Richard Mille

Hands on review of the Richard Mille RM 72-01 Lifestyle In-House chronograph

 

The RM 67-01 Extra-Flat is one of my favourite Richard Mille watches. I like its finesse, its slender side, its contemporary style which in a way reinterprets the classic and elegant watch. This is surely why I particularly appreciate the newest reference from the Manufacture located in Les Breuleux: the RM 72-01 Lifestyle In-House Chronograph. Indeed, I find many common points: this fluidity, this approach more in refinement than in demonstration of power and above all... the use of a movement designed by the Richard Mille engineers .

First of all I was seduced by the design of the RM 72-01 Lifestyle Chronograph. Its dimensions are reasonable (38.4 x 47.3 x 11.7mm) and especially the thickness of the case which is considerably smaller than the case of the RM11-04 for example. The ratio between width and length and the thinness of the case contribute greatly to the feeling of elegance and fluidity. But not only that. The discreet integration of the pushers (the crown is much more prominent and visible) and the lay-out of the dial also contribute to this. In any case, the Richard Mille style is recognisable at first glance thanks to the shape and curvature of the case without forgetting the characteristic screws. The case of the RM 72-01 is available in 4 versions: in grade 5 titanium, 5N red gold, black TZP ceramic and white ATZ ceramic with red gold middlecase. I was able to discover the first two versions and these materials work very well with the design of the RM 72-01. Indeed, this approach in a more reasonable sense is perfectly suited to more traditional materials.
The point I liked the most from an aesthetic point of view is the orgaization of the dial. Richard Mille dusted off the codes and renewed the layout of the displays. While the chronograph's second hand remains central, the minute (at the top, which is logical) and hour counters are on the right side of the dial. The permanent second hand is located on the left. These three displays are connected together by a link that is either purely aesthetic or functional: the crown function selector. However, one detail should be borne in mind: at first glance, the permanent second hand could give the impression of being that of the chronograph, given its stylistic treatment similar to that of the other two counters. But of course, the central second hand is indeed that of the chronograph for obvious reasons of legibility. Finally, the date is discreetly housed at the bottom of the dial and only 3 digits acting as indexes are displayed (3, 8 and 11).


The highlight of the show is obviously the movement bearing the reference CRMC1. First of all, it is very beautiful which doesn't spoil anything. It looks like real mechanical lace. I even come to regret the fact that it is self-winding because obviously the platinum winding mass, even when open, covers part of the movement. But it doesn't matter: the result is spectacular, in accordance with Richard Mille's strict standards, from both the technical and decorative finishing points of view. The great strength of Richard Mille movements is that they are beautiful because of their presentation and architecture, not because of their ultra-demonstrative decoration. This decoration is obviously demanding and irreproachable (bevelling, polishing, sandblasting... the contrasts between the decorative methods are subtle and a real feast for the eyes) but it is at the service of the technique and the proper presentation of the movement.



However, the CRMC1 calibre, with a power reserve of 50 hours for a frequency of 4hz, is much more than a traditional chronograph movement that would have been adapted to the Richard Mille context. It responds to three main challenges:

- to reduce the influence of the chronograph function on the running of the base movement so as not to disrupt chronometry
- to be able to measure long times


In addition, Richard Mille's teams worked on the pushers to accompany the movement with the aim of achieving the appropriate triggering. The pushers thus have a homogeneous resistance profile and, no matter when or where we activate them, they require the same force to be engaged. The triggering settings are perfect, neither too hard nor too soft, and because their profile is ideal, they are a real pleasure to use.


In any case, Richard Mille once again demonstrates its expertise in this niche of exclusive and contemporary watches thanks to this less "specialised" but equally demanding watch.
Pros:
+ the fluid and slender design
+ the performance of the movement and in particular its excellent chronograph triggering
+ the dial lay-out
+ the technical and decorative finish of the movement

Cons:

+ a slightly short power reserve

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