What if – instead of being regarded as an aesthetic ‘non-choice’ – a watch equally suited to men and women were to be considered a style statement in its own right? This is one of the (many) gambles that Richard Mille is taking with its RM 72-01 Lifestyle Maison Chronograph. It is a world apart from the hyperbolic watches that the brand continues to produce, as well as from the richly-set feminine models that are part of its latest creative wave. The RM 72-01 is not half one and half the other, nor does it hesitate between or fall halfway between these two product families. It is not gender-neutral by default, instead representing a truly androgynous watch whose aesthetic can match any individual aspirations regardless of gender. It channels a cool vibe in a titanium version with a white strap, while the red gold iteration with a black strap conveys a far warmer touch. Powered by a self-winding chronograph movement with a platinum rotor, its technical nature can either be boldly asserted or demurely understated. Its three counters at 1, 5 and 9 o’clock express a dynamic asymmetrical aesthetic, while its dimensions contribute to erasing any boundaries, as Richard Mille delivers a narrowed version of its iconic shape: a tonneau with an arched profile. It makes a perfect fit on slender or sturdy, hairy or smooth wrists, and whether or not the owner’s fingernails are perfectly manicured or trimmed short. Labels are irrelevant!
RM 72-01 Chronographe Lifestyle Maison
Case: titanium, transparent sapphire crystal and case-back, red gold crown and guards, TZP ceramic pushers, water-resistant to 30m
Dimensions: 38.40 x 47.34 x 11.68 mm
Movement: mechanical self-winding, CRMC1 caliber with 50-hour power reserve, platinum rotor
Functions: hours, minutes, small seconds, two-counter flyback chronograph, function selector, date
Dial: openworked, lacquered and Super-LumiNova® inserts, tachymeter scale
Strap: rubber with a titanium folding clasp
