Andrew H (219) shares his initial impressions of the Richard Mille RM056-02 from Watches and Wonders in Hong Kong, highlighting its innovative cable suspension system combined with a sapphire crystal case. This post captures the excitement surrounding a significant technical and aesthetic achievement in high horology, building on previous RM056 iterations. His observations offer a valuable snapshot of a cutting-edge release from a decade ago.
you can file under both categories: a watch and a wonder - the RM056-02. A stunning combination of the cable suspension (seen in the RM027-01) with the RM056 sapphire crystal series: a tourbillon suspended in a crystal ship....
Past watches are the RM056-01:
richardmille.watchprosite.com
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Or the RM056: (with details of the Stettler manufacture):
richardmille.watchprosite.com
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Were good, but this one..... simply stunning. A triumph and my heartfelt congratulations to Richard and all at Richard Mille Watches who worked on this set of watches.
With thanks to Ted Diehl for sending me the photos.
Andrew H
This message has been edited by 219 on 2014-09-30 07:05:51 This message has been edited by 219 on 2014-09-30 07:06:39 This message has been edited by 219 on 2014-10-07 04:56:02
About the Richard Mille Tourbillon Rafael Nadal Ref. RM027
The RM027 represents Richard Mille's Tourbillon Rafael Nadal model, produced from 2010 to 2012. This reference belongs to the RM 027 series and features a manual-wind tourbillon movement in a lightweight carbon construction.
The 39mm case is constructed from NTPT Carbon with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The skeletonized dial reveals the manual-wind RM027 caliber, which provides a 70-hour power reserve. Water resistance is rated to 50 meters, and the watch is fitted with a rubber strap.
This reference appeals to collectors focused on Richard Mille's technical approach to lightweight materials and tourbillon complications. The NTPT Carbon case construction and three-year production window from 2010-2012 position this as a specific iteration within the broader RM027 series, combining the brand's material innovations with traditional tourbillon watchmaking.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RM027
- Case
- NTPT Carbon
- Diameter
- 39 mm
- Dial
- Skeletonized
- Water Resist.
- 50m
- Crystal
- Sapphire
About the Richard Mille Ref. RM056
The Richard Mille RM056-01 represents a significant advancement in the brand's use of sapphire in watchmaking, following the original RM056. This model distinguishes itself by extending the use of transparent sapphire beyond the case to include the baseplate and bridges of the movement. This design choice highlights the intricate mechanics of the caliber, making every component visible to the observer.
The case of the RM056-01 is crafted from solid blocks of sapphire, a material known for its extreme hardness and scratch resistance, requiring specialized ultrasonic machining and polishing techniques. The movement, a manual-winding tourbillon caliber, is specifically designed to integrate with the transparent components, showcasing its architectural complexity. The watch maintains a high level of finishing on all visible parts, a necessity given the transparent construction.
For collectors, the RM056-01 is notable for its technical innovation and extreme exclusivity. Its production demands a highly specialized manufacturing process, resulting in very limited availability. This reference is considered a pinnacle of Richard Mille's experimental approach to materials and transparency, appealing to those who value cutting-edge horological engineering and a distinctive aesthetic.
Specifications
- Caliber
- RM56-01
- Case
- Sapphire
- Diameter
- 50.50 x 42.70 mm
- Dial
- Transparent
- Water Resist.
- 30 meters
- Crystal
- Sapphire