Richard Mille RM10 red gold

This is a watch I don’t come across very often but when I do I just have to take a close look. It is a Richard Mille RM10 in red gold. Visually and technically an extraordinary watch.

During Baselworld I got the chance to try one on my wrist and wearing it for a mere 15 minutes was all it took to be convinced. Very comfortable on the wrist and always a pleasure to look at the time or just how beautifully constructed this watch is. Let’s take a closer look at the brand and specifications of this RM010 AH/RG.

When Richard Mille launched his first watch in 2001, the RM001 Tourbillon, it set the new brand apart from the traditional techniques of watchmaking. With a true avant-garde design and an innovative use of materials and manufacturing processes, this watch stunned watch lovers around the world.

This RM010 AH/RG measures 39.3 x 48 mm and the construction of the case is not the simplest. For each case 68 different stamping operations are required for the three main components (bezel, middle section and case back) . The machine tooling process requires no less than 8 days of adjusting the machines for the bezel, 5 days for the middle section and 5 days for the case back. Sounds impressive…. and it makes a movement ring obsolete. The Richard Mille RM10 doesn’t need a casing ring and the movement is mounted on chassis mounting rubbers fixed by 4 titanium screws.

Water resistance is only 50 meters which surprises me, because the watch has such sporty looks. The Richard Mille RM10 is equipped with an automatic manufacture movement, that is produced and assembled at the renowned AP Renaud and Papi factory in Le Locle.

This watch is truly stunning and the skeletonized movement a technical tour de force. The bottom plate and bridges are angled and polished by hand before they are sandblasted and PVD treated. The locking section is also hand polished and although the movement looks high-tech, most parts are hand finished to the max.

Caliber RM 005-S features a so-called rotor with “variable geometry”. Meaning that the winding can be adapted to the user’s activity level, like sports or leisure (or desk diving). By adjusting the six positional setting of the rib’s placement, the rotor’s inertia is modified, either speeding up the winding process in the case of minimal arm and hand movements, or slowing it down when high activity sports are pursued. As a result this allows the winding system to be personalized to the owner’s lifestyle. Although this sounds very interesting, it looks like the help of a watchmaker is required for this adjustment. URWERK offers a similar functionality, for instance at the UR-202 White Shark, that can be adjusted by the owner himself (or herself).

The movement features a double barrel system to help improve torque stability over a longer period. This is achieved by utilizing more turns of the barrel , thereby reducing pressure and wear on the teeth, bearings and pivots, resulting in improved long-term performance. Despite the double barrel system, the power reserve is 55 hours.

Here some specifications:

• Dimensions: 30.20 x 28.6 0 mm and 6.35 mm thick
• Number of jewels: 32
• Balance: Glucydur, 3 arms
• Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
• Balance spring: Elinvar Nivarox
• Shock protection: Incabloc

The photos are provided by a member of Timezone UK, Tangaroa, who is currently selling this watch for 22,500 GBP (less than half of the retail price). If you’re interested in this particular watch you can contact the seller through his post at the Timezone UK sales corner.

For more information about Richard Mille watches you can visit the Richard Mille website.