1. Wimbledon
9.
Richard Mille – A rare and very fne titanium tourbillon wristwatch with function selector, power reserve and torque indication with presentation boxes
Manufacturer
Richard Mille
Year
Circa 2007
Reference No.
RM002-V2
Movement No.
024
Case No.
286
Material
Titanium
Calibre
Manual, cal. 002-V2, 30 jewels
Bracelet/Strap
Rubber
Clasp/Buckle
Titanium Richard Mille buckle
Dimensions
45mm Length
Signed
Case, dial, movement, and clasp signed.
Estimate $110,000-150,000 €95,500-130,000 Accessories With Richard Mille Certifcate of Authenticity dated October 31st, 2018, London, Richard Mille black leather presentation box, service invoice dated October 17, 2010 and outer packaging.
Richard Mille announced his frst watch, the RM001 Tourbillon, in 2000 and has ever since remained true to three key concepts driving the passion, which helped redefne modern horology: the best technical innovations, the best artistry and architecture with the best heritage and fne watchmaking crafsmanship. Mille sought to create wristwatches that were 21st century masterpieces, employing cutting edge materials and techniques, but remaining steeped in traditional Swiss watchmaking. Two industries infuencing his designs were motorsports and the aerospace industry. Developed together with Audemars Piguet’s complication specialist, Renaud et Papi, the RM001 was a futuristic, high-tech wristwatch with
NY_WATCHES_DEC18_lot 9.indd 38
a decidedly Formula One racecar vibe. The watch was unlike any other - sleek and aerodynamic and made with a titanium case and baseplate, it was shockingly lightweight, inverting the notion that a luxury watch must be heavy. Within a year, Mille upgraded the model to the RM002. Released in 2002, the RM002 manually-wound tourbillon is a feat of engineering and technology and makes a closer connection to automotive racing with the inclusion of a gear like function selector. Prominently displayed between the 4 and 5 positions, the function selector is changed through a button in the crown, similar to the gearbox, the watch can be set to H (Hands) for time selection, N (Neutral) normal running time and W (Winding) for winding. The torque indicator runs between 0 and 65 with red indicator, a reading below 53dNmm indicates the mainspring is too slack and over 65dNmm indicting excessive tension on the mainspring. The RM002-V2 was the second evolution of the model. It incorporated a movement baseplate made of a composite carbon nanofber with grey PVD coating, enabling greater structural rigidity for improved shock resistance. Visible through the sapphire crystal dial, the carbon nanofber baseplate is not only functional, but also visually appealing. The present watch is in excellent overall condition with a micro blasted titanium case, and with its signature tonneau-shaped case, is unmistakably recognizable as a Richard Mille watch. Today, the brand has created many exceptional watches that all exude the qualities that Richard Mille set forth when he frst launched the collection at the turn of the 21st century. He has brought many variations and complications to watches that fuel collector excitement and interest, but early examples like this RM002-V2 can be considered modern classics that superbly defne the bridge between the past and the present.
02/11/18 16:53