Richard Mille, the man behind the brand, embarked on his horological adventure in the late 1990s. His ambition was clear: to create watches that were not only technically superior but also aesthetically radical. Mille's approach was unconventional, drawing inspiration from the high-performance worlds of Formula 1 racing and aerospace engineering. This led to the development of timepieces that were both incredibly robust and strikingly modern, a stark departure from the classic designs that dominated the luxury watch market at the time. The RM 16-02, with its brutalist-inspired design, carries forward this legacy of disruption and innovation.
The RM 16-02 Automatic Extraflat watch is an instant head-turner. Its rectangular shape is a nod to Richard Mille's first foray into this form with the RM 016, but with a fresh, contemporary twist. The watch's dimensions, 45.65 mm by 36 mm, strike a perfect balance between presence and wearability. This is a 10% reduction from the original RM 016, giving it a more refined and streamlined profile. The case's curvature is meticulously designed to fit the wrist snugly, ensuring comfort without sacrificing style. This ergonomic design is a hallmark of
Richard Mille watches, making them suitable for any occasion, from a casual day out to a formal evening event.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
The visual impact of the RM 16-02 is immediate and compelling. The straight lines and monolithic structure of the case exude a sense of strength and solidity. The brutalist aesthetic, inspired by mid-20th-century architecture, is evident in the raw, unadorned finish of the Terracotta Quartz TPT® bezels. This material, a new addition to the Richard Mille palette, contrasts beautifully with the cream-white Quartz TPT® caseband. The use of these advanced materials not only enhances the watch's visual appeal but also its durability and lightness. The combination of colors and textures creates a dynamic and engaging visual experience, making the RM 16-02 a true work of art.
Diving deeper into the materials, the Terracotta Quartz TPT® bezels deserve special mention. Quartz TPT® is a proprietary material developed by Richard Mille, known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. This material is composed of numerous layers of silica fibers, which are infused with a specially formulated resin and then cured under high pressure and temperature. The result is a material that is not only incredibly strong but also visually striking, with a unique, layered appearance. The Terracotta shade adds a warm, earthy tone to the watch, further emphasizing its bold, industrial aesthetic. The cream-white Quartz TPT® caseband provides a clean, modern backdrop, allowing the Terracotta bezels to take center stage.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
The dial of the RM 16-02 is another area where Richard Mille's design philosophy shines through. The sapphire dial is a mesmerizing feature, with indices that resemble Ariadne's thread, guiding the eye through the intricate maze of the movement's skeleton. These indices not only mark the hours but also accentuate the bold, architectural design of the timepiece. The skeletonized layout reveals the inner workings of the watch, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into its creation. The interplay of light and shadow across the dial creates a dynamic, ever-changing display that is both captivating and functional.
The heart of the RM 16-02 is the CRMA9 in-house movement, a masterpiece of skeletonized titanium engineering. This movement, specially developed for the RM 16-02, is a testament to Richard Mille's commitment to technical excellence. The microblasted grey electroplasma treated titanium baseplate occupies the entire visible surface of the watch, providing a sleek, industrial backdrop. The motion-work bridge stands out with its contrasting black PVD treatment, adding depth and complexity to the design. The movement's architecture is a fascinating maze of interlaced forms, each detail inviting further exploration.
On the back of the watch, the microblasted titanium bridges, also electroplasma-treated, enhance the complexity of the calibre while concealing most of the involute-profile gear train and the variable-inertia balance. This meticulous attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the movement's design and construction. The variable-inertia balance offers better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly, or disassembly, and also guarantees better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated, and a more accurate and repeatable calibration is possible thanks to 4 small adjustable weights located directly on the balance.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
The RM 16-02 features a platinum rotor with the OneWay® winding system and ceramic ball bearings. This innovative winding system ensures that the barrel can be efficiently wound while maintaining the compact dimensions of the extra-flat, skeletonized movement. The use of ceramic ball bearings reduces friction and wear, enhancing the longevity and reliability of the watch. The rotor is equipped with two titanium mass weights, ensuring efficient winding of the fast-rotating barrel, which stores up to 50 hours of power reserve. This combination of advanced materials and innovative design ensures that the RM 16-02 is not only beautiful but also highly functional.
