Looking for a watch that costs over £1,000,000? We take a look at the Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire.
In 2011, Richard Mille revolutionised the watchmaking industry by introducing the RM 056 Sapphire Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph, which featured an unprecedented all-sapphire watch case. Pushing the boundaries of technology even further, the brand unveiled the remarkable RM 56-01, boasting not only a sapphire case but also sapphire baseplates, bridges, and a third wheel.
Richard Mille astounded the world once more with the introduction of the Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire, a true marvel featuring a tripartite sapphire case and the brand’s groundbreaking “cabled movement” design. These masterpieces represent the pinnacle of Richard Mille’s relentless pursuit of pushing the limits of horological artistry.
Drawing inspiration from the movement of another remarkable Richard Mille timepiece, the RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal, which was collaboratively developed with the renowned Spanish tennis star, the Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire boasts a movement architecture that pays homage to its predecessor.
The core of the RM 56-02 movement comprises a resilient yet lightweight titanium baseplate, ingeniously suspended within the all-sapphire case using a single braided cable, measuring a mere .35 mm in thickness. The incorporation of a system featuring four pulleys positioned at the corners and an additional six pulleys along its periphery ensures the precise movement of the timepiece.
A miniature ratchet discreetly positioned at 9 o’clock effectively governs the tension of the cables, meticulously maintaining the intricate equilibrium of the mechanism. The brilliance of the design lies in the connectivity of the entire system to an indicator at 12 o’clock, enabling the wearer to effortlessly monitor the tension in the pulleys, ensuring the smooth and accurate operation of the timepiece within the predefined norms. This harmonious fusion of cutting-edge technology and impeccable craftsmanship defines the Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire as a true marvel in the world of horology.
The Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire features a remarkable transparent sapphire case, meticulously crafted from three separate parts, each meticulously milled and ground from solid blocks of sapphire. With an extraordinary hardness of 1,800 Vickers, this sapphire case exhibits exceptional scratch resistance, capable of withstanding any material except for diamonds. The innovative use of sapphire extends to critical movement components, such as the winding barrel bridge, the centre bridges, and even the tourbillon, further elevating the timepiece’s technical prowess.
The creation of each RM 56-02 watch is a labour-intensive process conducted by the skilled artisans at the Stettler firm in Lysa, Switzerland. Crafting the case alone demands an astonishing 40 days of continuous, round-the-clock machining to achieve perfection. Subsequently, an additional 400 hours are devoted to the intricate machining and meticulous finishing of the movement bridges. This dedication to precision and artistry ensures that each Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire stands as a testament to the pinnacle of watchmaking excellence.
Despite its delicate appearance, the Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire boasts impressive water resistance, able to withstand depths of up to 30 meters, a feat achieved by incorporating two transparent nitrile O-rings assembled with 24 spline screws crafted from grade 5 titanium.
To enhance its functionality, both the front and back bezels of the case are treated with anti-glare protection, ensuring optimal visibility.
Continuing the “see-through” concept, the timepiece features a partially translucent strap, exclusively designed for Richard Mille using a proprietary Aerospace Nanomaterial. This unique material exudes a silky, organic texture, seamlessly complementing the ergonomic design of the watch case.
The Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-02 Sapphire is an extraordinarily limited edition, reserved for a select few fortunate individuals. Only ten pieces of this masterpiece will be made available worldwide, each priced at $2,020,000, reflecting its unparalleled craftsmanship and exclusivity.
