RICHARD MILLE RM016 Tempus Special Limited Edition

The launch of any new Richard Mille watch has become something of an event in recent years. Their daring and avant-garde designs, which are closer in resemblance to NASA inventions than luxury timepieces, never fail to captivate the imagination of watch collectors everywhere, making it one of the most sought-after brands in the market today.

It is thus noteworthy that Richard Mille will be releasing a limited edition of the RM016 at Tempus – The Temple of Time event in Singapore – this month. Hour Glass, the organizer of this event, has garnered the support of prominent brands to produce limited edition pieces to make up an All-Black Commemorative Collection in which the RM016 will feature as a highlight.

As with the current trend for black-cased watches, the RM016 Limited Edition has been subjected to Physical Vapor Disposition (PVD) to give it its color. Like its regular gold cousin, its rectangular watchcase is a deviation from Richard Mille's characteristic tonneau-shaped cases, while its black color gives it a veneer of stealth.

And it is only a veneer, as this is not a watch that will blend in with the crowd. Bold numerals adorn the face, with the transparent dial showcasing the movement even from the front. The lines of the case are sculpted and unmistakably masculine. Lovely details abound, my favorite being the crown of the watch. Made large with intricate design elements, it adds a real sense of quality to the whole watch and is a joy to grip. The case and bridges are all held together by grade five titanium spline screws.

While this watch is undoubtedly striking, it is still relatively discreet. On the wrist, its relatively thin case – unusual for Richard Mille – makes for more versatility when worn under a shirt. And an owner can confidently put the watch’s rugged looks to the test, as RM016 houses a rotor with adjustable wings, allowing winding of the mainspring to be accelerated or slowed down, depending on the user’s level of activity.

All in all, the watch is striking without being vulgar, and exudes an aura of confidence and contemporary taste. In a limited series of 25 pieces (numbered 1 to 28, excluding the traditionally unlucky numbers of 4, 14 and 24), this is one of those timepieces that many desire but which few will have the pleasure of owning.

 

Richard Mille (Hardcover)