Douglas
417
An Early Admirer Gone Sour, Alas
Many thanks, JiaXian, for the report. You are thorough, understated when necessary,
and tireless.
An
overall observation (and as an owner): RM's early work possessed a very strong
aesthetic, an sense of wonderful innovation, and with both the RM009 and the
RM012 some wonderful expressions of design both bold and ironic. The same I
thought true in his earlier work. IMHO, however, the new work lacks focus,
direction, and seems far more intent on creating some 'uber' luxury watch with
minimal contribution to the world of horology. The new diver's watch seems an
embodiment of all that for me has gone amiss with the RM brand.
A
story best illustrates, in my head, the brand focus. At an art gathering last
November in NYC, there was a small group who was discussing watches and art and
a lovely lady mentioned Richard Mille. When she was asked what she liked and
admired her response was telling: "Well, those watches cost so much and have
what my boyfriend calls 'complications' that they must be the best, the new hot
watch, right?"
I
admire artisans with authenticity and a sense of its own DNA. I simply don't
know what that means for RM right now where price and design for its own sake
can quickly be associated with a garishness that belies the early work and the
foundation of the brand. I admire the man and his initiatives, but the new
product seems wholly lacking and beyond explication.
Forgive me if I am too harsh. It is only the opinion of an early
admirer.
Best
to all,
Douglas
Unveiling Richard Mille 2009 novelties in Singapore with Richard Mille himself
A couple of days ago, Richard Mille came to Singapore to present his 2009 collection at the latest uber-luxury hotel in Singapore, the Capella Resort on Sentosa. He invited Dr Bernard Cheong to be on stage with him during the presentation. Bernard asked s...
RM019 Celtic Knot Ladies Tourbillon
This one is easily the star of the show, the RM019 Celtic Knot Ladies Tourbillon. When I first saw pictures of this I thought it was another lame attempt to create a high-priced ladies watch but in the metal, this is one of the best looking ladies watches...
Agreed SJX - I too found this one surprising in the metal - the lineage
of the piece is from the RM006. Built up from the carbon fibre base plate. I loved the way the diamond celtic knot forms an eternal loop - much like the idea of tourbillon escapement - the balance spring in perpetual motion against the cage. Thanks Andrew...
It is interesting to note that the case back of RM019
says RM002 PG . Hmm a reflection of the Co's QC standard ???
RM020 pocket watch
A manual wind tourbillon pocket watch; a brilliant idea with deftly sculpted case and muscular chain. One independent watchmaker cited this watch earlier this year as an example of RM's brilliance and contrarian instincts. Isn't the pocket watch dead? But...
Might actually be favourite RM these days - could be
worn either as a pocket watch or as desk clock. Jeans, blazer, and this with chain in the pocket would look so cool one would imagine. However, the price simply does not help me either! Thanks for some great photos of the watch. Andrew H
RM021 Aerodyne Tourbillon
RM has moved from F1 cars to yachts (Perini Navi) for inspiration, and now he's onto aviation - is he running out of ideas? This watch seems to indicate so but then the RM019 Celtic Knot changed my mind. The RM019 watch was not shown during the event, but...
The crown on the first picture of this watch has smooth
rubber on it, on the second picure is different surface. These are official press pictures from Richard Mille? Why it is different material? otherwise nice watch in my opinion. Carl
Which is the price for RM 021?
Hi! Does someone know which will be the price for the RM 021 titanium?
RM023 Automatic
This is essentially an RM005 in a slightly larger case with an awful Roman numeral dial. Its size is in between that of the RM007 and RM010. It wasn't shown that day but I am certain did not miss anything. - SJX This message has been edited by SJX on 2009...
RM025 Tourbillon Chronograph Diver's Watch
This 50.70 mm diameter diver's tourbillon chronograph in rose gold and titanium - which retails for approximately EUR400,000 - is as ridiculous as it sounds. Though it is rated to 300 m, it is even further from a diver's watch than the last great diver's ...
All Grey collection - RM002, RM003, RM004, RM008 and RM016
The All Grey collection is a new look for existing RM watches. A sandblasted titanium case is combined with a grey PVD-coating carbon nanofibre baseplate leaving the watch reminiscent of the RM009 ultra-light tourbillon. Though these watches are not parti...
