Raymond Weil: the Millesime reimagined for Japan

By Serge Maillard

April 2026

In collaboration with specialist journalist Masayuki Hirota and its distributor in Japan, GM International, Raymond Weil has created a limited edition of its Millesime Moon Phase designed specifically for this market. Our joint interview from Tokyo, as the Geneva-based brand celebrates its fiftieth anniversary.

Raymond Weil: the Millesime reimagined for Japan

Français

By Serge Maillard

April 2026

Raymond Weil: the Millesime reimagined for Japan

n a Japanese market renowned for its exacting standards and sensitivity to proportions, the Raymond Weil Millesime Moon Phase Special Edition comes as an obvious fit. Behind this piece, limited to 100 examples, stands a well-known name on the Japanese watchmaking scene: Masayuki Hirota, editor-in-chief of Chronos Japan, a leading specialist publication in the archipelago.

It all began with an enthusiastic post by the journalist on social media, following the Geneva-based brand’s launch of its Millesime Moon Phase at Watches and Wonders in 2024. This prompted GM International, Raymond Weil’s distributor in Japan, to launch an original idea: why shouldn’t the renowned Japanese journalist create his very first “collab” by interpreting this model?

One year later, the Millesime Moon Phase x Masayuki Hirota was unveiled, distributed by Ishida, one of the country’s largest retailers, as well as on the brand’s website. A revisited sector dial, a realistic moon phase, a palette of blues: the model has been reinterpreted with great subtlety to anchor it in a contemporary Japanese aesthetic. A joint interview, over a traditional meal in the heart of Tokyo, with Masayuki Hirota and Shigeo Takatsuka, PR and Marketing Manager at GM International.

Europa Star: How did the collaboration that led to this special edition of the Millesime Moon Phase come about?

Masayuki Hirota: When I saw the Moon Phase at Watches and Wonders in 2024, I was struck by its size. At 35 mm, it perfectly matches the Japanese wrist and the trend toward smaller, more elegant watches. Then I received a message from Shigeo-san suggesting that we create a watch in collaboration with Ishida. I had just shared this model on X, with a very genuine reaction.

Shigeo Takatsuka: There was real consistency. GM International has been distributing Raymond Weil in Japan since 2017, and the brand is now experiencing a spectacular resurgence of interest. Hirota-san’s perspective, both journalistic and passionate, brought strong legitimacy to the project.

Hirota-san, what were your aesthetic inspirations?

Masayuki Hirota: I have always been fascinated by “bullseye” dials from the 1930s to the 1950s. Longines and Omega made them, but often too large for my taste. Here, I wanted to bring a new touch through colour. This slightly greyed navy blue creates an intermediate elegance, neither too masculine nor too feminine.

I kept the Millesime base, already very sophisticated, but reworked the typography, the contrasts, and above all the legibility. Today, many watches are becoming difficult to read. My goal was to concile distinctive design with clarity.

The moon phase has also evolved…

Masayuki Hirota: Yes, that was a key point. I suggested to Elie Bernheim, CEO of Raymond Weil, that we move to a realistic moon. The original was charming, but here we wanted something more contemporary and more legible, that does not interfere with the dial.

Shigeo Takatsuka: Ishida shared this vision. The result is very well balanced.


Elie Bernheim, CEO of Raymond Weil, with Masayuki Hirota

Was pricing also an issue?

Masayuki Hirota: Absolutely. I did not want this edition to be more expensive. The idea was to offer a desirable, accessible watch, at 462,000 yen, in a limited edition for 100 collectors.

What was the main technical challenge?

Masayuki Hirota: The dial. We wanted a lacquered finish after galvanic treatment, which is complex. Without this technique, the result I was aiming for would not have been possible. The Raymond Weil team did a remarkable job, with nearly a year of back-and-forth.

Who is this watch for?

Masayuki Hirota: For informed enthusiasts, but also for couples. I wanted a unisex watch that could be shared. Some collectors bought it to wear with their partner.

What does this collaboration say about Raymond Weil today?

Shigeo Takatsuka: The brand is experiencing strong growth in popularity. It benefits from an authentic Geneva heritage while remaining accessible. In a landscape where Geneva is often associated with high prices, Raymond Weil embodies a valuable diversity.

Masayuki Hirota: It is a maison that is still “pure” in its identity. And in Japan, demand remains high for well-designed watches, of modest size and thoughtful design. This collaboration felt very natural.