When you say Richard Mille, every watch connoisseur knows that you are talking about some of the most advanced, if not the advanced, mechanical sports watches in the world. Pushing the boundaries of watches that can take a beating, yet often still feature delicate complications such as flying tourbillon’s, has become a way of life for Richard Mille. However, this is not the full story. The beauty of the watch is equally important, and also for this Mille has a keen eye.
While this is already evident in many of the sports watches, it really becomes clear in the collection of elegant ladies watches, such as the RM 07-01 in which Richard Mille now offers a gem-set black ceramic version. While many presume that setting diamonds on watches is an easy task, it is in fact quite a challenge. This challenge increases significantly when the diamonds need to be set in ceramic. To achieve this, they cut out the required space for the diamond setting in the ceramic case and secure the brilliant cut, colorless diamonds with red gold prongs, which are then set in the grooves created in the case.
The result of this refined process is nothing short of spectacular. Mille opted to make the case of the RM 07-01 from black TZP ceramic, and brings out its fine grain by a micro-shot peening, after milling the case. A polish by hand gives the case its finishing touch. The matted look of the watch offers a beautiful contrast with the red gold prongs and seems to make the diamonds shine even brighter. Inside the case, we find Calibre CRMA2, which is developed and made by Richard Mille in-house.
Unusually, all visible jewels, together with the exception of the anchor’s pallet jewels are synthetic sapphires, instead of more conventional synthetic rubies. Their clear color blends in smartly with the colours of this movement.Richard Mille found the first timepiece out of his eponymous watch brand in 2001. Sixteen decades after, the brand has created an indelible mark on the luxury watch business using its avant-garde layouts, its pioneering use of space-age materials, and its partnerships with some very high-profile fans and endorsers. I caught up with Richard at the Bridge, a classic car and artwork collectors’ occasion in the Hamptons where the brand serves as a presenting sponsor ( and which marked the U.S. debut of its groundbreaking RM 50-03 McLaren F1 watch), where we sat down for a brief but insightful interview. I’m not in fact obsessed with consistently introducing new substances, because I want the newest to be somewhat severe. I hate gimmicks. I shall introduce a brand new material only if there’s a reason, a goal — not only for the sake of getting these new materials since it is sexy or better for the marketing. Everything needs to have a reason. I think my clients enjoy that. Also, we’re still a rather young brand, however we offer a five-year warranty, including against shocks. So, I must be quite severe in my advancements, I must be very consistent in ensuring I am using materials which are extra-resistant to shocks since if I make a mistake, it costs me a lot of money.
It not only has its baseplate and bridges crafted from grade 5 titanium but also features the brand’s signature variable-geometry rotor, which makes it possible to adjust the automatic winding of the watch to your activity level. Crafted from red gold as well, it resonates the details of the front of the watch, which Richard Mille brings to an even higher level by making the dial from red gold as well, set with onyx and brilliant cut diamonds, making it a true example of high-tech elegance!
