Richard Mille RM016 Long-Term Ownership Review

Jenjames offers a rare long-term review of the Richard Mille RM016, a model often overshadowed by the brand's more iconic tonneau-shaped cases. After four years of extensive daily wear and a recent update from a white gold Roman dial to a titanium Arabic dial, jenjames provides a candid and personal assessment, highlighting the watch's underappreciated qualities and suitability as a daily companion. This deep dive into the RM016's ownership experience offers valuable insights for collectors considering this distinctive Richard Mille reference.

I have own RM016 since 2013. 

I recently updated my watch from a 18KWG Roman Dial to a Ti Arabic dial. 

I am doing a very personal review/snippets of the RM016.

I always wanted to do some watch reviews on some of the watches I own but after I wrote the review in my e-notepads I never post them because I felt I didn't give my watch enough time to know them well ie I do not want to jump to the conclusion and being unfair. 

The 16, after more than four (4) years of ownership, it has been a regular in my daily beater rotation. I used the watch extensively. In fact, it has been my go to watch especially on my business trips. So, I think I can give it a fair and personal assessment now.

I read plenty of comments online, people's assessment of the watch during their try-on session in the boutique/AD. I find the 016 to be very much under appreciated due to a few reasons... there are more but below are my personal recollection..

1. New comers into the brand are more focus to get the tonneau shape since that is the iconic shape for the brand which I agree. Looking back, I share the same thoughts despite my first RM being the RM16 and RM33 which I bought together.

1. Collectors wishes to collect something more complicated than just the time and date only watch since RM is all about complication and exotic material.

1. The RM016's MSRP is very expensive for a non complicated movement. Generally when buyers spent this much money why not top up a bit more for something more complicated mechanically and something with more DNA of the brand. As time rolls on, a decade after 16 was launched, the "extra flat" collection as expanded to add in the 33 and 67. 

Mr Richard Mille in an interview with Mr James Dowling in 2011, he expressed his view on luxury. He view luxury don't just refers to material luxury (that's why he is the first to put a tourbillon movements in titanium cases), he sees "ease of wear" is a major luxury assets too. After years of ownership of the 16, I cannot agree with him more! 

To me, comfort is a "complication" itself. It is not easy to make a comfortable watch. It may be light but not necessary comfortable on the wrist. It may be thin, it too not guarantee comfort. It may be thin and light but it may not be fitting n easy to wear. To find a carefree watch is NOT an easy task. 

The no less than 55 hours power reserve from the twin barrels  is just nice for me to drop it off on a Friday night and pick it up on a Monday morning without the need of a winder is thoughtful and obviously is a luxury in itself. Not to forget, 55hrs power reserve, automatic movement, with jumping date indicator n zero problems within 4 years of ownership, all packed into 8.25mm case (thickness).. that's an exceptional achievement!

No second hands is not a problem to me since I use this as a daily beater on the weekdays just to tell the time. I can see through the skeletonize movement the gear is clicking away at 6 o'clock location is more than enough for me.

Winding rotor can be a loud at times. It is a familiar sound eg. something like a PP5711.

The bold bezel seems like a scratch magnet but being so thin n flat on the wrist, mine only accumulated some hairline scratches over the years. 

Throughout the long term ownership, I never encountered any problem. The time is accurate maybe one minute fast after a week or so but that can be adjusted. My requirement for accuracy is very easy.

Switch from 18KWG to Ti now is the right move for me. It just further improve the comfort level. 

I prefer the 16 to the 33. Nothing wrong with the 33 but I just find the round shape a little common for my taste especially so after a weekend with one of the MB&F Horological Machine.

The 16 is not a statement piece like the RM11 which ppl can tell across the room knowing it is a Richard Mille. It is only when you get close n personal especially when you put it on your wrist n preferably worn it for a week or so you start to truly appreciate it. 

I find avant-garde design has stood the test of time. The design is a decade old. It still look as fresh as ever proves the design is a success! 

Some of the Richard Mille I own over the years.. RM010 (sold), RM11-01 (sold), RM016, RM033, RM055 (Mrs) and RM063 (sold). 

To conclude, I highly recommend this watch to those who are searching for something easy to wear as a everyday piece. It will not be crowning jewel of your collection and it wasn't designed to be in the first place. It is design to be a comfortable everyday watch to get you through the weekdays. This is not design to be a fun weekend piece. I specially recommend this reference to those who already own multiple pieces from RM. 

Interesting read if you are interested. Mr. Richard Mille in an interview with Mr. James Dowling back in 2011 

forums.timezone.com

Thank you for reading. Cheers! 

HAGWE! 

Best regards, 

James.