Those who know me, know that I have a very interesting relationship with watches. I love them, but not often do I love them on my wrist. Except for the Raymond Weil Shine with Repetto straps.
There are many occasions when I ask my husband to take a look at someone’s watch, because I have to have the same one, but I soon discover that the watch I thought I loved does not look that appealing on my wrist. It is either too heavy, too tight, the case is too small, it’s hard to see the hands, the watch does not feel comfortable, or the simplest of all, the watch looks gorgeous from far away, not so much when viewed up close.
The minute I opened the Raymond Weil Shine with Repetto straps, I fell in love, and the love was still there when I put it on my wrist.
I immediately liked the fact that the case is big enough to see what’s inside. I didn’t have to take my glasses off in order to get a closer look. I could see the numbers clearly and was able to tell the time with no problems. The 32mm case makes this easy.
The hands are blue, which give the watch a classic look and also make it easier for far-sighted people to see exactly where they are pointed at. The minute hand is thankfully long, and reaches the roman numerals that mark the hour at the edge of the dial. The dial is a nice creamy white, with guilloche decoration in the center.
The watch has a butterfly clasp, which complements the classic look Raymond Weil were trying to achieve and also made me feel reassured that no matter what I do, the watch is secure on my wrist. It will not open by itself. It is very easy to handle, it opens and closes with no problems.
The 32mm round case is just beautiful. I simply love it. With it’s softly domed sides that are smooth like butter, this is absolutely my favorite feature about the watch.
The one downside is the blue cabochon on the crown does not match the lighter blue of the hands. It’s very apparent, and a little disappointing.
The watch comes with two leather straps in partnership with Repetto Paris. Repetto has been in business since the 1940s, beginning with ballet shoes. They made shoes for Brigette Bardot. They’re timeless, and have since expanded to a variety of leather goods. The black and pink straps which come with this edition of the Shine are reminiscent of the ballet shoes Repetto is so well-known for. The straps are supple, soft, and while you might call them black or pink, they’re known as Cristal Carbone, or Icone.
The method for changing straps is unique, and much appreciated. There’s a small release you pull out from the edge of the caseback. The casebook then rotates, causing part of the lugs to retract, allowing for easy strap and bracelet changes. There’s no need for spring bar tools, because there’s no need for spring bars. Strap changes can be done in just a few seconds.
The Raymond Weil Shine is a elegant watch, and I enjoy it on my wrist. The size, curved sides of the case, the easy strap changes, and the nice hands all make it a watch I enjoy wearing. The Raymond Weil Shine with Repetto straps as reviewed is $1,195 with Cristal Carbone and Icone straps. Additional straps are $50 each. RaymondWeil.com
Watch Overview
- Brand & Model: Raymond Weil Shine 1600-ST-RE659
- Price: $1,195 USD
- Who we think it might be for: Women 30-40, who appreciate nice things, the comfortable classics
- Would I buy one for myself based on what I’ve seen?: Personally, yes.
- If I could make one design suggestion, it would be: The blue cabochon needs to be lighter to match the hands. Or the hands should be darker.
The colors must match. - What spoke to me the most about this watch: The rounded case – I’m definitely in love with it.
Tech Specs from Raymond Weil
- Case size: 32mm
- Height: 8.6mm
- Case material: polished stainless steel with exclusive patented interchangeable bracelet system accessible on the back of the case
- Crystal: sapphire
- Strap: Polished stainless steel, iconic blush pink and crystal carbon black Repetto leather strap equipped with a RW folding clasp with double-push security system and full opening option
- Movement: Swiss-made quartz
