The Richard Mille RM016 America Orange Limited Edition is limited to 15 pieces and is a watch that can only be fully appreciated in person.
The America Limited Edition is also available in 15 bright yellow pieces. There's also 10 bright pink RM016s under the Orianne Collins name sold exclusively at OC Concepts Boutique in New York.
The RM016 was launched in 2007 as the first rectangular watch in the Richard Mille collection. This limited edition —only available throughout the Americas— was released at the end of 2010. One big difference between the RM016 and the RM016 America Orange Limited Edition is that the latter is fitted with a rubber strap instead of a black kevlar-lined leather strap.
At first glance, this watch looks simple and understated; however, with its ultra-thin case profile —8.25 mm thick— and amazing craftsmanship, the RM016 is a very sleek versatile watch for real connoisseurs. This is one of the few watches that looks as good hidden under the cuff of a Tuxedo or in full sight with Vilebrequins.
The sapphire crystal dial features Arabic numerals, a vertical date aperture at 7 o'clock and sword-shaped hands with superluminova only applied on the tips. The contrast between the orange numbers, the black flange and the silver hands against the skeletonized movement is just stunning. One thing worth pointing out is that in person, the hue on the orange numbers is actually more of a burnt orange rather than bright orange as most stock images would depict. Good thing that we have this real life pictures for our readers.
The ultra-light case is made of three parts in DLC treated titanium and measures 49.80 mm in length by 38.00 mm in width. The ends of the case are 'tonneau' shaped providing a perfect wrist fit and the rubber strap is extremely comfortable. There are four polished star-shaped screws that keep the case together and four different shaped screws that attach to the rubber strap that is fitted with a double folding deployant buckle also in DLC titanium.
The crown is one of our favorite design elements on this timepiece with its alternating brushed and polished areas and the tip ending in a cone shape that resembles a turbine.
The front and back sapphire crystals are treated with an anti-reflective coating on both sides and under perfect light it almost feels like you could be touching the dial with your hands.
This watch is powered by the Richard Mille's automatic calibre 005-S with adjustable rotor geometry. As with any other Richard Mille, the display case back allows for full view of the movement that is a work of art and screams 'haute horlogerie'.
Overall, this is a very comfortable watch that wears larger than you would think. If you are someone with a smaller body frame and wrists under 7'', you will find it hard to wear this watch as comfortably as we do. The biggest issue with smaller wrists, is that because of the 'tonneau' shaped case the watch will not sit flat on your wrist and you will end up seeing two huge gaps between the lugs and your arm.
Now, it's important to highlight that because of the lightness of this watch —only 79 grams—, even if it doesn't sit perfectly on your wrist, it will still be quite comfortable. Since the case is not top heavy at all, there will be little play around your wrist.
If you are ready to make a statement the next time you are sitting in that board meeting or playing a tennis match like Rafa Nadal, it's time for you to add this fantastic watch to your collection.
Sticker Price $80,000 USD. For more info click here.
