Raymond Weil, founder and honorary president of the eponymous watch brand, has died aged 87.
His passing on January 26 was described by his family as "peaceful".
Weil set up the Raymond Weil brand in Geneva in 1976 during what would later be described as a crisis in the Swiss watch industry. His aim was to create Swiss-made watches with strong design values but affordable prices.
As well as running his own watch brand, Weil occupied several positions at official trade bodies throughout his career.
These included being president of the Geneva Watchmaker Union, vice-president of the Watchmaking Industry Training Centre, member of the Watchmaking Federation and president of the Exhibitors Committee.
Outside of work, Weil’s passions in life were painting, aviation, music and contemporary art.
After building up his successful watch business, Weil ensured that the brand was kept in family hands by passing its leadership on to his son-in-law Olivier Bernheim, who is now president and chief executive of the brand.
Bernheim was later joined by Weil’s grandsons Elie and Pierre Bernheim who are now the chief officers of the company.
Olivier Bernheim said: “Raymond Weil was a self-made man. 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 over the world and all of those who wear the watch that bears his name.”
