The launch of any new Richard Mille watch has become something of an event in
recent years. Their daring and avant-garde designs, which are closer in resemblance
to NASA inventions than luxury timepieces, never fail to captivate the imagination
of watch collectors everywhere, making it one of the most sought-after brands in the
market today.
It is thus noteworthy that Richard Mille will be releasing a limited
edition of the RM016 at Tempus – The Temple of Time event in Singapore – this month. Hour Glass, the
organizer of this event, has garnered the support of prominent brands to produce limited
edition pieces to make up an All-Black Commemorative Collection in which the RM016 will
feature as a highlight.
As with the current trend for black-cased watches, the RM016 Limited Edition has been
subjected to Physical Vapor Disposition (PVD) to give it its color. Like its regular gold
cousin, its rectangular watchcase is a deviation from Richard Mille's characteristic
tonneau-shaped cases, while its black color gives it a veneer of stealth.
And it is only a veneer, as this is not a watch that will blend in with the crowd. Bold
numerals adorn the face, with the transparent dial showcasing the movement even from the front.
The lines of the case are sculpted and unmistakably masculine. Lovely details abound, my favorite
being the crown of the watch. Made large with intricate design elements, it adds a real sense of
quality to the whole watch and is a joy to grip. The case and bridges are all held together by grade
five titanium spline screws.
While this watch is undoubtedly striking, it is still relatively discreet. On the wrist, its
relatively thin case – unusual for Richard Mille – makes for more versatility when worn under a shirt.
And an owner can confidently put the watch’s rugged looks to the test, as RM016 houses a rotor with
adjustable wings, allowing winding of the mainspring to be accelerated or slowed down, depending on the
user’s level of activity.
All in all, the watch is striking without being vulgar, and exudes an aura of confidence and contemporary
taste. In a limited series of 25 pieces (numbered 1 to 28, excluding the traditionally unlucky numbers of 4, 14 and 24),
this is one of those timepieces that many desire but which few will have the pleasure of owning.
Also at this event, Richard Mille will unveil his Planetarium Tellurium, an astronomical clock that took more than 8 years to complete. This extraordinary creation harks back to the 14th century, when astronomical clocks were commonplace and held much significance. We will bring you more details when we cover the event later this month.
