Raymond Weil, founder and honorary president of the company that bears his name, has passed away at the age of 87.
Known for his courage to start a watch company when the rest of the Swiss industry was in crisis over the quartz invasion, Weil is viewed as a believer in watches as a luxury accessory.
Today, the company still operates as a family business and is now led by Weil’s son-in-law, Olivier Bernheim, as its president and chief executive officer (CEO), and grandsons, Elie and Pierre Bernheim, who serve as its chief officers.
“Raymond Weil was a self-made man,” Bernheim said. “He was my mentor and I learned so much from him. His legacy and enthusiasm will live on through our family, his brand, its team around the world, and all of those who wear the watch that bears his name.”
Over the years, Weil held several high positions in various professional organizations, including president of the Geneva Watchmaker Union, vice-president of the Watchmaking Industry Training Centre (CFH), member of the Watchmaking Federation (FH), and other associations. Until 1995, he was also president of the Exhibitors Committee of the Basel International Watch and Jewellery Fair.
