VERO BEACH, Fla., May 28, 2015 – Piper Aircraft is proud to announce a collaboration with the legendary watchmaker RAYMOND WEIL, with the introduction of their first-ever pilot watch, the freelancer Piper.
“We are honored to collaborate with another esteemed manufacturer,” said Simon Caldecott, President and CEO of Piper Aircraft. “RAYMOND WEIL was founded on principles similar to our own: passion for the trade, quality of the merchandise, and vision for the future. Like RAYMOND WEIL, Piper is committed to precision and performance in the delivery of a distinctive product.”
The 45mm inaugural pilot watch is made of titanium and stainless steel, featuring a mechanical self-winding chronograph movement with date and GMT functions. The minute and hour hands are crafted in blue, mimicking the rotor blades of an aircraft, while the red GMT hand references a compass. Each feature of the freelancer Piper was inspired by a passion for aviation, including the small seconds sub-dial that reflects an attitude indicator, as well as the openwork black leather strap of the timepiece. Aviation and watch enthusiasts alike will appreciate the freelancer’s tachometric bezel, 100-meter water resistance, and 46-hour power reserve. Each freelancer Piper watch will be offered in a special box, which will include a model of a RAYMOND WEIL-branded Piper M500 Aircraft.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with best-in-class manufacturer, Piper Aircraft, Inc. on our first-ever pilot watch. Raymond Weil was not only a visionary and daring entrepreneur, but also a passionate pilot and the proud owner of a Piper plane,” said Elie Bernheim, CEO of RAYMOND WEIL.”The freelancer Piper is a fitting homage to my grandfather and the invaluable heritage he left us. I am sure he would be immensely proud of this new introduction.”
Bearing the name of its original founder, the company was established in 1976. Raymond Weil’s life and career were defined by visionary and independent thinking. Progressive in business, Raymond Weil demonstrated dedication and determination in career and pastimes he pursued. An enthusiastic pilot, Weil revelled mountainous flights in his Piper plane during his travels in Switzerland. The freelancer Piper pays tribute to his passions, emphasizing both his admiration for aviation and appreciation for the spectacular Swiss Alps.
About RAYMOND WEIL
Founded in Geneva in 1976, RAYMOND WEIL is one of the last remaining Swiss independent family-owned and family-operated watchmaking companies. Based in Geneva, home of Switzerland’s most prestigious watchmakers and of the industry’s topmost expertise in component and material supply, the Brand enjoys a unique position in the exclusive world of luxury with a collection of refined timepieces that embody an elegant and contemporary blend of elements inspiring emotions with both customers and partners.
Music has always been at the center of the RAYMOND WEIL universe. This is borne out by the names of the Brand’s collections – taken from famous operas such as nabucco and parsifal, or with musical connotations, such as maestro or jasmine – and the various musical partnerships RAYMOND WEIL has signed with some of the most recognized concert halls, exclusive music awards ceremonies, live music platforms, and music-related charities.
About Piper Aircraft
Piper Aircraft, Inc., headquartered in Vero Beach, Fla., offers aviators throughout the world efficient and reliable single- and twin-engine aircraft. The single-engine M-Class series – the M600, Meridian M500, M350, and Matrix – offers businesses and individuals elegant performance and value. The Twin Class Seneca and Seminole balance proven performance, efficiency, and simplicity in twin-engine aircraft. The Trainer Class Archer TX, Archer DX, Arrow, Seminole, and Seneca aircraft form the most complete technically-advanced line of pilot training aircraft in the world. Unparalleled service and support is offered through a network of 38 dealers and nearly 100 service centers worldwide. All Piper airplanes feature advanced Garmin avionics in the cockpit. Piper is a member of the General Aviation Manufacturers Association.
