The undisputed feminine icon of Richard Mille, the RM 07-01 collection, continues to cause a sensation with every new iteration. Three new limited-edition models in technically advanced ceramic, with radiant multi-material guilloché dials, embody the RM 07-01 collection’s no-compromise approach to aesthetics and performance, combining the very highest levels of mechanical watchmaking, movement engineering, and decorative finish.
Each of the three models in the new RM 07-01 Colored Ceramics collection, set apart by brand new case color and graphic dial elements, is limited to an edition of 50 timepieces. The RM 07-01 Pastel Blue, RM 07-01 Pastel Pink, and RM 07-01 Pastel Lavender are shots of sheer summer delight, housed in cases of ceramic and animated by the automatic CRMA2 in-house movement. The segmented central dial plates are assembled from inserts of ceramic, geometrically patterned rubber, and — a first for Richard Mille hand-crafted guillochage.
Guillochage is a decorative craft that has its origins in the 16th century. In its most authentic form, dial guillochage consists of individual repeating lines, cut by a hand-turned lathe, that intersect and overlap to create a graphic motif. Practitioners of this art, known as guillocheurs, can train for decades before they are considered masters of their craft. Seen today in watches of classical style, Director of Creation and Development Cécile Guenat considered incorporating this within a Richard Mille watch but with a unique fresh pop of energy. Therefore, in typical Richard Mille fashion, the RM 07-01 Colored Ceramic models have taken this centuries-old technique and applied it in creative ways that demonstrate the brand’s ability to subvert established ideas.
The rhodium-plated red-gold dial element at the center of each RM 07-01 is a segment of a larger pattern, a motif that is part botanical with six lobbed, part sunburst, part Art Deco and all Richard Mille. Their lines subtly align with the floating hour markers on the micro-blasted titanium flange. Surrounding the guilloché dial segment and reinforcing the theme of modernity blended with tradition, are geometrically shaped elements of ceramic and rubber, in perfect complement with the ceramic case and bi-color rubber straps.
There are three color variations within the RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection —TZP pink ceramic with a cerulean-lilac rubber strap, TZP lavender ceramic with a coral-tangerine rubber strap, and TZP blue ceramic with an olive-aqua rubber strap. In deciding on the colors and textures of these new models, Cécile Guenat and her team worked through multiple versions before arriving at these final configurations. ‘I was inspired by the Art Deco architecture you see in Miami, these pastel colors and bold patterns that are so distinctive and convey such an amazing vibe and attitude.’
The use of new colored ceramic in the larger family of RM 07-01 watches is above all playful and energetic but is anchored by its exceptional performance as a case material. TZP ceramic is light, hypoallergenic, durable, and virtually scratch-proof, thanks to its zirconium oxide composition and sintering manufacture process. This level of performance is perfectly matched with the automatic in-house calibre CRMA2, made of micro-blasted and electro plasma treated titanium and capturing its power from a 5N red gold variable-geometry rotor that maintains the watch optimally wound at all times. This movement provides a power reserve of 50 hours when fully wound.
Together with the bright energy of the bi-color rubber straps and the hand-finished sheen of the gold guilloché dial, the ceramic cases of the new RM 07-01 make for three of the most enjoyable Richard Mille watches. Each of the three models in the new RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection, set apart by brand new ceramic case color and graphic dial elements, is limited to an edition of 50 timepieces.
The RM 07-01 Pastel Lavender, RM 07-01 Pastel Blue, and RM 07-01 Pastel Pink are shots of sheer summer delight, housed in cases of ceramic. The three-part case is water-resistant to 50 meters ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel. The new Richard Mille RM 07-01 Colored Ceramics collection is exclusively available at Richard Mille Boutiques worldwide.
Sticker Price $163,000 USD. For more info on Richard Mille click here.
