Richard Mille continues to push the boundaries of haute horlogerie with its latest release, the RM 74-02 Automatic Tourbillon in Gold Quartz TPT. This new timepiece showcases the brand’s mastery of innovative materials while maintaining its commitment to exceptional mechanical sophistication.
The RM 74-02’s distinctive tonneau case measures 34.4 mm across, with a height of 13.05 mm and a lug-to-lug span of 52.63 mm. The case architecture features a pioneering material combination: Gold Quartz TPT plates on the top and bottom, complemented by an 18k rose gold caseband. The Gold Quartz TPT material, exclusive to Richard Mille in watchmaking, is created through an intricate process developed in partnership with Swiss composite specialist North Thin Ply Technology.
This innovative composite material combines ultra-thin sheets of quartz fibers with 22-carat 5N red gold leaves. The manufacturing process involves stacking these sheets and subjecting them to precise conditions – heating to 120 degrees at 6 bars of pressure. The result is a remarkably durable material with a mesmerizing striated pattern that makes each timepiece unique, as the gold leaves create subtle illumination through the translucent quartz structure.
At the heart of the RM 74-02 beats the sophisticated CRMT5 Caliber, an in-house automatic tourbillon movement. The movement architecture showcases bridges crafted from 18K 3N yellow gold and a baseplate in 18K 5N red gold, all visible through the openworked design. The caliber features several technical innovations, including a variable-geometry rotor in red gold and platinum that can be adjusted to match the wearer’s activity level, optimizing the winding efficiency.
The movement’s technical refinements extend to its variable inertia balance, specially designed gear teeth profile, and fast-rotating barrel, all contributing to its 50-hour power reserve. A flying tourbillon regulator ensures precise timekeeping, while hand-finished details throughout the movement demonstrate Richard Mille’s attention to traditional haute horlogerie craftsmanship.
The timepiece offers versatility in its wearing options, available with either a textured white rubber strap with Velcro closure, a smooth black rubber strap, or a rose gold Cuban bracelet. The curved sapphire crystal provides clear visibility of the architectural movement, while a PVD-coated rose gold flange frames the openworked dial.
Each component of the RM 74-02 undergoes meticulous hand-finishing, from the polished tourbillon bridge to the beveled flange with its festooned edges. These details highlight the watch’s mechanical complexity while creating a harmonious visual flow throughout the piece.
The RM 74-02 Automatic Tourbillon in Gold Quartz TPT is priced at $603,000, with the rose gold Cuban bracelet version available at $660,000. The timepiece represents a fusion of Richard Mille’s material innovation and horological expertise, continuing the brand’s tradition of creating timepieces that combine cutting-edge engineering with exceptional finishing and technological advancement.
