Unveiled at the BASELWORLD 2007 international watch fair, this RAYMOND WEIL NABUCCO Chronograph is the first model by the Geneva watchmaker to come with an imposing 46mm case, water-resistant to a depth of 200m that incorporates a high-tech material: carbon fibre.
A sturdy steel case 46mm in diameter. A black dial with check effect. A central zone in relief struck into the dial plate and adorned with 3 screws around the subdials. An applique figure 12, and 11 polished and nickelled applique indexes with luminescent highlights for optimum legibility day and night. All with the latest contemporary colour scheme.
With its innovative form and original design, this mechanical self-winding chronograph, carved in steel, displays a 30-minute subdial at 3 o’clock, an hour counter at 6 o’clock, and a 60-second subdial at 9 o’clock. The date, at 4:30, can be set by a separate push-button on the case at 10 o’clock.
The NABUCCO is powered by the Valjoux 7753 tri-compax chronograph movement in line with the standards of high-quality watchmaking (28 800 vibrations per hour – 46-hour power-reserve) and water-resistant to 200m thanks to its crown, push-buttons, screwed-down case-back, and 2.5mm double-sided anti-glare sapphire crystal.
There is a striking contrast between the steel and the carbon fibre – a resistant but ultra-light high-tech material used here on a RAYMOND WEIL model for the first time. The firm yet highly flexible bracelet gives the NABUCCO incomparable aesthetic appeal. Each link is worked to help the interplay of polished steel, brushed steel and carbon fibre. The bracelet incorporates the RW signature folding-clasp with double push-piece security, and fits snugly to the wrist for perfect comfort and ergonomics.
The independent family watchmaker has pursued perfection in every detail to make the NABUCCO collection one of unparalleled symmetry and coherence. The carbon fibre on the case echoes that of the bracelet, whose check effect, typical of the material, can also be found on the dial. The fluted push-pieces recall the design of the crown, flanked by a polished steel protection system.
RAYMOND WEIL plays on the contrasts between circular/vertical brushed/polished steel on the case, bezel and bracelet. The back of the case harbours the new Brand monogram struck into the steel. The screws on the dial match those to the sides, used to fix the carbon fibre plates.
Such meticulous craftsmanship is also a feature of the circular bezel, produced in two distinct stages to obtain a quality finish in line with RAYMOND WEIL’s watchmaking know-how. The upper bezel, with tachometer, is made from circular brushed steel; the exterior is polished with ‘godron’ decor between brushed vertical bands. The ensemble is perfectly set into the case to emphasize NABUCCO’s unique design.
With its 46mm of style, power and charisma, the new NABUCCO chrono – also available with a black leather strap with central decor – stands out as THE masculine watch of character.
Carbon fibre comes from carbon. This ultra-light high-tech material, perfect for blending technique and aesthetics, takes the form of a weft producing the check effect so characteristic of carbon fibre, as can be seen in the links and both sides of the NABUCCO case. The same wires are entirely covered with epoxy resin during the manufacturing process, when the ensemble is pressed in moulds under vacuum at temperatures of 80°-140°C. Glue is used to fix the carbon additions to the case and bracelet; there are screws for the case, and a lateral pin for the bracelet.
Technical details
Model: RAYMOND WEIL NABUCCO CARBON FIBRE CHRONOGRAPH- 7800 SCF 05207
Movement
Mechanical chronograph, Valjoux 7753 tri-compax, 28 800 vibrations per hour
Winding: Automatic
Power Reserve: 46 hours
Jewels: 27 rubies
Functions
Chronograph
– start, stop & re-start by push-piece at 2 o’clock
– back to zero by push-piece at 4 o’clock
– central chronograph hand
– 30-minute subdial at 3 o’clock
– 12-hour subdial at 6 o’clock
60-second subdial at 9 o’clock
Date Round window at 4:30, push-button date-set at 10 o’clock
Case
Round, polished steel
Diameter: 46 mm
Thickness: 15.6 mm
Length: 55.5 mm
Bezel Upper: circular, brushed steel with tachometer
Exterior: polished with ‘godron décor’ between brushed vertical bands
Crown: Fluted, screwed down, with RW monogram; polished steel protection system
Push-pieces: Fluted, screwed down
Lateral inserts: Carbon fibre plates fixed by 4 screws
Crystal: Sapphire crystal with double-sided anti-glare treatment; Thickness 2.5 mm
Case-back: Screwed down with RW monogram in relief
Water-resistance 20 ATM (200 m/660 ft)
Dial
Black with check effect
Central zone in relief, struck into dial plate
Adorned with 3 applique screws, matching those to case sides
Indexes: 11 polished and nickelled applique indexes with luminescent highlights; Matt applique figure 12
Hands
Hour/ Minute Boston diamond-tipped hands with luminescent highlights
Subdials Red Boston hands
Chronograph Red Bâton hands with counterpoise
Bracelet
Polished, brushed steel and carbon fibre links, RW folding clasp with double push-piece security
