With an unshakeable passion for music and the artists that create it, Raymond Weil are no strangers to creating timepieces inspired by all our favourite musicians. The Swiss watch manufacturer has hit the right note once again with the release of their new Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition watch, a stunning timepiece that tributes American rock guitarist, singer and songwriter Jimi Hendrix.
The Raymond Weil Freelancer is the perfect model choice for honouring Jimi Hendrix, a model that perfectly captures his free spirited nature and portrays his most iconic performance on stage at the Woodstock festival. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the set when Jimi Hendrix performed one of the most pivotal live music events in history which included his rendition of the Star Spangled Banner. The design of the Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition watch is largely influenced by this legendary performance which includes a striking geometric pattern surrounding the day and date window to imitate the decoration on his guitar strap and ten indexes adorning the circumference of the dial to mimic the humbuckers on his famous 1968 white Fender Stratocaster guitar.
The longer you look at the Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix watch, the more intricate detailing that you see. The dial in particular is home to a never-ending amount of decoration inspired by the musician from the circular border used to represent his six guitar strings to blue accents mirroring the outfit worn by him on the day of the Woodstock festival and a stunning central chronograph second-hand counterweight shaped like a back to front guitar head. One of Hendrix’s most notable traits was his preference to playing his right handed Stratocaster flipped around, preferring to use a re-strung right handed guitar so he could have the whammy bar, volume and tone controls above the strings. The addition of the back to front guitar head on the seconds hand perfectly captures one of his many unique characteristics that all fans of the rock-star will remember.
The tachymeter scale found on the outskirts of the Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition watch is also detailed with the singer’s famous quote “Music is my Religion” decorated in a bold blue colour and his name in contrasting white. On the case back, we are also treated to a stunning decoration of the Authentic Hendrix logo, giving his estate’s seal of approval. Jimi’s sister, Janie Hendrix, has also signed the certificate of authenticity that comes in the unique packaging to demonstrate its limited edition status out of 500 pieces. The packaging is incredible and features a funky tie-dye interior that can be shown off when you display the watch inside.
Measuring to 42mm in size and crafted from grey PVD plated stainless steel, the Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition watch is perfectly suited for both male and female fans of the musician. The case comes fitted with a screwed down crown to help assist in its water resistance of 100 metres and a beautifully decorated sapphire crystal case back which allows you to see the intricate mechanics of the RW5200 automatic winding movement inside. The Swiss watch calibre promises a power reserve of 48 hours and provides central hands for hour, minutes and seconds, central chronograph seconds, a day and date window at 3 o clock and three subsidiary dials for continuous seconds, 30 minutes counter and 12 hours counter.
Expected to be released from the brand any day now, the Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition retails at a remarkable price of only £2,795. If you can’t wait, pre-order your own on the Jura Watches website here to ensure your order of one of the 500 limited edition pieces.
Specifications: Raymond Weil Freelancer Jimi Hendrix Limited Edition Watch (7730-STC-JHDX1)
- Case Size: 42mm
- Case Material: Stainless steel with matte grey PVD coating
- Bezel: Fixed
- Glass: Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment on both sides
- Crown: Screw in
- Case Back: Sapphire crystal with special Jimi Hendrix decoration
- Water Resistance: 100 metres
- Movement: RW5200 automatic winding
- Functions: Central hands for hour, minute, chronograph seconds, day and date, three subsidiary dials for continuous seconds, 12 hour counter and 30 minute counter
- Power Reserve: 48 hours
- Dial: Grey with Superluminova hands
- Strap: Genuine brown calfskin leather with stainless steel folding clasp with double push security system
- RRP: £2,795
- Limited Edition: 500 pieces
