Singapore Tatler Jewels & Time
In-house Ingenuity
Richard Mille’s highquality movements are taking the pulse of the watch world
In just over two decades, Richard Mille’s eponymous brand has left an indelible mark on the world of modern luxury watchmaking with its distinct aesthetic and inventive use of sportsinspired materials. The Swiss horologist’s rise has been one of the most widely discussed topics among watch enthusiasts.
But Richard Mille deserves attention for more than the products’ appearance; there is also a case to be made for the luxury watchmaker’s technical prowess as a manufacturer of in-house, high-precision movements. All of those movements are developed, designed and distributed in the Swiss town of Les Breuleux at state-of-the-art facilities Horométrie SA, Guenat SA Montres Valgine, Proart I and Proart II. Over the years, Richard Mille has launched 12 models, all created entirely in-house. Here are three of the brand’s most important innovations that have allowed it to push the boundaries of haute horology time and again.
In 2012, Richard Mille introduced the RM 037, powered by its first in-house automatic movement. The timepiece is run by calibre CRMA1—AN original skeletonised automatic movement. The dial displays an oversized date at 12 o’clock, a patented stem crown construction, and a rotor which is wound according to the wearer’s activity levels.
Another important milestone was the launch of the RM 71-01 in 2018— the brand’s first in-house automatic tourbillon movement, powered by the calibre CRMT1. Largely known for its men’s designs, Richard Mille surprised its loyalists by developing this groundbreaking movement for a women’s model.
Two years later, the luxury watchmaker made headlines once again with the launch of the RM
72-01 Lifestyle automatic chronograph. The watch uses an original automatic flyback chronograph movement powered by the calibre CRMC1 that boasts a shock-resistant, free-sprung balance.
Its ingenious patented dual-clutch system with oscillating pinions bolsters the brand’s reputation as a game-changer when it comes to the advancement and creation of highprecision movements.