The new Richard Mille RM 16-02 Automatic Extraflat marks a bold evolution of the iconic rectangular timepiece RM 016. This latest model reimagines the brand’s signature design with an audacious evolution that makes the watch smaller and removes the date function from its predecessor. The new RM 16-02 is available in two versions: one in Titanium and the other cased in the newly introduced Terracotta Quartz TPT material.
The titanium is crafted from grade 5 titanium, featuring a microblasted satin finish with polished bevels for a sleek, sophisticated look. Beyond its technical sophistication, the RM 16-02 impresses with its sculptural rectangular shape and 30-meter water resistance 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.
The Terracotta Quartz TPT is created through an innovative process using silica threads—just 45 microns in diameter—infused with a colored matrix. The threads are then stacked at a 45-degree angle between layers and heated under 120 degrees Celsius at 6 bars of pressure. The resulting raw composite is then milled for the case, sitting atop a middle case made of Creamy White Quartz TPT. This unique design fully captures the original vision of creating a pure, unadorned object.
The extra-flat case is ergonomically refined compared to the original RM 016, now 10% smaller at only 36 x 45.65 mm, offering a more comfortable fit while preserving the brand's signature lines. In comparison, the RM 016 measures 38 x 49.80 mm with an ultra-thin case profile of 8.25 mm—pictured below— and with a date indicator at 7 o’clock.
When it comes to mechanics, Richard Mille’s mastery is evident in the Calibre CRMA9—the 15th in-house movement developed for this timepiece. Designed specifically for the RM 16-02, the movement showcases a skeletonized tangle of titanium elements, strategically cut to let light filter through. The purity of lines and functional precision define the movement, with a microblasted titanium baseplate coated in grey electroplasma covering the entire visible surface. The only contrast comes from the minutes’ bridge, coated in black PVD for emphasis.
The extreme skeletonization of the CRMA9 is an impressive feat of craftsmanship, with each of its 67 openings meticulously machined and chamfered. Nearly two hours of milling per plate, coupled with numerous manual operations, create the lightness and transparency that define the watch’s aesthetic. The intricate back bridges add depth and complexity to the overall silhouette.
A distinctive visual feature of the new Richard Mille RM 16-02 is its hour markers, which are crafted from a thread-like decal that winds through the skeletonized maze of the movement. These indices, deliberately designed to engage the observer, invite a playful interaction with time and deepen the connection between the wearer and the watch.
A true engineering masterpiece, the baseplate not only enhances the modern aesthetic of the timepiece but also exposes the intricate technical complexity at its core. The bridges on the back further enrich the design, adding depth and sophistication to its overall silhouette. Both the baseplate and these bridges have undergone rigorous 10-year aging and shock-resistance tests, ensuring they stand up to the demands of daily wear.
In the backdrop of the movement, fully visible and captivating, emerges a completely redesigned oscillating weight. Crafted from platinum and paired with two grade 5 titanium inertia blocks, this innovative rotor is mounted on ceramic ball bearings, ensuring smooth and efficient winding of the 50-hour power reserve.
The RM 16-02 Automatic Extraflat blends artistic creativity and mechanical precision, sparking dynamic energy and contemplative thought. It is a great-looking watch that is a more advanced successor to the original RM 016.
Sticker Price USD 156,000 for Terracotta Quartz TPT | USD 134,000 for Titanium. For more info on Richard Mille click here.
