Hands on review of the Richard Mille RM67-01 medium set version

foversta

During a recent trip, I had the chance to meet a young lady who was wearing the medium set version of the RM67-01. I found this watch perfect on her wrist because it also gave off a lot of elegance and character. We tend to forget it but Richard Mille has been involved in ladies' watches for many years. This long history began in 2005 with the RM007 and is still very dynamic. For example, as I write this article, the last piece presented by Richard Mille is a ladie's watch, the RM71-01 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman.

I already wrote it several times on PuristSPro but I want to state it again: I love the RM67-01. This watch is for me the most attractive in the entry level segment of Richard Mille because its design effectively and subtly renews the traditional tonneau shaped case of the brand. This watch is distinguished by its very slender style amplified by the fineness of the case: the thickness is less than 8mm. But it also offers a technical dial that gives it a very contemporary touch. This dial offers transparency effects that allow you to observe the movement and its architecture. But it also draws patterns that connect the numerals between them. I sometimes feel like I'm in front of some sort of printed circuit board. The result is spectacular because I find it very modern and I tend to think that this rendering will remain timeless. I explain it very simply: there is no baroque effect, no exuberant detail.

There are two other additional details that I particularly like: the date window remains very discreet and the additional complication, the function indicator of the crown (Winding, Date, Hand setting), literally fades into the decorative structure of the dial. This indicator is also the proof of the use of the in-house caliber CRMA6. This movement is totally consistent with the presentation of the dial. It offers a very contemporary architecture, an impeccable finish and includes many details which are relevant from a technical point of view such as the quick-turning barrel to obtain a more stable behavior all along the power reserve. The winding mass is in platinum to improve the efficiency of the automatic winding. The power reserve is about fifty hours.

The great strength of the RM67-01 medium set (and it is also the case with the full set version) is that the stones draw patterns that put themselves at the service of the design and which reinforce it. By creating these patterns, the diamonds setting accentuates the curve of the watch, accompanies the geometry of the dial while preserving a certain visual lightness. I have rarely seen such an accomplished setting from the aesthetic point of view. The RM67-01 keeps its fluidity and the precious side fits with great refinement. At no time did I feel like I was facing an ostentatious watch.

Despite its generous size (38.7 x 47.5mm), the RM67-01 set is ideally positioned on a lady's wrist. To tell the truth, this watch works also very well on a man's wrist. Because it's the strength of the RM67-01, set or not. These dimensions may be frightening if you have a small wrist. However, the watch, thanks to its slightly curved shape, follows the curves of the wrist and does not appear as massive. Its delicacy explains it just like the very reasonable width of the strap.

I was literally in love with this watch. And as her owner completed her look with bracelets (to be honest I'm not sure it is recommended for the safety and the sustainability of the pink gold case!), her wrist became very stylish ... and irresistible!

It was through this meeting that I understood the strength of Richard Mille's design. Often copied, imitated but rarely equalled. This watch proves that Richard Mille doesn't propose only watches synonymous with power, strength, extreme technology. The RM67-01 medium set keeps a dynamic dimension but which is expressed in a simpler and refined style. I consider this piece as an ideal lady's watch from my own perspective!

Pros:
+ a watch which works very well on ladies' or men's wrists
+ the presentation of the dial which is contemporary and timeless
+ setting patterns that support the design of the watch
+ the finishes of the movement

Cons:
- the price, very high for a two hand watch

- the absence of a true operation indicator (there is no second hand)