Elie Bernheim is a CEO of the new generation. Aged 38, married and a father of two, this cellist and son of a professional pianist keeps the family passion for music alive. The grandson of Raymond Weil, the brand’s founder, he joined the family business in 2006 after graduating from the Lausanne hotel school. After a spell in marketing, he took the helm of the brand in 2014.
On this page
A conversation with a man of passion.
Elie Bernheim and watchmaking
Which watch are you wearing as we speak?
I’m wearing the freelancer RW1212, our first in-house calibre, which we unveiled at Baselworld in 2018. I love the bold design of this piece, with its openworked dial revealing the regulating organ at 6 o’clock. Held in place by a bridge, the balance wheel shows a construction reminiscent of the one that defines the look of the finest tourbillons.
What is your greatest watchmaking achievement?
In terms of horological accomplishment, the development of our first in-house movement, the calibre RW1212, after 18 months of work by my R&D team, marks a milestone for Raymond Weil.
I am also particularly proud that we managed to develop the limited edition paying tribute to my grandfather in less than two months after his passing. It meant a great deal to me to present this piece at my first Baselworld as CEO of the brand. We worked flat out to present a COSC-certified chronograph in rose gold, limited to 100 pieces and bearing my grandfather’s handwritten signature instead of the brand’s usual logo. I am lucky enough to own piece #1, which I cherish dearly.
What is your favourite watch complication?
The chronograph, no doubt a love passed down by my grandfather.
Elie Bernheim’s passions
What passions do you have besides watchmaking?
Besides my passion for watchmaking, music plays a vital role in my life. It is a true escape. From a very young age I diligently practised the piano, as well as the cello. Today this passion for music happens to be one of the main sources of inspiration for our family brand. Fuelling our creativity, music and the arts lie at the heart of all our partnerships and inspire our various watchmaking developments.
And I love cooking. I would describe myself as an epicurean. In fact, I like to think that I live to eat, not the other way round.
What is your dream car?
The one I no longer have through an unfortunate turn of events, the 4CV I received from my grandfather…
What is your favourite wine?
My favourite wines are Château Rauzan-Ségla and Bordeaux
Elie Bernheim, the man and his inspirations
How would you define luxury?
To me, luxury is being able to treat the people you love!
Which brand best embodies luxury in your view?
The House of Chanel. I don’t mean its watch division but the House itself: its history, its DNA, its aesthetic and the consistency of its message show a real understanding of the brand.
Which figure inspires you?
My grandfather! He was a visionary with a big heart. He left us a precious legacy, an independent family company that bears his name and which I am proud to lead today. I also had deep admiration for Elie Wiesel and everything he achieved throughout his life.
Which quality do you value most in others, and which flaw do you regret having?
One value that is essential in my eyes is tolerance. As for my flaws, I obviously have several, but the most pronounced is surely my impatience… Although over time, the people dear to me feel I am making progress.
Which quotation do you particularly like?
“There is no great love except in the shadow of a great dream!” Edmond Rostand
What time is it?
It is 2:14 pm
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