Raw Power

Swiss watchmakers pay tribute to an iconic American guitar.

Gibson guitars and watchmaker Raymond Weil team up for a timepiece that pays tribute to an icon: the Gibson Les Paul.

When legendary guitar makers Gibson and acclaimed Swiss watchmakers Raymond Weil get together to celebrate arguably the most iconic guitar that has ever been produced, you know instinctively that the result is not going to be something akin to what you might get when Gene Simmons comes up with yet another ‘memorabilia’ idea, or a wristwatch with a cute picture of Mickey Mouse that you might find in a Disney shop.

With the Freelancer, Ramond Weil pay their respects to a legend with a wristwatch that is “elegant, with a touch of rebellion, and embodies its free spirit”. That’s what they say. What we say is that they’ve come up with a stunning timepiece that we agree is elegant, and is also striking, beautiful and, to use a phrase that this column is quite fond of, reassuringly expensive.

The body of the 43.5 mm case is made of steel and its tachymeter bezel is enhanced with black PVD inspired by the lacquer on the Gibson Black Beauty guitar. The board has a circular guilloché motif featuring six chords studded by fret-shaped hour markers. At 12 o’clock are the names of the famous guitar manufacturer and the legendary Les Paul signature, and a splitdiamond inlay – a distinctive feature of the Les Paul Custom guitar – sits next to the date window. All of which is attached to your wrist by an ebony calf leather strap.

Mention the word ‘battery’ in such esteemed company and you’ll get raised eyebrows and a sharp intake of breath. This watch has a self-winding movement that ensures an approximately 46-hour power reserve for all but the most sloth-like wearer.

This collector’s model is issued in a 300piece limited numbered edition, and comes in an exclusive presentation box inspired by the famous Gibson guitar cases.

If we could afford it, we’d have one – on each hand!

£2,895, from Raymond-weil.com