The Business of Watches Podcast: Raymond Weil CEO Elie Bernheim (Plus: Ben Clymer On The New RRCHF)

This week on The Business of Watches, we’re in Geneva marking 50 years of Raymond Weil and an in-depth conversation with Chief Executive Officer, Elie Bernheim. At a time when much of the market is premiumizing and moving upscale, Raymond Weil is leaning in to its value-driven, Swiss-made heritage, producing approachable-priced timepieces that celebrate half a century of watchmaking and design.

Bernheim gives us a rundown of the brand’s history, and talks about the The Fifty, a limited edition version of its wildly popular Millesime that utilizes a new-old-stock Valjoux chronograph caliber from 1976 (of course). 

There’s also a touring exhibition of heritage museum pieces highlighting some of the brand’s most compelling watch designs, and, breaking news – they’re opening a new Raymond Weil boutique in Geneva’s Old Town, giving the company retail presence in the heart of the city that is the center of Switzerland’s watch industry.

It’s a milestone year for the brand, and Bernheim offers insight into how Raymond Weil has met the challenges and stayed relevant, becoming a critical part of the industry landscape. Building on the recent success of the Millesime collection, the company is positioning itself for another half-century and beyond. 

But first, Ben Clymer stops by to talk about what is probably the biggest new watch release so far this year, Rexhep Rexhepi’s new flyback chronograph, the RRCHF. Ben tells us how this timepiece raises the bar and sets a new standard for independent watchmakers. He talks about pricing and how the chronograph compares to some of the other most important names in fine watchmaking. It’s bonus content on top of his 6,000-word in-depth take on the RRCHF. 

There’s plenty of watch business and strategy to discuss, and we hope you enjoy the conversations. Be sure to leave any thoughts or questions in the comments section, and we’ll do our best to respond. Want to subscribe so you never miss an episode? This new show is being published to the original Hodinkee Podcasts feed, so you can subscribe wherever you find your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or TuneIn.

Show Notes

1:40 In-Depth: The Rexhep Rexhepi Chronograph Flyback (RRCHF) Ben Clymer Hodinkee
2:53 The Rexhep Rexhepi Chronograph Flyback (RRCHF) As Explained By Rexhep Rexhepi (YouTube Hodinkee)
4:50 Introducing: The A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Chronograph With Black Dial (Live Pics & Pricing) (Hodinkee)
5:01 First Photos: The Patek Philippe 5172G Hand-Wound Chronograph
8:00 Five questions to Elie Bernheim, Raymond Weil CEO
8:50 The Story Of an Independent Watchmaker Raymond Weil
14:23 Raymond Weil: The Legacy Tour
15:20 Introducing: The Fifty From Raymond Weil Celebrates The Brand’s Semicentennial By Offering A Piece Of The Past (Hodinkee)
17:30 Hands-On: Did Raymond Weil Really Make A Watch For Watch Enthusiasts? (Hodinkee)
20:45 Introducing: The Raymond Weil Toccata Heritage Brings Classic Shaped Watch Elegance At An Approachable Price (Live Pics) (Hodinkee)
21:42 Business News: Rolex And Cartier Are In Another League – A Deep Dive On The Pains And Gains In Morgan Stanley’s “Swiss Watcher” Report (Hodinkee)
29:15 As China Retreats And The U.S. Wobbles, Is India The Next Great Hope For The Luxury Watch Market? (Hodinkee)