Raymond Weil Unleash Freelancer GMT and GMT Worldtimer with New Gradient Dials

2022 has been the year of the Freelancer over at Raymond Weil with a new and updated tricompax chronograph, bi-compax chronograph and diver model. Next up on the list of Freelancer complications is the new Freelancer GMT Worldtimer and Freelancer GMT.

There are two editions of the Freelancer GMT Worldtimer in black and green and a singular Freelancer GMT in blue. The black worldtimer model has a 41mm diameter case with a black DLC coating whereas the green edition has a bi-metal construction in steel and bronze.

Naturally, the b-metal version isn’t coated with DLC because that would prevent the bronze from getting a nice patina, which is the entire point of the material. Lastly, the blue GMT is in full stainless steel but follows the same broad design.

All three watches have gradient dials in their core colours surrounded by layers of various scales. Taking a look at the two GMT Worldtimers, there’s an hour and minute scale featuring barrel-shaped hour markers and hands, which serve to tell you the local time. Outside that is a 24-hour scale with day/night indication that corresponds to the central GMT hand with red triangle tip.

Raymond Weil Freelancer GMT

Lastly, outside of that is a rotating cities scale that displays names of 24 prominent world cities, allowing you to establish the time in any time zone on Earth easily. The non-worldtime model is the same sans city scale.

GMTs and worldtimers make natural bedfellows since they both perform similar functions. The main difference is that a worldtimer tracks all time zones and a GMT tracks two. You might therefore wonder why Raymond Weil have combined them on the Freelancer GMT Worldtimer when they perform the same task. Well, in this instance, the GMT hand highlights a specific portion of the worldtimer that represents home time, making it easier to read at a glance.

Under the surface of the three watches is a new movement, the automatic calibre RW3230 with a 50-hour power reserve. The movement measures 4.1mm in thickness, making it very slim and allowing the Freelancer itself to have a thickness of 9.7mm, ideal for slipping under your cuff while you travel across the globe.

All three editions are priced at £2,195, presented on colour matched leather straps. Of to the three, I actually prefer the black worldtimer, which is a surprise even to myself. I think it has a cleaner look with the DLC case that fits into the personality of a jet-setting world traveller. The green and blue are still great pieces though, with more adventure-ready vibes.