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RICHARD MILLE | RM 57-02 FALCONEXCEPTIONAL AND UNIQUE WHITE GOLD, DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET SKELETONISED TOURBILLON WRISTWATCH WITH POWER RESERVE INDICATIONCIRCA 2017
Estimate
800,000 - 1,200,000 CHF
bidding is closed
Description
- Richard Mille
- RM 57-02 FALCONEXCEPTIONAL AND UNIQUE WHITE GOLD, DIAMOND AND SAPPHIRE-SET SKELETONISED TOURBILLON WRISTWATCH WITH POWER RESERVE INDICATIONCIRCA 2017
Dial: skeletonised with diamond-set Falcon Calibre: cal. RM57-02 manual winding, 21 jewels Movement number: 11 Case: 18k white gold, diamonds, sapphires, sapphire crystal display back secured by 8 screwsClosure: 18k white gold and sapphire-set double folding clasp Dimensions: 50 x 41.5mm Signed: case, dial and movement signed Accessories: Richard Mille warranty certificate, travel case and presentation case
Condition
MVT: running at the time of cataloguing. The power reserve advancing. CASE: in very good condition, with very minute surface wear only visible under magnification. The watch is virtually untouched and likely never worn. DIAL: in excellent condition. the diamonds to the falcon are bright and lively and the engraving crisp and well defined. The watch has not been tested to determine the accuracy of its timekeeping. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement and that a service may be required at the buyer's discretion.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."
Catalogue Note
Founded in 1999, Richard Mille has a comparatively short history next to many other Swiss houses currently operational. It has, regardless of this, gained huge renown for creating contemporary pieces dedicated to creating watches with the utmost quality. Utilising technologies from the aviation and motorsport industries it comes as little surprise that the brand has, through its lifetime, gathered a very modern and sports oriented following. The present lot reference RM57-02 WG represents the highest level of craftsmanship Richard Mille has to offer. While the reference is shared with the RM57-01 Jackie Chan, this model, dubbed 'The Falcon' is entirely unique in its white gold, black sapphire-set case and especially commissioned dial.
The watch is complicated too boasting power reserve indication, a free sprung balance and a tourbillon. Tourbillons, used to counteract the effects that gravity had on the movement, have little technical purpose on wristwatches of the present, however this makes them no less impressive. Indeed the presence of a tourbillon such as that on the present lot is a display of technical brilliance, and, measuring only 12.3 mm across, one must be in awe of the staggering level of skill and precision required to make something so intricate and so minute. The balance is regulated not in the usual manner, by adjusting the balance spring via an index to the bridge, but by micro adjustments made to weights attached to the balance wheel itself. This allows for improved reliability and increased resistance to change through impact and servicing for example.
The complicated nature of this timepiece is matched only by its aesthetic attributes and it is clear that this was of equal importance in its manufacture. This provides a very pleasing juxtaposition. Indeed, the features noted above are virtually hidden; housed within a solid white gold, sapphire-set case and placed behind a diamond-set, hand chased falcon which dominates the overall appearance of the piece. All in all the watch is set with 532 precious stones and is presented with all accessories and is in like new condition.
The watch is complicated too boasting power reserve indication, a free sprung balance and a tourbillon. Tourbillons, used to counteract the effects that gravity had on the movement, have little technical purpose on wristwatches of the present, however this makes them no less impressive. Indeed the presence of a tourbillon such as that on the present lot is a display of technical brilliance, and, measuring only 12.3 mm across, one must be in awe of the staggering level of skill and precision required to make something so intricate and so minute. The balance is regulated not in the usual manner, by adjusting the balance spring via an index to the bridge, but by micro adjustments made to weights attached to the balance wheel itself. This allows for improved reliability and increased resistance to change through impact and servicing for example.
The complicated nature of this timepiece is matched only by its aesthetic attributes and it is clear that this was of equal importance in its manufacture. This provides a very pleasing juxtaposition. Indeed, the features noted above are virtually hidden; housed within a solid white gold, sapphire-set case and placed behind a diamond-set, hand chased falcon which dominates the overall appearance of the piece. All in all the watch is set with 532 precious stones and is presented with all accessories and is in like new condition.