The RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire exists in three distinct expressions. Two of these, produced in editions of 10 pieces each, combine clear and coloured sapphire crystal, while the third, crafted entirely of clear sapphire, has been issued in an edition of 15. These variations were inspired by the aquatic realm: each reference possesses a unique hue evoking a specific seascape and atmosphere.
Reflections and architecture
The model in clear sapphire has a case recalling the surface of waves, while its sea-green rubber strap suggests the seabed and dreamy tropical beaches. The two other versions have coloured sapphire casebacks. One of these is a lilac pink shade reminiscent of a South Sea twilight; the other is a sapphire blue richly evoking the deep-sea realm. With an immutable crystalline structure, the sapphire case plays a functional, aesthetic and sensory role. The stone’s smooth, touchable surface exudes warmth and comfort when worn. This singular material, a result of specialised expertise, is preciousness and innovation incarnate.
Blending the crystalline transparency of the oceans with the majesty of gothic architecture, Richard Mille transcribes these influences in striking similes that guide conception of the movement, casing and decorative elements. The fully skeletonised RM75-01 calibre is conceived as an aethereal sculpture, with each component standing out through its precision and finishing, highlighting the flying tourbillon and flying barrel.
Each detail of the movement brings into focus this mechanical symphony humming with technical virtuosity and poetic elegance. Sweeping arcs, omnipresent in this creation, translate fluidity and motion. The flange itself, daring in its proportions, evokes an architectural dome. Inspired by the ribbed vaults that have witnessed millennia and sustained artistic movements, this monumental frame in microblasted red gold rests on pillars of satin-polished titanium. Playing on vivid contrasts between solid and empty space, it imbues the heart of the calibre with light when darkness falls, thanks to touches of SuperLuminova. The index markers are echoed in the lines of the barrel, reinforcing an overall sense of harmony and dramatically staging the calibre.
A balancing act
The RM75-01 calibre gives rise to a fascinating paradox: although minimalist in its components, it boasts exceptional precision and reveals an unexpected complexity due to its bold architecture. The titanium baseplate, practically metallic lacework, firmly holds the wheels with their involute-profile gear teeth, the tourbillon and the barrel. The absence of upper bridges to hold these elements is what makes them ‘flying’, accentuating the skeleton effect of the movement, while nonetheless ensuring resistance to any situation. This design choice banishes all excess, strengthening the visual rhythm. The bridges reveal ultra-precise craftsmanship that plays with volume and perspective, enhanced by pellucid sapphire and meticulously executed microblasted satin finishes. To contrast with the rhodium-treated wheels, the titanium baseplate in 5N gold PVD treated brings a touch of warmth to the mechanics.
The highly openworked and minimalist baseplate adopts a multilevel design, forming a triangular structure that associates dynamic energy and aesthetic balance. In the lateral openings, the minute bridge plunges through the caseband, revealing powerful curves and reflecting the pursuit of striking volumes.
A matter of transparency
The transparency of sapphire reveals the entire structure of a movement, a striking feature that is especially satisfying in the RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire. Richard Mille was the first to fully harness its potential for the integral machining of watch cases. The synthetic sapphire used enables the creation of all three case components: the bezel, caseband, and caseback.
Machining sapphire represents a true technical feat. Its extreme hardness—9 on the Mohs scale, or 2,000 Vickers, just below that of diamond—makes it highly resistant to scratches but allows only micron-level tolerances to ensure the perfect fit of each component. Working from a block weighing several dozen kilos, extracting a tripartite case requires over 1,000 hours, including 40 days of grinding around the clock. A third of this time is devoted to polishing, a process made particularly complex by the curves and pillars characteristic of Richard Mille cases.
The creation of coloured sapphire through the incorporation of metallic oxides into the crystal structure marked a second stage in the exploration of this material. The process is even more complex and delicate than for creating transparent sapphire, requiring extremely precise control of temperature and growth rate. The slightest variation can result in uneven colour distribution or the formation of bubbles. Achieving an exact colour match between blocks remains a significant challenge.
The RM 75-01 Flying Tourbillon Sapphire embodies an metaphysical balance. The modernity and technical sophistication of its sculptural calibre harmonise with timeless inspiration drawn from historical architecture and the softness of the oceans—a duality that perfectly reflects Richard Mille’s artistic and technical approach, where diverse worlds converge to open new creative horizons for the brand.
