The world of high-end watchmaking is no stranger to the bold and innovative creations of Richard Mille. Since its inception in 2001, the brand has consistently pushed the boundaries of horological design and engineering, crafting timepieces that are as much about technical prowess as they are about aesthetic daring. This relentless pursuit of excellence has led to the creation of some truly remarkable watches, and the RM 032 Ultimate Edition stands as a testament to this legacy.
As the final iteration of the iconic RM 032 collection, this limited-edition timepiece marks the culmination of years of meticulous research and development. It's a watch that embodies the spirit of adventure and precision, designed for those who demand the very best in both form and function. But before we delve into the intricate details of this horological marvel, let's take a moment to appreciate the journey that led to its creation.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
Richard Mille's journey into the world of watchmaking began with a fascination for mechanics and a desire to create timepieces that were unlike anything else on the market. He envisioned watches that were not merely instruments for telling time, but rather intricate machines that showcased the beauty of their inner workings. This philosophy led to the creation of the brand's first watch, the RM 001, which immediately captured the attention of collectors and enthusiasts with its distinctive tonneau-shaped case and skeletonized movement.
What set
Richard Mille apart from the traditional watchmaking establishment was its embrace of new materials and technologies. The brand pioneered the use of materials like Carbon TPT® and grade 5 titanium in its watches, pushing the boundaries of what was possible in terms of both durability and aesthetics. This innovative approach, combined with a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, quickly propelled Richard Mille to the forefront of the luxury watch industry.
The RM 032 collection, first introduced in 2011, marked a significant milestone in Richard Mille's exploration of the underwater world. These watches were designed to withstand the extreme pressures and conditions encountered by professional divers, while still retaining the brand's signature elegance and sophistication. The RM 032 Ultimate Edition, as the final chapter in this collection's story, represents the pinnacle of this pursuit of underwater excellence.
The first thing that strikes you about the RM 032 Ultimate Edition is its imposing presence. The large, tonneau-shaped case, measuring 50.00 mm in diameter, commands attention without being overly bulky. It's a watch that exudes confidence and capability, a reflection of its intended purpose as a tool for underwater exploration.
The case itself is a marvel of engineering, crafted from a combination of Carbon TPT® and grade 5 titanium. These materials are not only incredibly strong and lightweight, but they also possess a unique visual appeal. The Carbon TPT®, with its distinctive layered pattern, creates a sense of depth and texture, while the titanium provides a sleek, modern contrast.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
The unidirectional rotating bezel, a crucial feature for divers, is crafted from microblasted DLC grade 5 titanium and features bold, easy-to-read numerals. This bezel, along with the screw-down crown and pushers, ensures the watch's water resistance to an impressive 300 meters.
The dial of the RM 032 Ultimate Edition is a masterpiece of legibility and functionality. The skeletonized design allows you to peer into the intricate workings of the movement, while the bold hands and hour markers ensure easy timekeeping at a glance. The vibrant pops of color on the chronograph counters and running indicator add a touch of dynamism to the overall aesthetic.
At the heart of the RM 032 Ultimate Edition beats the Caliber RMAC2, an automatic flyback chronograph movement that exemplifies Richard Mille's commitment to technical excellence. This movement is not only incredibly precise and reliable, but it also boasts a range of complications that are both practical and visually captivating.
The flyback chronograph function allows for the instant resetting of the chronograph without the need to stop it first, a feature that is particularly useful for timing events in quick succession. The oversized date display, prominently positioned at 12 o'clock, adds a touch of practicality, while the month indicator ensures you're always on top of your schedule.
One of the most impressive features of the Caliber RMAC2 is the variable-geometry rotor. This innovative mechanism allows the wearer to adjust the winding speed of the movement to match their activity level. Whether you're engaged in strenuous physical activity or simply relaxing at home, the variable-geometry rotor ensures that the watch remains optimally wound.
The movement itself is a work of art, with its hand-finished bridges and plates, burnished pivots, and diamond-polished sinks. The steel parts are sapphire-blasted and hand-drawn, while the wheels are sandblasted and rhodium-plated. Every aspect of the movement has been meticulously crafted to ensure both aesthetic beauty and optimal performance.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
The case construction is equally impressive, with its complex assembly of titanium and Carbon TPT® components. The eight-point star-shaped screws that secure the bezel are a signature Richard Mille design element, adding a touch of visual flair while also ensuring the structural integrity of the watch.
