Choice. A choice must be made. But why, oh why should it be so hard? If I should name one brand that constantly outdoes itself, it's indeed Richard Mille. Yet, focusing on their latest creations to nominate their most interesting ones would be tantamount to myopia. Over the last decade, they have gone down many roads, many of which they have abandoned for the sake of progress. For the latter is the brand's true calling. So choosing their five most interesting, intelligent, crazy timepieces means looking at a wide spectrum and maybe forgo their most obvious achievements.
First off, let's mention the RM 031 Chronomètre Haute Performance. Derived from the Jules Audemars Échappement AP's, caliber 031 retains the original escapement and double-hairspring, only at the lower frequency of 5 Hz instead of 6. This allows the 031 to boast a 30 seconds per month average error rate, when worn. That's less than 1 second per day. Performance is indeed high in terms of chronometry, but also design. The level of finishings of the ten pieces ever made is incredible and so is the result.
Then, let's talk about the RM 67-02, the sporty evolution of the RM 67-01, Richard Mille's own ultra slim watch. Each of the half dozen variations is dedicated to a different ambassador and the most RM of all is the one made for French skier Alexis Pinturault. The case is made of Carbon TPT, which is the material that best sums up the brand's way : extreme looks, performance, weightlessness...and price. The French flag colorway of the skeleton bridges gives it a zest that even enhances its wearability. Its almost diminutive dimensions (7.8 mm thick and 38 mm wide) make it more easy on the wrist, ergonomic and light as almost all the others.
Since we're on the subject of carbon, consider this RM 11-03. Along with its predecessor RM011, the 11-03 are most likely the brand's best-sellers, because they have everything Richard Mille stands for, even more so than the 67-02 because of their movement. The flyback chronograph with large date and annual calendar is just plain awesome. Despite its girth, which is made even larger by the crenelations on the bezel, this beasts is astonishingly easy to wear.
Did anyone say astonishing ? Yes, Richard Mille did. Because they like nothing more than to surprise, blow minds and make a splash. For this seemed to be the intent of the Bonbon collection, of which this RM 37-01 Automatic Sucette with a lollipop dial is a perfect example. The work is impeccable and the whole thing was like a big tongue stuck out to, well... basically everything and everyone.
They ended up slightly forgotten as the brand's partnerships with racing pilots came and went. But at the time Richard Mille was in business with the Lotus racing team, they released this absolute monster and odd one out that was the RM 50-01 Lotus F1 Team Romain Grosjean. Using their tourbillon and chronograph platform, they added a g-sensor, a built-in device that measures the acceleration and deceleration the watch endures. A very exuberant timepiece that remains without compare. A crazy thing of watchmaking and design that speaks to the brand's endless creativity.
