219 provides an exclusive first look at Richard Mille's novelties from SIHH 2013, showcasing the brand's relentless pursuit of innovation. His post highlights three remarkable creations—the RM056-1, the Yohan Blake, and the RM053 skull—each pushing the boundaries of watchmaking with unique materials and audacious designs.
It often amazes me that as the goliaths of the industry tout that they have 2 or 3 new models and its taken years of research blah blah blah, that Richard manages every year to eclipse them all.
I have to confess that I am somewhat jaundiced on the watch industry. A few stand out from the mire, but none shine as much as Don Riccardo! Every damn year, a new wonder that (or this year 3 wonders) that stop the show. I have to hand it to him!!!
So, live from SIHH some brief photos of the watches that will knock your WIS socks off!
The new RM056-1…. And you thought that last years crystal watch was a wonder. This one has all bridges and plates in crystal as well. Just stunning.
The new Yohan Blake – very funky and very wearable on the wrist.
And the new RM053 skull. So very life and death, so very Damien Hirst, and so very funky. A real work of art on the wrist. I am told that you can personalize the diamonds (say black diamonds for the teeth!) and hence, this can be your own personal art statement.
Finally, a couple of new limited editions for RM EMEA. An all black RM055:
And a ‘so flash’ RM028.
More to come later!
Andrew H
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-01-21 12:00:20 This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2013-02-05 20:34:01
About the Richard Mille Diver Ref. RM028
The RM028 represents Richard Mille's dive watch offering within the brand's numbered series lineup. This reference served as the manufacturer's primary diving-focused timepiece during its production period from 2009 to 2018, distinguished by its skeletonized dial treatment and technical diving specifications.
The 40mm titanium case houses the automatic RMAC2 caliber, providing 55 hours of power reserve. Technical features include a rotating unidirectional bezel, sapphire crystal, and 300-meter water resistance suitable for recreational diving. The skeletonized dial reveals the movement architecture beneath, while a rubber strap completes the sports-oriented configuration.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's interpretation of the dive watch category, combining the brand's characteristic skeletonized aesthetic with functional diving capabilities. The titanium construction and moderate 40mm case size position the RM028 as an accessible entry point within the Richard Mille catalog, offering technical diving features alongside the brand's distinctive visual approach to dial design.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RMAC2
- Case
- Titanium
- Diameter
- 40 mm
- Dial
- Skeletonized
- Water Resist.
- 300m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Richard Mille Ref. RM053
The Richard Mille RM053 Pablo Mac Donough is a distinctive tourbillon timepiece designed in collaboration with the Argentinian polo player. It is characterized by its highly protective and angled case, engineered to withstand the extreme shocks and impacts inherent in polo. This model represents Richard Mille's dedication to creating watches for specific athletic demands, pushing the boundaries of durability and ergonomic design within haute horology. Its unique architecture positions the movement at an angle, visible through two small sapphire apertures, ensuring both protection and readability during intense activity.
The case of the RM053 is crafted from titanium carbide, a material known for its exceptional hardness and scratch resistance, further reinforced by a titanium inner structure. The manual-winding tourbillon movement, visible through the angled windows, is designed to be highly shock-resistant, featuring a double baseplate construction. This robust design minimizes the impact of external forces on the delicate regulating organ, ensuring precision under duress.
For collectors, the RM053 stands as a testament to Richard Mille's philosophy of combining high-performance engineering with avant-garde aesthetics. Its specialized design for polo makes it a niche but highly sought-after piece, embodying the brand's commitment to functional innovation for extreme sports. The limited production and unique visual identity contribute to its desirability among enthusiasts of technical and purpose-built timepieces.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RM053
- Case
- Titanium Carbide
- Diameter
- 50.00 x 42.70 x 16.30 mm
- Dial
- Skeletonized
- Water Resist.
- 50 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Richard Mille Bubba Watson Ref. RM055
Richard Mille RM055 Bubba Watson
The RM055 represents Richard Mille's approach to ultra-lightweight construction within the RM 055 series. This reference distinguishes itself through its skeletonized dial architecture and advanced composite case material, positioning it among the brand's contemporary offerings focused on material innovation.
The 43mm case is constructed from NTPT Carbon with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The manual-winding RMUL2 caliber provides a 70-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters. The skeletonized dial reveals the movement architecture, while a rubber strap completes the configuration.
Produced from 2013 onwards, the RM055 appeals to collectors interested in Richard Mille's carbon fiber technology and manual-winding complications. The combination of NTPT Carbon construction and extended power reserve positions this reference for enthusiasts seeking contemporary horological materials within the brand's portfolio.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RMUL2
- Case
- NTPT Carbon
- Diameter
- 43 mm
- Dial
- Skeletonized
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Richard Mille Ref. RM056
The Richard Mille RM056-01 represents a significant advancement in the brand's use of sapphire in watchmaking, following the original RM056. This model distinguishes itself by extending the use of transparent sapphire beyond the case to include the baseplate and bridges of the movement. This design choice highlights the intricate mechanics of the caliber, making every component visible to the observer.
The case of the RM056-01 is crafted from solid blocks of sapphire, a material known for its extreme hardness and scratch resistance, requiring specialized ultrasonic machining and polishing techniques. The movement, a manual-winding tourbillon caliber, is specifically designed to integrate with the transparent components, showcasing its architectural complexity. The watch maintains a high level of finishing on all visible parts, a necessity given the transparent construction.
For collectors, the RM056-01 is notable for its technical innovation and extreme exclusivity. Its production demands a highly specialized manufacturing process, resulting in very limited availability. This reference is considered a pinnacle of Richard Mille's experimental approach to materials and transparency, appealing to those who value cutting-edge horological engineering and a distinctive aesthetic.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RM56-01
- Case
- Sapphire
- Diameter
- 50.50 x 42.70 mm
- Dial
- Transparent
- Water Resist.
- 30 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Richard Mille Yohan Blake Ref. RM061-01
The RM061-01 represents Richard Mille's interpretation of the RM 061 series, featuring the Yohan Blake designation. This reference employs a skeletonized dial configuration within the brand's manual-winding collection, distinguishing it through its specific material and movement combination.
The 42mm case utilizes NTPT Carbon construction with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The manual-winding RM061 caliber provides a 55-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters, and the watch is fitted with a rubber strap.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's technical approach to manual-winding timepieces with advanced carbon fiber case construction. The skeletonized dial treatment and NTPT Carbon case material position this model within the brand's contemporary offerings for enthusiasts of modern watchmaking materials and finishing techniques. Production commenced in 2016.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RM061
- Case
- NTPT Carbon
- Diameter
- 42 mm
- Dial
- Skeletonized
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Sapphire