The RM 17-02 is one of Richard Mille’s core models, a cool manual winding tourbillon available in a range of style and materials including quartz TPT versions and the diamond coated RM 17-01. Now though, with the launch of the RM 17-02 this model has shed its TPT exterior to become a sleek sportster in titanium while retaining its manual winding tourbillon movement.
Let’s start with the updated case of the Richard Mille RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium. For the first time it’s presented in exposed titanium, a very lightweight material that supports the sporty vibe Richard Mille is known for. The titanium surface of the 40.10mm x 48.15mm x 13.08mm tonneau case is beautifully brushed and has a seamless, flowing arc from end to end. Plus the visible screws that help to create a quasi-industrial aesthetic that only enhances the sportiness of the piece.
Moving to the dial of the Richard Mille RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium, it has a skeletonised display that’s bright and cheerful. A large selection of components are presented in rose gold while a couple of the bridges are coated with blue PVD for a nice amount of contrast. Further to that, the Arabic numerals with their distinctive typeface are bright yellow, which in combination with the blue reminds me of 1980s style comics. Considering that Richard Milles tend to look like devices tech billionaire superheroes would create/wear, that feels appropriate.
The movement that’s on display via the skeletonised dial and exhibition caseback is the calibre RM17-02. It’s equipped with central hours and minutes, a tourbillon at 6 o’clock, a function selector at 4 o’clock and a power reserve indicator between 1 and 2 o’clock. It has a 70-hour power reserve, which is stored in a fast-rotating barrel – meaning the barrel completes a rotation once every 6 hours as opposed to 7.5, which improves the ratio between power reserve and performance as it provides power to the system at a more consistent rate.
While this is essentially an aesthetic overhaul of an existing Richard Mille model, it feels so vastly different to the previous version it may as well be a brand new watch. It feels sleeker than its TPT counterparts thanks to the smooth surface of the titanium and clean lines of its design.
Price and Specs:
More details at Richard Mille.
