Richard Mille has long been associated with avant-garde materials and engineering, but the RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium takes the brand back to one of its earliest triumphs: its pioneering deployment of Grade 5 titanium.
Renowned for its strength, lightness and corrosion resistance – not to mention its hypoallergenic properties – this high-tech alloy, presented here in its natural state with satin brushing, serves as the foundation of this watch’s instantly recognisable tonneau-shaped case.
Following the RM 17-02 Tourbillon’s previous iterations in blue ceramic and white Quartz TPT, this return to titanium feels like a deliberate nod to the Les Breuleux brand’s formative years when its titanium-rich creations established its reputation for industry-shaking innovation.
While the case might suggest an OG RM vibe, the rest of the watch is unapologetically modern, thanks largely to the manual-winding RM17-02 tourbillon calibre at its heart.
This skeletonised movement once again delivers a masterclass in visual drama. Its blackened baseplate provides the perfect backdrop for the blued bridges, gilded openwork barrel and rhodium-treated gears to pop, alongside yellow Arabic numerals emblazoned on a sapphire dial plate. All of this frames the mesmerising rotation of the 12.30mm tourbillon cage at 6 o’clock.
The mechanical spectacle is so captivating that it’s easy to overlook the discreet power reserve and function indicators, tucked neatly at 2 and 4 o’clock, respectively.
Technical Tour de Force
Naturally, each element of the movement is designed to enhance performance. The fast-rotating barrel, completing one revolution in six hours instead of the usual 7.5, minimises mainspring adhesion to improve efficiency and achieve an optimal balance between power reserve and performance.
The barrel pawl with progressive recoil ensures smoother, more efficient winding – particularly at the start – while evenly distributing tension within the mainspring. Meanwhile, the refined design of the barrel teeth and third-wheel pinion guarantees smooth motion and consistent power transmission, boosting overall precision and functionality.
Equally impressive are the innovations in the regulating organ. The free-sprung balance with variable inertia ensures reliability against shocks and maintains fine chronometric precision over time. A safety system with a blocking gear protects the roller jewel, while a ceramic endstone for the tourbillon cage reduces wear for long-term durability.
Finally, titanium spline screws for the movement bridges allow for precise torque control during assembly.
Form Meets Function
As with every Richard Mille creation, the RM 17-02 is as much a design statement as it is a technical marvel. Its three-part case – measuring 40.10mm by 48.15mm by 13.08mm – represents a year of meticulous research and development, according to the brand.
Inspired by Formula 1 engineering, the case and movement are designed in harmony with each other. The movement is mounted on chassis rubbers secured by four titanium screws, eliminating the need for a casing ring and ensuring optimal stability.
Water-resistant to 50 metres, the case owes its robustness to two Nitril O-ring seals, 12 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant stainless-steel washers. A torque-limiting crown further enhances durability by preventing overwinding, protecting the winding stem and barrel spring.
Visually, the case is a triumph of machining and finishing. Straight-grained satin brushing is complemented by polishing on the edges and caseband pillars – a particularly impressive feat given the inherent toughness of titanium.
Rounding out the package, the RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium comes with a choice of two straps: a bold royal blue rubber strap that accentuates the movement’s blued details, or a more understated black textile strap for a slightly subtler look.
Welcome Restraint
Unlike many Richard Mille releases, the RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium is not slated as a limited edition, giving collectors the luxury of time to ponder their purchase. That said, its substantial price tag of around CHF 700,000 ensures it remains an exclusive acquisition.
Some might view the titanium case as understated compared to the brand’s more flamboyant creations, but it’s precisely this restraint that makes it stand out, letting the eye-catching tourbillon movement take centre stage.
For more information, please visit the Richard Mille website.
