Richard Mille

I like my RM 010, and find it makes a great sports watch for weekends, especially since it is so light in titanium!

But, I mostly collect  watches with complications, so I'm starting to think about getting a complicated RM.

Considering that Richard Mille watches are inspired by racing themes, I find the chronographs to be much more compelling than the various tourbillon complications.  Am I missing something in dismissing all the various RMs with tourbillons?

So, that leaves RM 011, RM 004, and possibly RM 008.  But, I can't really see getting a RM 008, when it is just a RM 004 with a tourbillon, and I'm already dismissing all the tourbillon watches?

Both RM 011 and RM 004 seem nice, and it may even be worth it owning both.   What do you think of these two watches?  If you own either, are you happy with them?
Eric von Schonberg

are to showcase new ideas.  The RM watch line started with a tourbillon (RM001), and the RM001/002 line has seen the R&D element from RIchard: RM006 (first carbon fibre baseplate), RM009 (Alusic and lightweight materials), RM012 (unique skeleton form on tubes), RM018 (semi-precious and precious stones for the gearing of the watch).

That said, the RM004 is still perhaps THE chrono on the market.  Just search through the pages here on this forum and you will find that RM004 owners love their watches.  That said, so do the RM011 owners.  The difference is that the RM004 was a purpose built and patented chrono movement.  The RM011 features the base movement through Vaucher and then a chrono module from (starts with a Depraz (I think) - same people as the chrono model for the AP RO Offshore - so an excellent pedigree).

What separates out the RM watches is the love of technique in bringing new materials and design into watch making.  Choose any of them, as you have already, because they say something to you.  If I had to choose between the RM004 and RM011, without a budget constraint, it would be the RM004.  However, love the two latest RM011 special editions (F1 Singapore and Dubail), so dont take my word for it!

Andrew H

Seems like both RM11 and RM4 owners are really happy with their watches.  I'd love to get a RM4 but it's way out of my budget - heck any RM is out of my budget these days - and that's why I traded to get my RM11.  If money were no issue, maybe I'd get a RM w/ a tourbillon but I would probably buy both the RM4 and RM11 since each has itsr own quality and functionality.

I absolutely love my RM11 and it's the one that gets the most wrist time these days.  I used to wear my PVD Panerai everyday, but the RM11 has replaced it and that was for sure a tough watch to beat as my main wearer.  I really love the annual calendar and big date features, but for me the 30-min countdown timer at 9 o'clock is absolutely useless because I can time 30-minutes with the chronograph.  Furthermore, the chrongraph minute hand moves in tandem with the 30-minute countdown hand so I'm puzzled as to why there's even a 30-minute countdown register.  I'm not that familiar with F1, but is there a 30-minute significance with F1 racing?

Anyways. if you are comfortable wearing large watches - I mean really really large watches - then you'll love the RM11 because it's thick, huge, but surprisingly fits like a glove on your wrist, even if your wrist is small.  The slightly curved case along with the strap angling straight down from the lugs makes the RM11 suitable for all wrists greater than 6.5" IMO.  The only drawback I've found with the RM11 is the super thin strap it comes with and lack of various strap choices.  People in this forum have mentioned the rubber strap for the RM11 is available, so I'll probably try one of those in the near future.

If you're not comfortable wearing an IWC Big Pilot, 47mm Panerai, or AP Offshore, then I'd definitely suggest getting the smaller sized RM4.

Cheers,
Anthony

This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2008-08-30 20:54:23

Thanks for your responses both of you!  They both sound like great chronos. I didn't realize the RM011 is so large.  I checked Richard Mille's official website, and it is 50mm x 40mm x 16.15mm versus for RM004:  48mm x 39mm x 15.05mm.  The RM004 is about the same size as the RM010 which I already have:  48mm x 39.3mm x 13.84mm, and I sicne I already have the RM010, I know it is at the limit of what I feel comfortable wearing.
Eric von Schonberg

Comparison shot of a RM4 and RM5 by Allen.

Cheers,
Anthony

I was happy until it developed some problems (see my post above).  It's possible the problems
are minor, and the watch is just in need of some adjustment.  I'll update everyone once I get it
back.  My hope is that it can be fixed and that it won't fall out of adjustment after another
month of use.
Greg