Richard Mille Smiley: New Release Overview

Cpt Scarlet · 2022-09-30T10:12:59Z

Explore the Richard Mille RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley. Cpt Scarlet reviews its unique design, ATZ ceramic case, and intricate movement details. Discover collector reactions to this playful luxury timepiece.

Cpt Scarlet

WPS member · Richard Mille forum

26 replies9779 views5 photos

Cpt Scarlet introduces the Richard Mille RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley, a timepiece that embodies positivity and pop culture. This article delves into Cpt Scarlet's detailed presentation of the watch's intricate design and technical specifications, highlighting its unique artistic execution. Readers will gain insight into the watch's construction and the inspiration behind its vibrant aesthetic.

Richard Mille has taken inspiration from The Smiley, drawn by Franklin Loufrani just over 50 years ago. It serves as the embodiment of positivity, joy and sharing and has played a major role at the heart of pop culture across several creative generations

Around the Smiley’s radiant face, an array of miniature sculptures takes possession of the RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley’s movement.

Skeletonised automatic winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and function indicator.
Microblasted grade 5 titanium with PVD treatment lends great rigidity to the baseplate and the bridges, as well as the precise surface flatness, essential for perfect functioning of the gear train.
Limited edition of 50 pieces

The bezel and caseback are in ATZ white ceramic. This is made from tubes of aluminium oxide powder injected at a pressure of nearly 2,000 bars. This high-pressure injection increases rigidity by 20 to 30% and reduces the material’s porosity to an absolute minimum. ATZ is known for its high scratch resistance (1,400 Vickers) and unchanging colour. Next to diamond, it is one of the hardest materials in the world. Long and difficult machining using diamond tools is required to create a perfect example of this complex, curved bezels and satin finish. The caseband is made of 18K 5N red gold.

The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 metres, ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers in 316 L stainless steel.

Incredible design detail as demonstrated by the green PVD-coated leaves, the microblasted and polished surface of the pineapple, the microblasted spines of the cactus in yellow gold, polished one by one to remove the PVD coating, and the sun, in microblasted gold with polished rays. In keeping with watchmaking tradition, all finishing operations on the RM 88 Smiley are carried out by hand.

I hope you enjoy seeing this special watch to brighten up your day. Personally I love the spirit of this watch.

The price … don’t let’s spoil fun !

We can but dream !

Best regards

Captain

About the Richard Mille Automatic Ladies Ref. RM007

Richard Mille RM007 Automatic Ladies

The RM007 represents Richard Mille's automatic ladies' offering within the RM 007 series. This 29mm reference was produced from 2005 to 2012, positioning it as part of the brand's women's collection during this period. The model features automatic winding functionality distinguished by its compact proportions.

The RM007 employs a 29mm titanium case fitted with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The skeletonized dial reveals the AP-based automatic movement beneath, which provides 45 hours of power reserve. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the watch is completed with a rubber strap.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's approach to ladies' automatic timekeeping from the brand's earlier production years. The titanium construction and skeletonized aesthetic align with the brand's technical presentation, while the 29mm case size addresses preferences for smaller proportions. The seven-year production window from 2005 to 2012 establishes its place within Richard Mille's developing catalog.

Specifications

Caliber: AP-based

Case: Titanium

Diameter: 29 mm

Dial: Skeletonized

Water Resist.: 50m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

The RM 88 Smiley is praised for its intricate details within a compact size, drawing comparisons to the RM002, and is considered a 'super cool and super fun piece' by collectors.
While acknowledging differing tastes, some collectors find the RM 88 Smiley 'utterly stupid' and 'childish,' questioning the brand's pricing for such a design.
Despite not being a fan of 'blingy' RMs, the fun factor and execution of the Smiley face are appreciated, with the watch described as a 'great fun piece' and a testament to RM's creative mastery.
The watch is seen as an 'ice breaker' and a source of joy, with one collector noting that it 'made me smile' and encourages those with the means to acquire it.
The creativity and originality of the RM 88 Smiley's execution are exceptional, even if it's not a personal purchase choice, and it caters to the market of ultra-high-net-worth individuals.
The RM 88 Smiley is considered an innovative and daring design for Richard Mille, surpassing even their previous 'bonbon' references in its audacious creativity.

The Discussion

Cpt Scarlet

Sep 30, 2022

I can just imagine the advertising campaign !

ArmisT

Sep 30, 2022

Interesting, but certainly innovative idea for RM. Especially since I didn’t think they could beat their bonbon references from before, this is also a touch of daring to make a watch like this.

Bruno.M1

Sep 30, 2022

If you're 5 years old. Sorry … and while I respect other opinions and i understand tastes do differ…. This is just utterly stupid. Never liked that brand and never will. But asking over 1 million for that childish toy is laughing with watch collectors

Credor

Sep 30, 2022

They are just taking the piss.

Cpt Scarlet

Sep 30, 2022

Just forgetting the price for a minute (which isn’t easy), I love the fun of the design. We need to encourage Swatch to make an alternative for us to enjoy without the financial pain. Have a great weekend dear friend 🥂

Cpt Scarlet

Sep 30, 2022

Luckily we can all find something to enjoy in the horological world.

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