Richard Mille. A unique and extremely fine 18K rose gold diamond set tourbillion wristwatch with dual time zone indicator, function selector, 75 hour power-reserve and torque indicators

Perini Navi Cup, RM015, Ref: RM015 AH RG, Purchased 23rd December 2011

Footnotes

In early 1999, Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat partnered with the legendary Audemars Piguet. They had one common goal, to push the Luxury Swiss hand-made watches to the very top of technical innovation. After three years of intensive research and multiple prototypes, Richard Mille launched their RM 001 Tourbillon at Baselworld 2001. It had a phenomenal response from the public. While the RM001 didn't feature any precious metal or gemstones, it was solely the stunning movement and the calibre technology that truly impressed the watch world. This design language has continued through the last 20 years and the influence of the automotive world can be seen as a great inspiration to many of their pieces. However, it is not just the subtleties of motoring that have appealed to Richard Mille; over the years the brand have also partnered with other sporting fields such as their celebrated relationship with Rafael Nadal and in the case of the current lot, the world of yacht sailing.

The RM015 was specially selected as the official timekeeper of the Perini Navi Cup, one of the most prestigious regattas in the world. Inspired by the famed sailing vessels created by the Italian yacht builders Perini Navi of Viareggio, the RM015 draws inspiration from the visual elements and nautical details found on one of Perini Navi's most exceptional creations – the Maltese Falcon. The decks, hull shape, windlass, pulleys, screws and various marine details of that ship are echoed in the watch's case outline, shape of the crown, tourbillon, winding barrel bridges and titanium screws of the case.

Richard Mille have always been known for their cutting edge use of materials and complications and the current example embodies this perfectly. The movement features a baseplate made of carbon nanofiber which is 'amorphous, chemically neutral and dimensionally stable within a whole range of temperatures'. It has an impressive 75 hour power reserve and sitting between 3 and 4 o'clock is a torque indicator ensuring that the movement performance is optimised. If that was not enough, this model also features a dual time indicator, one minute tourbillon and a function selector located in the centre of the crown.

The RM015 is a rare model to obtain in itself but the current lot takes this to another level. Accompanied with the watch is a letter from Richard Mille stating that this is the first and only example of the model to feature a diamond set top case. As such this is an exceptionally rare opportunity to own a very exclusive and unique Richard Mille.

Today, Richard Mille watches are worn by watch enthusiasts all over the world and one does not need to be a renowned athlete to embrace and appreciate the horological craftsmanship and mastery that they represent.