Richard Mille has introduced the RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, an entirely new collection consisting of three models crafted from sapphire.
Richard Mille has introduced the RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, an entirely new collection consisting of three models crafted from sapphire.
What sets this collection apart is that, for the first time, the movement inside was not merely adapted, but was conceived and developed from scratch specifically for a sapphire case—ensuring seamless integration both technically and visually.
The RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire is available in three different versions inspired by the sea, each in a colour reflecting a specific marine landscape and mood.
The first version is made entirely from clear sapphire and features a surface texture inspired by the motion of waves, paired with a sea-green rubber strap evoking the seabed and tropical beaches.
The other two variants are distinguished by coloured sapphire casebacks: one in sapphire blue, referencing oceanic depths, and the other in a lilac-pink tone, reminiscent of South Sea sunsets.
Sapphire, with its stable crystalline structure, is employed for both functional and aesthetic reasons. The material’s hardness ensures durability and resistance to scratches, while its smooth finish contributes to wearer comfort.
Measuring 32.90 mm x 46.75 mm x 14.35 mm, the tripartite case is water-resistant to 30 metres / 100 feet, ensured by two Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled using 24 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
The RM 75-01 calibre is fully skeletonised and designed to showcase the architecture and finishing of each component, with particular emphasis on the flying tourbillon and flying barrel.
The movement integrates sweeping lines that convey a sense of continuity and motion. The flange, characterised by its bold dimensions, draws architectural inspiration from ribbed vaults and is crafted from microblasted red gold supported by satin-finished titanium columns.
The interplay between solid components and openwork structures allows for effective light diffusion, aided by applications of Super-LumiNova for legibility in low-light conditions. The design of the index markers aligns visually with the barrel architecture, contributing to the movement’s overall balance and structural coherence.
Operating at a frequency of 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) with a power reserve of around 65 hours (+/-10%), the RM 75-01 calibre achieves a careful balance between simplicity and complexity. While it uses a minimal number of components, its structure is technically advanced.
The openworked titanium baseplate supports the gear train, barrel, and tourbillon, all without upper bridges. This “flying” setup enhances the skeletonised design and keeps the movement strong and stable in all conditions.
The clean layout removes any unnecessary parts, creating a steady visual flow. The bridges are crafted with high precision and finished with microblasting for a matte texture. Together with the clear sapphire elements, they enhance visual depth and contrast. A 5N gold PVD coating on the titanium baseplate adds warmth next to the rhodium-treated wheels.
The baseplate has a multi-level, triangular structure that provides both strength and visual balance. Openings in the sides reveal a small bridge crossing the caseband, adding to the sense of shape and volume.
Sapphire crystal makes it possible to see the entire movement clearly, a key feature of the RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire. Richard Mille was one of the first to fully machine all parts of a watch case from synthetic sapphire, using it to create the bezel, caseband, and caseback. This ensures durability while offering complete visibility.
Sapphire is extremely hard, just below diamond, which makes it highly scratch-resistant but very difficult to machine. Producing a Richard Mille sapphire case from a large block takes over 1,000 hours, including over 40 days of continuous grinding. Polishing alone takes a third of that time due to the case’s complex shapes.
Creating coloured sapphire is even more challenging. Metallic oxides are added during crystal growth, requiring precise temperature and timing. Small errors can cause uneven colour or bubbles, and matching colours between blocks remains a significant challenge.
The new Richard Mille RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire models are offered in limited editions:
15 pieces in clear sapphire, 10 pieces with clear sapphire upper bezel and caseband and a lilac sapphire lower bezel, and 10 pieces with clear sapphire upper bezel and caseband and a blue sapphire lower bezel. richardmille.com
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