Richard Mille

Unlike most of the age-old artisans that reign in the horological industry, Richard Mille has only been producing watches for less than 3 decades. Yet, in this relatively short span of time, their crafts have set records, captured hearts and revolutionised the modern watch world. Their rapid rise to fame and glory is one that is almost certainly due to their disruptive identity - a maverick that strays from the long-established traditions of the wristwatch and caters to a younger, evolving audience. Impressive proprietary materials, shock resistance and striking designs, this identity has indubitably become the archetype for the ultra-luxury modern sports watch. 

While Richard Mille is no stranger to outlandish designs and boundary-pushing feats, the current watch is among one of their most daring pieces. A body sculpted almost purely from highly scratch resistant blue sapphire crystal, each unit of the RM 53-02 requires more than 1000 hours of craftsmanship to be shaped, polished, and finished to the glare-proof, sleek appearance that culminates in the final product; a process that no doubt solidifies the multi-curved blue sapphire case of the RM 53-02 as one of the most impressive to ever grace the fine horological scene. Combined with the double skeletonized baseplate, this blue sapphire case not only provides a lightweight canvas for the watch, but its transparency promises a truly three-dimensional experience that places the impressive cable-suspended tourbillon movement at the center of attention. Of course, as a Richard Mille timepiece, the spectacle inside is also nothing short of awe-inspiring. The braided cables, measuring just 0.27 mm in diameter, are expertly tensioned by central pulley systems and attached to the peripheral baseplate to ensure a truly harmonious and shock-resistant 'floating' movement. Also familiar among Richard Mille, even the watch's screws are made in a premium, lightweight titanium, a true testament to their dedication to the most advanced technology. With such a complicated process to produce just even the case, only 8 pieces of the current watch have ever been made, and even less to have ever surfaced on the market. Thus, the current watch is sure to be a grail piece for any discerning collector.