Raymond Weil, founder of the eponymous brand, passed away yesterday, Sunday 26 January in Geneva, at the age of 87.

Born in 1926, he sought sanctuary in Geneva during the second world war, where he studied business before joining the Camy watch brand, which he managed for 26 years. In 1976, at the height of the quartz crisis and counter to all the signs at the time, he decided to create his own brand together with Mrs Simone Bédat, who he had met at Camy.

In just a few years, it became a success thanks to his revolutionary decision to produce affordable Swiss Made watches, as well as his incredible interpersonal skills. An amiable man who was always willing to listen and was attentive to others, Raymond Weil managed to set up an extensive global distribution network in record time. Joined in 1982 by the man who would later become his son-in-law, Olivier Bernheim, Raymond Weil started a gradual move up range and placed his brand among the jewels in Switzerland’s watchmaking crown. In 1996, Olivier Bernheim took over the management of the family company, while Raymond Weil gradually started to take a back seat, yet nevertheless remained closely attached to the brand. Under the management of Olivier Bernheim, who was later joined by his two sons, the family-owned brand asserted itself on the international stage. Today it is one of the rare family-owned and independent brands that holds its own, producing in excess of 200,000 watches per year for an annual turnover of around 200 million Swiss francs, with a strong image and a recognised identity.

Raymond Weil together with his son-in-law Olivier Bernheim and his grandsons Elie and Pierre

Since the very beginnings of his adventure, Europa Star has maintained close links with Raymond Weil. Gilbert Maillard, the father of Philippe and Pierre Maillard, the manager and editor-in-chief of Europa Star, was a longstanding friend of Raymond Weil. It was, therefore, only natural for him to place his magazine at his service, even publishing a first advertisement before Raymond Weil had produced a single watch! Because in addition to his qualities as a businessman and human being, Raymond Weil had an innate knowledge of the importance of advertising and marketing, which had largely contributed to his success.

The whole team at Europa Star offers its sincere condolences to his wife, Eliane, his daughters Diana and Anita, his son-in-law Olivier Bernheim, his grandsons Elie and Pierre and all the family, as well as all the staff at Raymond Weil.