Thanks for the photos...
Well...i think the Celtic Knot looks very good and should be a must for the lucky ladies out there. Regards
Bernard is everywhere, indeed.
Well, the all grey collection is interesting, aesthetically speaking. The association of a sandblasted case and the design of these watches is working in a nice way, IMO. I'm still wondering why RM launched the Diving Tourbillon. Big, thick, with , to me,...
Altough the design is...
very specific and a true part of the trade mark, I am not part of the people giving the ohhh, and the ahhh, when new models come out. The diver's watch is simply a round RM to my eyes, but surely not a diver's watch which from their origins were watches d...
Great post!
Not too crazy about the AG Collection but it's great to finally see some real-life pics of the pocket watch, the RM019 and the RM025. The diver looks amazing. Can't wait to see shots of it in action, lume shots included.... 8-)
hi, a bit late...
but isn't the rm016 and rm011 missing here? or they were not out yet? i think they are limited to a unique model and LE 10. Did u hear of that? I wonder also if there is a grey rubber strap. I am telling u about it, because i am on the edge of triggering ...
An Early Admirer Gone Sour, Alas
Many thanks, JiaXian, for the report. You are thorough, understated when necessary, and tireless. An overall observation (and as an owner): RM's early work possessed a very strong aesthetic, an sense of wonderful innovation, and with both the RM009 and th...
Teeny bit similar...
opinion on my side as well. I feel that the direction has gone towards shock and awe with no soul underneath. There was as you had clearly stated in your post a very strong aesthetic when he first came out but somehow lost focus? Unfortunately, a very clo...
Douglas - great to see you here. Thanks for the comments
and I can appreciate where your argument lies. There is a fine line between the shock of the new that leads to an innovative direction, and the feeling that art has now become cynical and brash: art for art's sake. A nudge at the wrong time and what was o...
Quite Well Said, Andrew
I wholly separate the individual and the work, and Richard's iconoclastic presence is wholly noted. It is, though, the work that will matter and the recent body of work seems stuck in a nasty bit of muck. I hope you are well, and we shall both look forwar...
Another one here...
looking forward with renewed interest as to when RM gets back on track.
Let's hope RM take this direction ...
Once the current trend of limited editions with slight case variations from existing watches is over, let's hope Richard Mille concentrates on introducing a less expensive watch that will have more widespread appeal that will get more people interested in...
I actually agree with Eric
The only drawback to creating an even lower price point below the RM10 is the brand may turn more "commercial" but I think it's worth it. Journe was very exclusive several years ago but it's more commercial now and interest seems to be blossoming with the...
one way RM could introduce a $10K watch soon
Now that the RM010 has been developed it likely costs RM very little incrementally to make each RM010. I'd be very surprised if it costs even $3,000 in labor and materials to make each RM010, and it's even possible that my $3,000 guess is on the high side...
the cause of this new direction
While it may look like Richard Mille has lost its way recently, what I think is really going on is not unique to Richard Mille. Right now, with the world economy in a very slow phase, most watch manufacturers are not investing large sums of money to make ...
Thanks for the report SJX
Not sure what I think of the RM25 yet since I haven't seen the watch in person yet. 50.7mm? Wow. Did RM design this watch to be worn over a diving suit, hence the large size? - AT
The RM025 is almost 51mm OK
that is what I like about it :0) but round cased RM well sorry don't think so Is it just beginning of round case diver's RM line? Would it be just one round in whole line? Then I can predict big bucks one day at auctions The early day RM pieces were much ...
Thanks for the posting SJX - would have liked to be there.
I found your comment about the idea of being contrarian and lucrative a little strange - I am hard pushed to find any watch firm that makes watches as a public service, and if by being contrarian, Richard can find a market for his watches and ideas, then ...
Glad others think the same...
... there is nothing in the new RM range to even tempt me at all. Shame, however I would give one of my kidneys for an RM12 or even a lung for an RM9....yep the new RM stuff just isnt as it should be, mind you my good lady would love a celtic knot, but th...