Written by: Jessica Plumbley

A view of this Raymond Weil Shine.

The Raymond Weil Shine Steel-on-steel 58 Diamonds Brown Dial Women’s Watch is an elegant and unique time piece. Though not ideal for precision time reading, the 1500- ST1-0077 will look lovely on any woman’s wrist.

This Raymond Weil Shine fits more like a bracelet than a watch, as its case is rectangular and blends in with the band, creating a smooth, integrated effect. It looks also like a bracelet with its 58 diamonds both on and flanking the face, whose brown satin dial contrasts softly with the jewels’ shine. The only markings (outside of the company logo and “Swiss Made” stamp) are the roman numerals XII and VI, which accent the 6.6 mm height of the rectangle and create a streamlined appearance. The polished stainless steel and discreet crown contribute to this smooth look, as well. As a company dedicated to the creation of innovative and beautiful timepieces, Raymond Weil has created this watch with the goal of capturing the charm of women with the curves of the case and the links of the bracelet that surround it. It succeeds with quiet brilliance.

Other pertinent details to the 1500- ST1-0077 watch include:

• quartz movement.
• sapphire crystal to cover the face.
• a folding clasp with a double-push security system for the steel bracelet, and
• a 3 atm water resistance rating (don’t take this watch into the shower, but it’s okay to wash your hands while wearing it).

With a launch date of 1973, Raymond Weil is relatively new to the watch-making world. Nevertheless, it has managed to make a splash with its fashionable timepieces. The company’s focus seems to be more on aesthetic than on precise timekeeping; this is an emphasis made evident on the 1500- ST1-0077. This piece–with its lack of a second hand and dearth of markers–will not be the best for exact, practical timekeeping. If that is a problem for you, I would try looking at some other brands.

Other practical issues with the 1500- ST1-0077 include the usual low water-resistance rating for luxury watches, as well as the more specific complaint that the stainless steel that the watch is composed of–so shiny and beautiful now–will dull over time. Attempting to shine it may not bring back its original glory, which is something to keep in mind when paying almost $3,000 for your Raymond Weil Shine.

In the end, the Steel-on-Steel 58 Diamonds Brown Dial Women’s Watch 1500- ST1-0077 is really best for those who seek beauty over utility. Raymond Weil’s Shine watches can come in different colors with different types of bands, so if this particular model doesn’t quite appeal to you, be aware that variations are possible.