News Raymond Weil, the founder of the brand of the same name, passed away on 26 January this year, aged 87. Born in Geneva in 1926, he joined Camy Watch, a Geneva based watchmaking firm, in 1949. This move proved decisive, cementing his passion for watchmaking and setting the scene for the rest of his career. Captivated by his work, Raymond Weil rose quickly to become the director of that firm, to which he devoted twenty-six years of his life.
In 1976, in the very midst of the watch industry crisis, he decided to set up his own company. His vision led him to raise the banner of Swiss expertise in horology, while at the same time making his creations available to the widest possible public. Spurred on by his enthusiasm and experience, he established his brand around the world thanks to a very strong network of partners and his exceptional communication skills.
Acknowledged by one and all as a pillar of the watchmaking world, Raymond Weil occupied important posts in a number of professional organisations: President of the Union of Watch Manufacturers of Geneva, Vice-President of the Watch Industry Training Centre (CFH) in Lausanne, a member of the Federation of the Swiss Watch Industry (FH) and of various employers’ associations. Until 1995, Raymond Weil chaired the Exhibitors’ Committee of the international watch and jewellery show in Basel (Baselworld).
Raymond Weil was a devotee of classical music and opera, a passion reflected in the brand’s collections and promotional activities. He also loved the world of aviation, and obtained his pilot’s licence at the age of 56. Last September, Raymond Weil stepped down from the board of directors of the firm, which since 1996 has been run by his son-in-law, Olivier Bernheim.
February 06, 2014