The RM 032 Ultimate Edition is powered by the in-house Caliber RMAC2, an automatic winding movement that showcases Richard Mille's relentless pursuit of technical innovation. This movement is not merely a timekeeping device; it's a meticulously engineered symphony of micromechanics, designed to deliver exceptional performance and reliability in even the most demanding conditions.
One of the standout features of the Caliber RMAC2 is its flyback chronograph function. Unlike a standard chronograph, which requires stopping, resetting, and restarting to time consecutive events, the flyback chronograph allows for instant resetting with a single push of a button. This function is particularly useful for divers, who often need to time intervals quickly and efficiently.
The movement also boasts an oversized date display, prominently positioned at 12 o'clock for easy readability. This semi-instantaneous date display automatically adjusts for months of varying lengths, ensuring accurate timekeeping throughout the year. Complementing the date display is a month indicator, discreetly placed between 4 and 5 o'clock, adding another layer of practicality to this already impressive timepiece.
A key innovation within the Caliber RMAC2 is the variable-geometry rotor. This unique mechanism allows the wearer to adjust the winding speed of the movement to match their activity level. For those with active lifestyles, the rotor can be adjusted to wind the mainspring more quickly, ensuring a consistent power reserve. Conversely, during periods of inactivity, the rotor can be adjusted to slow down the winding process, preventing overwinding and maximizing the movement's longevity.
The baseplate and bridges of the Caliber RMAC2 are crafted from grade 5 titanium, a material renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and biocompatibility. This choice of material not only ensures the movement's durability but also contributes to the watch's overall lightness and comfort on the wrist.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
The case of the RM 032 Ultimate Edition is a testament to Richard Mille's mastery of material science and engineering. Measuring 50.00 mm in diameter and 17.80 mm in thickness, the case strikes a balance between robustness and wearability. It's a watch that commands attention without being overly cumbersome, making it suitable for both everyday wear and adventurous pursuits.
The case is constructed from a combination of Carbon TPT® and grade 5 titanium, two materials that are synonymous with Richard Mille's innovative approach to watchmaking. Carbon TPT® is a high-performance composite material known for its exceptional strength, lightness, and distinctive layered appearance. Grade 5 titanium, on the other hand, is a biocompatible alloy that offers superior corrosion resistance and durability.
The combination of these two materials results in a case that is not only incredibly strong but also visually striking. The Carbon TPT® provides a unique texture and depth to the case, while the titanium adds a touch of sleekness and modernity. The contrast between the two materials creates a dynamic aesthetic that is both sporty and sophisticated.
The unidirectional rotating bezel, a crucial feature for divers, is crafted from microblasted DLC grade 5 titanium. The bezel's knurled edge provides excellent grip, even with wet hands, ensuring ease of use in underwater environments. The bezel's markings are clear and legible, allowing for accurate timekeeping during dives.
To further enhance the watch's water resistance, the RM 032 Ultimate Edition features a locking crown. This innovative mechanism prevents accidental manipulation of the crown, ensuring that the watch remains watertight even under extreme pressure. The crown is also equipped with a red and green indicator, providing a visual confirmation of its locked or unlocked status.
The dial of the RM 032 Ultimate Edition is a masterpiece of legibility and functionality. The skeletonized design provides a glimpse into the intricate workings of the Caliber RMAC2, showcasing the movement's meticulously finished components. The bold hands and hour markers, coated with luminescent material, ensure excellent readability in all lighting conditions.
The chronograph counters and running indicator are strategically positioned on the dial for optimal clarity. The use of contrasting colors for these elements not only enhances their visibility but also adds a touch of dynamism to the overall aesthetic.
The dial's design is a testament to Richard Mille's philosophy of integrating form and function. Every element serves a purpose, contributing to both the watch's aesthetic appeal and its practical usability.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
With a limited production run of just 80 pieces, this timepiece is destined to become a highly sought-after rarity. Its combination of technical innovation, exceptional craftsmanship, and striking design make it a true standout in the world of haute horlogerie.
While the retail price for the RM 032 Ultimate Edition is available upon request, it's safe to say that this watch is a significant investment. However, for those who appreciate the finer things in life and demand the very best in watchmaking, the RM 032 Ultimate Edition is a timepiece that will undoubtedly hold its value for years to come.