Raymond Weil Parsifal

The Parsifal collection was named after Richard Wagner's final opera. Raymond Weil first released this model in 1991. The original design was truly classic, with Roman numerals, polished bezels, and leather straps. There were also rectangular editions and diamond-studded women's watches available. Top models included timepieces in 18-karat gold, chronographs, and GMT watches. The Genevan manufacturer outfitted the different versions with automatic and quartz Swiss movements.

In 2018, the Parsifal collection made a comeback, albeit with a reduced selection. Raymond Weil has limited the series to two and three-hand models with a date display and quartz movement. The design remains sporty and elegant. Roman numeral hour markers and line indices for the minutes adorn the dial. When it comes to the band, Raymond Weil uses integrated stainless steel or two-tone bracelets.

Another striking feature is the addition of eight bezel rider tabs, which lend the watches a modern touch. The lacquer crown is also typical of the Parsifal collection. Case sizes range from 30 mm for a women's watch to 41 mm for a men's timepiece. Each watch is water-resistant to 50 m (5 bar, 164 ft). The most luxurious women's models pair a mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds.

The Raymond Weil Parsifal men's watch has been available in stainless steel and two-tone models since 2018. At 41 mm, the Parsifal looks good on nearly every wrist. Thanks to its quartz movement, this watch is only 6.75 mm thick. A stainless steel or two-tone bracelet is integrated into the case and features a folding clasp with double security pushers. Cross-shaped components connect the different links, which is why the manufacturer refers to this style as a "cross link bracelet."

Other characteristic details include the lacquer crown, eight bezel rider tabs, and Roman numerals on the dial. A date window at 3 o'clock takes the place of the corresponding Roman numeral. The dial comes in your choice of white, black, or blue. Two-tone editions have a gold-plated bezel and other golden elements.

The 41-mm Raymond Weil Parsifal has an official list price of 1,495 euros (approx. 1,600 USD) in stainless steel and 1,650 euros (approx. 1,800 USD) as a two-tone watch. On Chrono24, you can find two-tone editions for as little as 1,400 USD and stainless steel models starting around 1,300 USD.

Raymond Weil also offers stainless steel and two-tone women's watches. Known as the Parsifal Ladies, these 30-mm timepieces are a great choice for more delicate wrists. Like the men's versions, these timepieces get their power from precise quartz movements. Changing the battery is quick and easy and only needs to be done once every few years.

The top women's models combine a mother-of-pearl dial with diamonds. One example is the ref. 5180-STS-00995. This timepiece boasts a total of 56 diamonds, including eight diamond hour indices on the dial. The other 48 diamonds are set in the bezel. Raymond Weil lists this watch at 1,950 euros (approx. 2,100 USD). On Chrono24, you can purchase the same model for about 1,700 USD.

There are also more modest models without sparkling gemstones available. Plan to spend roughly 1,300 USD on a plain stainless steel watch and 1,400 USD on a two-tone edition.

If you're looking for a Raymond Weil Parsifal with a GMT function or chronograph, you're best bet is a pre-owned watch. The market is full of automatic models from the 1990s and 2000s.

ETA-based calibers power the various chronographs. One of the movements is a modified ETA Valjoux 7750 , one of the world's most popular and respected mechanical chronograph calibers. You can recognize these timepiece by their subdial layout: There's a 12-hour counter at 6, a small seconds at 9, and a 30-minute counter at 12 o'clock. With any luck, you'll find a well-maintained Parsifal chronograph for around 1,100 USD. However, watches in very good condition often demand about 1,700 USD.

The GMT function is especially practical for frequent travelers since it can display the time in multiple time zones at once. The Raymond Weil Parsifal GMT Automatic achieves this with a fourth hand and rotatable bezel. Twenty-three city names are engraved in the bezel, representing 23 different time zones. An additional 24-hour scale makes it even easier to tell the time in another part of the world. Prices for a pre-owned Parsifal GMT range from 1,100 to 2,300 USD.