SHAPE SHIFTER

RICHARD MILLE RM 67-01 AUTOMATIC EXTRA FLAT

The RM 67-01, which is only 7.7mm thick, is the first extra-flat watch Richard Mille has ever made with a tonneau-shape case, the latter being a signature design since the company revealed its first watches in 2001. As with almost all Richard Mille timepieces, there’s no actual dial but a skeletonised plate on top of which are applied indexes and hands. The 12 numerals are made from solid metal and mounted on rigid titanium rails attached directly to the movement, creating an interesting sensation of depth (all the numerals, as well as the hands, are filled with luminous material). This timepiece is an impressive technical achievement, as the manufacture of each case requires an exhaustive process involving 215 separate machining operations. Powered by a skeletonised CRMA6 automatic movement, a new calibre that’s only 3.6mm thick, this watch displays hours, minutes and date; it also has a function indicator and a power reserve of 50 hours.