Introducing the Raymond Weil X Basquiat Freelancer Special Edition: a tribute to audacity and creativity that pushes the boundaries by seamlessly uniting the worlds of art and horology in a truly captivating manner. With limited availability worldwide, this special timepiece pays homage to the iconic contemporary artist, whose visionary impact continues to reverberate throughout the spheres of art and culture. The outcome is a striking fusion of raw neo-expressionism and the precise craftsmanship of traditional watchmaking, bringing Basquiat’s genius to the wrists of watch enthusiasts and art aficionados alike.
The decision by RAYMOND WEIL to honour Basquiat is deeply rooted in the brand’s heritage and values. Elie Bernheim, the CEO of RAYMOND WEIL and a devoted art enthusiast, continues to uphold the artistic legacy of his grandfather, Mr. Raymond Weil, the brand’s founder and a passionate art collector. With the introduction of this special edition watch, RAYMOND WEIL celebrates his spirit and ensures that creativity remains a central part of the company’s culture.
Recognising the inherent connection between art and music, Basquiat’s multifaceted influence in both domains made him the ideal artist for this inaugural launch. This marks an exciting evolution for the brand, expanding beyond its musical heritage. Indeed, it is music that inspired Basquiat from the beginning, as he immersed himself in the vibrant nightlife of Downtown NYC, a fusion of dance, art, and music.
The new freelancer Basquiat Special Edition timepiece is a true collector’s item, featuring Basquiat’s artwork on the exterior and the artistry of Swiss watchmaking within. The watch radiates expressive energy and incorporates numerous familiar references that capture the essence of Basquiat’s distinctive style.
A primary colour palette of red, yellow, and blue is set against a black background to ensure the legibility of all horological functions. At the heart of the dial is Basquiat’s iconic ‘Pez Dispenser,’ the crown-wearing dinosaur from his famous 1984 painting. Positioned at 12 o’clock, the unmistakable crown is adorned with yellow Super-Luminova®, while the hour hands and indexes are accented with white Super-LumiNova®, providing a luminous glow in low-light conditions. This harmonious blend of artistic expression and functional design transforms the dial into a visually striking testament to Basquiat’s legacy and the watch’s functionality.
The black PVD pushers, with their ceramic tachymeter bezel and flange pulsometer scale, further emphasise the artistic touch, bearing Basquiat’s iconic symbols. The watch’s bi-compax chronograph counters and skeleton discs add artistic depth. The see-through sapphire crystal case back, subtly enhanced by a discreet blue gasket, offers a mesmerizing view of the mechanical chronograph self-winding movement. At its heart, Basquiat’s signature seamlessly merges with RAYMOND WEIL’s iconic W-shaped oscillating weight.
The titanium case, measuring 43.5mm in diameter and 13.7mm in thickness, marries design and function, providing comfortable wear. The watch houses the calibre RW5030 movement, a mechanical bi-compax chronograph with automatic winding, offering a substantial 56-hour power reserve.
The Raymond Weil X Basquiat Freelancer Special Edition is presented in a special box, featuring the iconic yellow crown on its side. Opening the box reveals a bespoke logo plate and ‘Pez’ icon, designed with a nod to Basquiat’s early career mediums. The box, constructed of black Plexiglass® and adorned with printing inspired by Posca™ paint markers, serves as an artistic means of showcasing the masterpiece within.
