Richard Mille continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking with the unveiling of the RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire, a timepiece that celebrates transparency in three exclusive versions. Two of these versions, each limited to just 10 pieces, blend the ethereal clarity of colorless sapphire with bold touches of colored sapphire. The third, an ode to crystalline purity, is crafted entirely of transparent sapphire and will be available in a limited run of 15 pieces.
The RM 75-01 is a fascinating dialogue between opposites that attract: the fluidity of the oceans and the austere majesty of Gothic architecture. These influences translate into a movement, a case and decorative details that seem to spring from a dream. Fully skeletonized, the watch presents itself as an aerial sculpture, where each component, finished with meticulous precision, enhances the suspended dance of the flying tourbillon and the innovative flying barrel.
Wide arches, the leitmotif of this creation, convey a sense of dynamism and lightness. The inner flange, with its strong proportions, recalls the grandeur of a dome. Inspired by the age-old cross vaults, the fulcrum of artistic movements throughout the centuries, the monumental central case in microblasted red gold rests on satin-finished titanium pillars. This play of contrasts between full and empty surfaces captures the eye, while strategic touches of SuperLuminova reveal the beating heart of the calibre even in the darkness.
The titanium plate, finely perforated like delicate metallic lace, firmly accommodates the involute wheels, the tourbillon and the barrel. The absence of upper bridges supporting these elements gives them a “flying” appearance, accentuating the skeletal nature of the movement without compromising its robustness in any situation. The bridges themselves reveal craftsmanship of the highest level, a sophisticated interplay of volumes and perspectives further enhanced by the frosted sapphire finish and the micro-blasted satin-finished surfaces, executed with infinite care. In elegant contrast to the rhodium-plated wheels, the titanium plate with 5N gold PVD surface treatment introduces a warm chromatic accent to the mechanical heart.
The transparency of sapphire is the real star, revealing the intricate architecture of the movement in all its complexity. This singular characteristic reaches its maximum expression in the RM 75-01 Sapphire Flying Tourbillon. The processing of this material is a true technical feat. Starting from a rough block weighing several dozen kilos, obtaining a three-part case requires over 1.000 hours of work, including 40 days dedicated to continuous polishing.
The creation of colored sapphire, obtained by introducing metal oxides into the crystalline structure, represented a further step in exploring the potential of this material. This process is even more complex and delicate than the production of transparent sapphire, requiring extremely precise control of the temperature and growth rate. The slightest variation can compromise the uniformity of the color or cause the formation of unwanted bubbles.
The RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire embodies an almost metaphysical balance. The modernity and technical sophistication of its sculptural calibre blend harmoniously with a timeless inspiration, drawing motifs from historic architecture and the serene beauty of the oceans. This duality fully reflects the artistic and engineering approach of the Richard Mille brand, where seemingly distant worlds converge to give rise to new, unexpected creative horizons.
