THE DISRUPTER

RICHARD MILLE

Rebellious watchmaker Richard Mille is always on a warpath to disrupt, and he certainly doesn’t disappoint this year. While others went down a more subdued path due to softening markets, he stormed off on his own off-beat track, with products priced in the five-digit range, proving that his target market is still clamouring for his wares. We dissect two whoppers that caught our attention:

RM S05 MECHANICAL FOUNTAIN PEN

Eschewing convention once again, the watchmaker has released a fountain pen (above) that is activated by a mechanical movement, engineered by using the same techniques as watchmaking. The baguetteshaped movement can be seen through a sapphire crystal cap, offering an unparalleled view of the skeletonised baseplate and bridges. When the push button is activated, it sets the escapement in motion that in turn releases the nib of the pen. The pen’s body furthers Richard Mille’s dedication to innovation, and is crafted in ultralight NTPT carbon, giving it the appearance of marble.

RM 50-02 TOURBILLON SPLIT SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH ACJ

The brand takes to the skies with a partnership with Airbus Corporate Jet (ACJ), the business unit that specialises in private aircraft. The exclusive collaboration has resulted in the RM 5002 Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph ACJ (left), a timepiece emblematic of the art of travel. The signature tonneau shape frames a bezel that resembles the cabin windows of ACJ aircraft. Even the colours on the dial are reflective of the hues found onboard, such as the green accents that harken to the reducible primer that protects metallic structures from corrosion. Richard Mille also echoes Airbus’ commitment to finding weightreducing components by outfitting the RM 5002 in titanium and aluminium. The timepiece’s flyback chronograph features components crafted in titanium, that lower friction thus lessening energy consumption—a key priority of Airbus. The tourbillon bridge and winding barrel bridge are layered with an aeronautical coating typically used by ACJ. The watch offers 70 hours of autonomy, and only 30 pieces will be made.