Description

The salmon dial, an iconic color in luxury watchmaking, has long been reserved for the most exceptional pieces from leading manufacturers. Used since the 1930s, notably by brands such as Patek Philippe and Rolex, the salmon dial gives watches a timeless elegance and a distinctive character. The Raymond Weil Millésime Small Seconds 35 mm continues this tradition with a timepiece that combines classic design and modernity.An automatic watch rooted in watchmaking heritageWith this Millésime Small Seconds 35 mm, Raymond Weil sensitively revisits the aesthetic canons of traditional watchmaking, infusing them with a perfectly measured contemporary touch. While the Millésime collection has already established itself as a manifesto for the return to the classic three-hand watch, this version stands out with a choice that is as refined as it is steeped in history: a salmon dial.A rare, delicate and sophisticated color, the salmon dial has long been reserved by the great watchmaking Maisons for their most confidential or prestigious models, often offered in limited editions or to celebrate a particular expertise. Its use here is a discreet nod to discerning enthusiasts, while opening up this aesthetic to a wider audience in an accessible and resolutely contemporary version.Sectorized dialFar from being monochrome or flat, the dial is constructed in three concentric circles, each with a different finish:The central area, decorated with delicate vertical brushing, subtly captures the light, accentuating the natural verticality of the case.The perfectly smooth hour track is punctuated by printed black baton hour markers, contrasting elegantly with the warm hue of the background.The outer minute track, finely guilloché with a spiral pattern, adds movement and structure to the display without overloading it.The small seconds display at 6 o’clock, in a recessed subdial, adds extra depth. This complication, inherited from pocket watches, reinforces the model’s neo-retro character.The whole is protected by a domed Glassbox sapphire crystal, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides, which recalls the aesthetics of vintage watches while maximizing readability. The silver-plated, carefully faceted dauphine hands are coated with Super-LumiNova®, ensuring clear readability in the dark.An elegant silhouette, designed for everyday wearWith a diameter of 35 mm and a slim profile, this Millésime Petite Seconds retains a strong presence without ever appearing oversized. The stainless steel case combines vertical satin finishes on the bezel with polished finishes on the bevel and lugs, creating a subtle yet sophisticated interplay of textures.The supple and comfortable five-link steel bracelet alternates polished and satin-finished surfaces to reflect the light perfectly. It is fitted with a double-push-piece folding clasp, ensuring smooth and secure handling.On the back, a transparent case back reveals the beating heart of the watch.A proven Swiss mechanical movementPowered by the RW4251 caliber, derived from the Sellita SW261-1, this watch offers all the guarantees of a quality mechanical timepiece:Hours, minutes and small seconds at 6 o’clock,Frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz),Power reserve of 38 hours.Reliable, precise and easy to service, this caliber is one of the safe choices of contemporary Swiss watchmaking. It is highlighted by the customized “W”-shaped oscillating weight, the discreet signature of the Maison.