Chapter 2: The Watchmaking of Richard Mille
Watch & Jewelry
April 14, 2015

Chapter 2: The Watchmaking of Richard Mille


Chapter 2 The Watchmaking of Richard Mille
Limitless Imagination and the Pinnacle of Technology


Introducing a lineup that encapsulates Richard Mille's pursuit of excellence in movements and materials, aiming to be the "F1 of the watchmaking world." Here, we glimpse their manufacturing philosophy, one that has always set high goals without being constrained by cost.


By Masamasa Hirota




My Watches Have No Cost



Every Richard Mille watch showcases innovative ideas born from a "conceptor"—neither a watchmaker nor a designer. "My watches have no cost," Richard says, speaking of his passion for creation. Here, we present a collection of masterpieces born from his extraordinary talent.



25_RM002_V2_frontWG

RM002 V2
This model adds the world's first torque indicator to the RM001.
An original indicator is located between the 4 and 5 o'clock positions.
This displays the winding, time-setting, and neutral positions.
Carbon nanofibers are used for the main plate, a world first.
A world first.
Manual-winding tourbillon. Power reserve approx. 70 hours.
Titanium case. Case dimensions: 45.00mm x 38.90mm x 11.85mm.
5 ATM water resistance. Overcoil balance spring. Free-sprung balance.
Price: 27.3 million yen.



26_RM003_V2front

RM003 V2
This model adds a dual time zone function to the RM002. The display at 3 o'clock
is the dual time zone, adjusted by pressing the push-button at 9 o'clock. The tourbillon carriage
is supported by a ceramic jewel bearing. This offers excellent wear resistance
and is less prone to breakage.
and is less prone to breakage.
Manual-winding tourbillon. Power reserve approx. 70 hours.
Titanium case. Case dimensions: 48.00mm x 39.30mm x 13.84mm.
5 ATM water resistance. Overcoil balance spring. Free-sprung balance.
Price: 31.5 million yen.






27_RM004H1

RM004 V2
Equipped with a split-seconds chronograph that measures time with two hands.
chronograph.
Like the RM002, it features a torque indicator.
Thanks to the latest technology, the torque consumed by this split-seconds mechanism
is reduced by 50% compared to conventional ones.
The main plate is made of carbon nanofibers.
Manual-winding split-seconds chronograph.
Power reserve approx. 50 hours. 18K pink gold case.
Case dimensions: 45.00mm x 39.00mm x 15.05mm.
5 ATM water resistance. Overcoil balance spring. Free-sprung balance.
Price: 18.9 million yen.



28_RM007face

RM007
Richard Mille's first unisex model.
It features a main plate and bridges made of PVD-treated titanium,
as well as a special rotor containing approximately 100 gold ball bearings.
special rotor.
Various diamond settings are available as special orders.
Automatic winding. Power reserve approx. 38 hours.
18K white gold case x diamonds.
Case dimensions: 45.00mm x 31.00mm x 10.9mm.
5 ATM water resistance.
Price: 9.975 million yen.






29_RM008_V2_front

RM008 V2
This model is a tourbillon version of the RM004.
Richard Mille's tourbillons
have a mainspring barrel rotation that is about 20% faster than conventional watches.
This reduces the torque in the gear train,
making it less susceptible to accuracy loss even with complex mechanisms.
Manual-winding split-seconds chronograph tourbillon.
Power reserve approx. 70 hours. 18K pink gold case.
Case dimensions: 48.00mm x 39.00mm x 15.05mm.
5 ATM water resistance. Overcoil balance spring. Free-sprung balance.
Price: 61.95 million yen.



30_RM009_face

RM009
The preference for and diverse use of new materials like titanium
is also a characteristic of Richard Mille.
This watch features a case made of the new material, ALUSIC.
ALUSIC, also used in artificial satellites,
is about 60% the weight of titanium. The main plate is also hollowed out for lightness.
The world's lightest tourbillon.
Manual-winding. Power reserve approx. 48 hours.
ALUSIC case. Case dimensions: 45.00mm x 37.8mm x 12.65mm.
5 ATM water resistance.
Price: 39.9 million yen. Production ended.






31_RM010front

RM010
A simple three-hand model. It features a main plate and bridges made of PVD-treated titanium,
as well as
a variable inertia rotor that adjusts winding efficiency according to the owner's lifestyle.
a variable inertia rotor.
Like other models, it is large, but the curved case back
ensures a comfortable fit.
Automatic winding. Power reserve approx. 55 hours.
18K pink gold case.
Case dimensions: 48.00mm x 39.30mm x 13.84mm.
5 ATM water resistance.
Price: 5.46 million yen.



32_RM011front

RM011 FELIPE MASSA
A highly practical model combining a chronograph with an annual calendar
and a large date display.
The calendar only requires adjustment once a year.
The case design is also more massive compared to other models,
and the bezel features a strong satin finish.
Mille himself calls it a "beast."
Automatic winding chronograph. Power reserve approx. 55 hours.
Titanium case. Case dimensions: 50.00mm x 40.00mm x 16.15mm.
5 ATM water resistance.
Price: 8.4 million yen.






33_RM012_134

RM012
This tourbillon, born from the theme of "architecture,"
completely removes the movement's main plate and bridges,
instead supporting the movement
with a tubular frame.
The assembly tolerance of 0.001mm is a testament to the technology involved,
but this bold concept is uniquely Richard Mille.
Manual-winding. Power reserve approx. 42 hours.
Platinum case. Case dimensions: 48.00mm x 39.30mm x 13.84mm.
5 ATM water resistance.
Price: 52.5 million yen.



34_RM014front_new_screw

RM014 V2 Perini Navi Cup
A collaboration model with yacht builder Perini Navi.
It features design elements inspired by yachts.
It features design elements inspired by yachts.
Located between 2 and 4 o'clock is
the mainspring torque indicator.
The practical upper limit is 53 dNmm.
Manual-winding tourbillon. Power reserve approx. 70 hours.
Platinum case. Case dimensions: 45.00mm x 38.90mm x 11.85mm.
5 ATM water resistance. Overcoil balance spring. Free-sprung balance.
Price: 34.65 million yen.






35_RM015front

RM015 V2 Perini Navi Cup
This model adds a dual time zone function to the RM014.
Richard Mille's tourbillons
employ involute gears for the mainspring barrel and the fourth wheel.
By meshing these gears at the most efficient angle,
they achieve excellent transmission efficiency.
Manual-winding tourbillon. Power reserve approx. 70 hours.
Platinum case. Case dimensions: 48.00mm x 39.30mm x 13.84mm.
5 ATM water resistance. Overcoil balance spring. Free-sprung balance.
Price: 38.85 million yen.



36_RM016front

RM016
Richard Mille's first two-hand model.
To achieve a thinner watch, the sapphire crystal of the case back
is thinned to accommodate the rotor.
The seemingly simple case requires a total of 20 different manufacturing processes.
Furthermore, the movement is secured by rubber, providing high shock resistance.
Automatic winding. Power reserve approx. 55 hours.
18K pink gold case.
Case dimensions: 49.80mm x 38.00mm x 8.25mm.
5 ATM water resistance.
Price: 5.775 million yen.