The technical specifications of the CRMA9 movement are equally impressive. The movement measures 26.00 x 31.25 mm with a thickness of just 4.12 mm. It features 25 jewels and a balance made of CuBe, with 4 arms and 4 setting screws. The moment of inertia is 7.5 mg•cm2, and the angle of lift is 50°. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz), ensuring precise timekeeping. The balance spring is an AK3, and the shock protection system is an INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 (transparent). These specifications underscore the technical prowess and meticulous engineering that define the RM 16-02.
The finishing of the RM 16-02 is another area where Richard Mille excels. The movement features microblasted anglage, microblasted milled sections, and microblasted sinks. The baseplate is treated with grey and black electroplasma, hand-drawn after treatment, adding a unique artisanal touch. The wheels feature concave chamfering with a diamond tool, diamond-polished angles, and circular-finished faces. They are rhodium-plated before cutting the teeth to preserve geometry and performance. The steel parts have lapped and polished ends, burnished pivots, and hand-polished bevelling and locking sections. These meticulous finishing touches enhance the visual appeal of the watch and also contribute to its overall performance and durability.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
The RM 16-02's case is a new interpretation of the rectangular shape, retaining the wrist-fitting curvature and taper that are specific to Richard Mille. The tripartite case is water-resistant to 30 meters, ensured by three Nitrile O-ring seals. It is assembled using 12 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel. This construction demonstrates a holistic approach to the conception of the movement, case, and dial, ensuring that everything is built to extremely rigorous specifications. The case's design is both functional and aesthetically pleasing, with a focus on uncompromising high quality.
The fast-rotating barrel of the RM 16-02 is another notable feature. It provides several advantages, including a significant reduction in the phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion, thereby increasing performance. It also provides an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance and regularity ratio. The gear-teeth profile utilizes a special profile for the teeth of the wheels, with a 20° pressure angle. This system equalizes any discrepancies that might arise between the centers of each wheel, promoting excellent torque transmission and supporting superior chronometric results.
The RM 16-02's strap is designed to complement the watch's overall aesthetic and functionality. The cream-white rubber strap is both comfortable and durable, providing a secure fit on the wrist. The use of high-quality materials ensures that the strap can withstand the rigors of daily wear while maintaining its appearance and comfort. The strap's design is seamlessly integrated with the case, creating a cohesive and harmonious look.
Courtesy of Richard Mille
Richard Mille's commitment to innovation is evident in every aspect of the RM 16-02. From the use of advanced materials like Quartz TPT® to the intricate skeletonized movement and meticulous finishing, this watch is a testament to the brand's dedication to pushing the boundaries of horological design and engineering. The RM 16-02 is not just a timepiece; it's a statement of individuality and a celebration of technical and aesthetic excellence.
In terms of pricing and availability, the Richard Mille RM 16-02 Automatic Extraflat is positioned as a high-end luxury watch. Due to its limited production and the use of advanced materials and intricate craftsmanship, the exact price will vary based on specific configurations and market demand. It will be available through authorized Richard Mille boutiques and select high-end watch retailers worldwide.
Case: Rectangular, 45.65 mm x 36 mm, 10% reduction from RM 016. Terracotta Quartz TPT® bezels, cream-white Quartz TPT® caseband. Water resistant to 30 meters. Assembled with 12 grade 5 titanium spline screws.
Movement: CRMA9 in-house, skeletonized automatic, microblasted grey electroplasma treated titanium baseplate, black PVD treated motion-work bridge. Dimensions: 26.00 x 31.25 mm, thickness 4.12 mm. 25 jewels, CuBe balance, 4 arms, 4 setting screws. Moment of inertia 7.5 mg•cm2, angle of lift 50°. Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz), AK3 balance spring. INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 shock protection. Platinum rotor, OneWay® winding system, ceramic ball bearings. 50-hour power reserve.
Dial: Sapphire, indices resemble Ariadne's thread, guiding through movement skeleton.
Strap: Cream white rubber strap
Price:Reference Number: RM 16-02
Notes: New interpretation of the rectangular shape. Features new Terracotta Quartz TPT® bezels. Brutalist style with straight lines and monolithic structure.