-tone sector dial, a signature design element that immediately evokes the golden age of watchmaking from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Dial Features:

•Champagne-Gold Tones: The dial features a warm, metallic champagne hue that shifts beautifully under different lighting conditions, giving it an air of understated luxury.

•Two-Tone Finish: The interplay between brushed and matte surfaces enhances legibility and depth, creating a visually dynamic face.

•Sector Layout: A hallmark of Art Deco-inspired watch design, the sector dial separates the outer minute track from the central portion, providing clear readability and a sense of symmetry.

•Vintage-Inspired Numerals and Markers: The elongated, stylized Arabic numerals at 12 and 6 o’clock, combined with baton markers, echo the aesthetic of mid-century dress watches.

•Blued Hands: The heat-blued steel hands add a subtle pop of contrast against the golden dial, a detail commonly found in high-end vintage timepieces.

This meticulous dial design pays homage to classic Swiss dress watches while incorporating modern refinements that make it a compelling choice for contemporary collectors.

Case and Dimensions: Elegance in Proportion

Raymond Weil’s Millésime collection is renowned for its neo-vintage proportions, and this Shellman-exclusive edition is no exception.

Case Specifications:

•Case Diameter: 39.5mm – an ideal size that balances vintage charm with modern wearability.

•Case Thickness: A slim 10.25mm profile ensures comfort on the wrist while maintaining an elegant silhouette.

•Stainless Steel Construction: The polished and brushed finishing provides a subtle contrast that enhances the watch’s overall sophistication.

•Domed Sapphire Crystal: The slightly domed crystal mimics the aesthetic of acrylic crystals from vintage watches while offering superior scratch resistance.

•Slim Bezel: The thin bezel allows the dial to take center stage, reinforcing the refined proportions of the case.

The watch’s dimensions make it a versatile piece—equally at home under a dress cuff or as a daily-wear timepiece with casual attire.

The Movement: Swiss Precision Inside

Beneath the elegant exterior of the Shellman x Raymond Weil Millésime Centre Seconds is a Swiss automatic movement, ensuring reliability and accuracy.

Movement Details:

•Caliber RW4200: Based on the reliable Sellita SW200-1, this movement provides a dependable timekeeping experience.

•Power Reserve: 38 hours – offering ample energy for daily wear.

•Frequency: 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz) – ensuring smooth seconds-hand motion.

•Centre Seconds Function: A clean and classic approach, aligning with the watch’s vintage-inspired design.

While the movement is robust and time-tested, Raymond Weil has chosen to keep the caseback solid—another nod to traditional watchmaking.

Strap and Wearability

The champagne dial’s warm tones are complemented by a supple, vintage-style leather strap, carefully selected to enhance the watch’s aesthetic.

Strap Features:

•Dark Brown Leather: The rich brown hue pairs perfectly with the golden dial, offering a classic and timeless look.

•Tapered Design: The strap tapers elegantly from the lugs to the buckle, ensuring a comfortable fit.

•Pin Buckle Closure: A simple yet effective closure method that reinforces the vintage theme.

The choice of a leather strap keeps the watch refined, but it is easily interchangeable for those who prefer a stainless steel bracelet or a lighter-toned leather option.

A Limited Edition for True Connoisseurs

This collaboration between Shellman and Raymond Weil is more than just a stylistic exercise—it represents a shared appreciation for classical watch design.

•Limited Production: While the exact production numbers have not been disclosed, this will be a highly exclusive edition available only through Shellman.

•For Collectors and Enthusiasts: With its sector dial, elegant proportions, and rich heritage, this watch appeals to those who admire vintage aesthetics with modern reliability.

•A Tribute to Art Deco Elegance: This timepiece captures the golden era of Swiss watchmaking while remaining practical for daily wear.

The Shellman x Raymond Weil Millésime Centre Seconds is a perfect example of how a neo-vintage timepiece can strike the right balance between history and modernity. With its champagne-toned, two-tone sector dial, Art Deco-inspired numerals, and refined case proportions, this watch is a celebration of timeless design.

For those who appreciate the art of classic watchmaking, this limited edition collaboration offers an opportunity to own a piece of craftsmanship that blends tradition with contemporary elegance. Whether as a collector’s piece or a refined daily wearer, the Millésime Centre Seconds Shellman Edition is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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