Exploring the Case Shapes of Richard Mille

T he debut timepiece of Richard Mille made waves in the world of horology due, in part, to its distinctive tonneau shape, setting it apart from the conventional styles of its era. This unique shape is characterized by its curvature and elongated profile, and became a signature feature of Richard Mille and a cornerstone of the brand's design philosophy.

Over the years Richard Mille has experimented extensively with the tonneau form by stretching its proportions and exploring its architectural possibilities, as seen in the differences between earlier and more recent models.

Recently Richard Mille has ventured into new territory by introducing watches with alternative case shapes, such as rectangular and round cases that expand the brand's innovative designs beyond the original tonneau format.

Below we explore some standout examples of distinctive Richard Mille watches from the Sotheby’s archive, showcasing not only the variety of case shapes but also the technical mastery that defines one of high horology's foremost innovators.

This Richard Mille Prototype 3 Reference RM27-01 Rafael Nadal sold in May 2024 for 1,270,000 CHF at Sotheby's Important Watches auction in Geneva.

The RM27-01 stood as a testament to the collaboration between Richard Mille and tennis legend Rafael Nadal. This model was introduced in 2013 and embodied the pinnacle of both technical innovation and athletic resilience. Weighing in at only 19 grams the Richard Mille Reference RM27-01 was engineered for extreme durability, capable of withstanding accelerations of up to 5000 Gs—a necessity for a timepiece worn by Nadal during his intense tennis matches.

The carbon nanotube case, paired with a manual-winding tourbillon movement, demonstrated the brand's commitment to both lightweight construction and precision performance. What truly set this particular example apart was its status as a prototype, engraved with PROTO 03. The rare distinction made this Richard Mille watch a highly sought-after collector’s item.

The watch came complete with a comprehensive set of accessories, including multiple straps and a screwdriver, further enhancing its desirability among collectors of the brand’s avant-garde creations.

This Richard Mille Reference RM007 sold in April 2011 as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches sale in Hong Kong, achieving 524,000 HKD.

The Richard Mille Reference RM007, introduced around 2010, was a refined example of the brand’s exploration of form and luxury. Crafted in 18k pink gold, the tonneau-shaped case of this ladies' model was adorned with pavé-set diamonds on both the bezel and dial, blending technical brilliance with undeniable opulence.

The watch featured a semi-skeletonized dial, where the black center constrated beautifully with the surrounding diamonds. This was further complemented by diamond hour markers that added a touch of elegance to this striking timepiece. Inside, the Richard Mille Reference RM007 housed an automatic PVD-coated movement, showcasing the brand’s dedication to technical excellence.

The movement included an 18k gold rotor fitted with micro-balls, a hallmark of Richard Mille’s attention to detail and innovative use of materials. With its impeccable craftsmanship and luxurious aesthetic, the Reference RM007 was a shining example of how Richard Mille masterfully merges performance with style.

This Richard Mille Reference RM016 sold in October 2024 for 504,000 HKD during Sotheby's Important Watches I sale in Hong Kong.

The RM016 marked a significant departure for Richard Mille in 2007 as the brand ventured away from its traditional tonneau shape. With its rectangular case design, this model offered a fresh take on the brand’s aesthetic while maintaining it's renown avant-garde design language.

The titanium case, a material known for its lightweight and durable properties, housed the ultra-flat calibre RMAS7. The case was also skeletonized to showcase the intricate workings of the movement beneath the sapphire crystal display back.

The Richard Mille Reference RM016’s rectangular shape, paired with its feather-light titanium construction, made it a versatile piece, suitable for both formal and casual settings. As a model that represented the brand’s willingness to push boundaries in design, this Richard Mille watch was an important milestone in the brand's evolution.

This Richard Mille Reference RM36-01 Sébastien Loeb sold in June 2024 for 324,000 USD as part of Sotheby’s Important Watches auction in New York.

The RM36-01 was introduced in collaboration with French rally driver Sébastien Loeb, exemplifying the innovation of Richard Mille in motorsport-inspired horology.

Featuring a groundbreaking G-force sensor built into the case, this watch was designed to monitor the intense forces experienced by drivers during rally competitions. The rotary sensor was visible through the semi-skeletonized dial and could detect forces of up to 6 Gs. Its scale indicated safe green and critical red deceleration levels, offering practical feedback during high-speed driving. Encased in a robust 47 mm carbon nanotube and titanium case, the Richard Mille watch combined technical ingenuity with durability.

The limited production run of only 30 pieces ensured its exclusivity. Its association with one of the most successful rally drivers in history, Sébastien Loeb, added an additional layer of allure to this unique watch.

Also during the June 2024 Important Watches sale in New York, Sotheby's sold this Richard Mille Reference RM016 for 84,000 USD.

Continuing the brand’s exploration of non-traditional shapes, the Richard Mille Reference RM016 reappeared in later years with further refinements. The rectangular titanium case, introduced as part of the brand’s attempt to diversify their design portfolio, housed an ultra-thin RMAS7 automatic movement.

The skeletonized dial allowed the wearer to appreciate the technical complexity of the movement, highlighting Richard Mille’s commitment to both aesthetics and performance. This 2015 example of the Richard Mille Reference RM016, complete with its original presentation box and warranty papers, was a testament to the evolution of the brand’s design language. The titanium version was particularly desirable due to its lightweight and robust properties, setting it apart from the gold variants in terms of both wearability and collector appeal.

The mastery of form and function at Richard Mille is evident in the diverse case shapes and technical innovations that define the brand's timepieces. From the iconic tonneau shape that first introduced Richard Mille to the world, to more recent explorations of rectangular and round cases, each watch reflects the brand’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and engineering. The examples highlighted from the Sotheby’s archive showcase not only Richard Mille's technical prowess but also the maison's commitment to creating watches that are both visually striking and mechanically masterful. Whether crafted for athletes, drivers, or collectors, Richard Mille continues to shape the future of high-performance luxury watches.

At Sotheby’s our Richard Mille experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary examples to market, making us well placed to advise on the sale of an RM watch or for those looking to add a watch to their collection. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.

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