Richard Mille has given a sleek makeover to one of its most intricate timepieces, offering a striking yet minimalist upgrade.
The RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne has received a fresh rendition in white, revealed by the Swiss watchmaker recently. Crafted with a tonneau-shaped case measuring 42.7 by 50.1 mm, the timepiece is constructed using a blend of white quartz TPT, carbon TPT, and titanium. (For those unfamiliar, TPT, or Thin Ply Technology, refers to Richard Mille’s patented method of layering fibers.) While previous models in the series were built from similarly robust materials, this newcomer stands out as the first to showcase this specific hue. Limited to a mere 50 pieces, this new edition comes with a price tag of $928,000.
Its skeletonized dial boasts large Arabic numerals and vibrant indicators for power reserve and torque. (The power reserve indicates the remaining hours of energy in the mainspring, while the torque indicator offers details about the mainspring’s tension.) Positioned on lightweight grade 5 titanium bridges with four arms on each side, the winding barrel and tourbillon add to the visual allure.
The watch runs on the in-house caliber RM21-02, featuring a manual winding movement operating at a frequency of 21,600 vph and providing a 70-hour power reserve. Its baseplate comprises a Carbon TPT core and is topped with a honeycombed structure made from a material known as HAYNES 214. This nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron alloy ensures “remarkable stiffness, low thermal expansion coefficient, and resistance to torsion,” as stated by Richard Mille. The baseplate, along with the movement and its 27 jewels, is visible through the transparent caseback.
The strap is fashioned from black and white rubber, complementing the grade 5 titanium used for the caseband and spline screws, similar to the bridges. The three-part case is assembled with 20 screws and two seals, ensuring water resistance up to 50 meters.
Richard Mille has been actively launching new pieces, including its inaugural women’s sports watch this year, as well as three women’s models inspired by the Memphis Movement and a chronograph paying tribute to the 2023 Le Mans Classic. Anticipation is high for what the future holds in store for 2024 from the renowned watchmaker.
Exclusive to Richard Mille boutiques, the new RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is now available. For further details, visit the brand’s website.
