Richard Mille just added a new circular stunner to its lineup
The Swiss company, known for its highly complicated tonneau-shaped timepieces, has unveiled a model with an uncharacteristically round case. The new RM 33-03 takes design cues from the discontinued RM 33-02, but is equipped with a fresh skeletonised movement.
The new automatic RMXP3 calibre is just 3.28 mm; that slim profile was made possible by the positioning of its off-center monobloc micro rotor, which is crafted from platinum. The baseplate and bridges, meanwhile, have both been treated with Titalyt and black PVD coatings. Surrounding the RMXPS calibre is a black PVD-treated titanium date disc, which you can catch a glimpse of through the aperture’s white-hued field at 5 o’clock. Adding to the 3-D effect of the watch, numerals in 18-karat 5N red gold are mounted on titanium rails above the movement. In a different move for Richard Mille, the small-seconds display is placed at 6 o’clock.
“The idea is to accentuate the volumes within the calibre,” RM’s creation and development director Cécile Guenat said in a press statement. “Meanwhile, the empty and full spaces created by the movement’s high degree of skeletonisation also contribute to a shadow and light mood.”
The RM 33-03 Automatic is available in two iterations: one done up in titanium, the other in the brand’s signature carbon TPT with a 5N red-gold caseband. Both options are 41.7 mm in diameter and 9.7 mm thick, with the carbon TPT iteration priced at about 145,000 Swiss francs and the titanium priced around 115,000 Swiss francs.
Richard Mille has dropped quite a few new timepieces as of late. The brand teamed up with F1 star Charles Leclerc on a new RM 72-01, showcasing red-and-white hues that pay homage to the driver’s hometown of Monaco. RM also tapped legendary basketballer LeBron James to collab on a limited-edition timepiece inspired by the Los Angeles Lakers. The brand has even applied its watchmaking skills to a new domain: It crafted a limited-edition motorcycle alongside the folks at Brough Superior.
This story was first published on Robb Report USA. Featured photo by Richard Mille
