The Richard Mille RM 17-02 Manual Winding Tourbillon combines the brand’s characteristic tonneau-shaped case with a highly open dial that gives the tourbillon and mechanical components a prominent role in the design.
We recently had the opportunity to handle this exceptional timepiece at the Richard Mille boutique in Milan, where we could appreciate its proportions, materials and intricate mechanical construction first-hand.
We are now delighted to share a selection of live pictures of the watch with our readers.
Based on the RM017 tourbillon calibre, the watch displays the hours, minutes, power reserve and winding function through a combination of titanium, ceramic and red gold.
The contrasting materials and finishes add depth to this distinctive interpretation of the tourbillon.
The 48.15 x 40.10 mm case measures 13.08 mm thick. Its front and back bezels are made from black TZP (Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal) ceramic, while the caseband is crafted in contrasting 5N red gold.
TZP ceramic combines extreme resistance to scratches with a very low coefficient of thermal conductivity. It also allows for a perfect finish with brushing or microblasting and hand polished anglage.
The tripartite construction is protected by sapphire crystals and offers water resistance to 50 metres / 165 feet.
At the front, Grade 5 titanium bridges frame the gear train, while the 12.30 mm tourbillon is positioned at 6 o’clock.
Black, cobalt blue, gold and microblasted titanium surfaces create a varied palette across the exposed components, with each finish contributing to the watch’s technical character.
Above this construction, the sapphire dial incorporates a black-treated Grade 5 titanium flange with a contrasting white minute track and Richard Mille signature. Its transparency preserves the depth of the mechanism beneath, while bridges, wheels and the tourbillon cage remain clearly visible.
The manually wound RM017 movement operates at 21,600 vibrations per hour (3 Hz) and provides a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. Its fast-rotating barrel makes one revolution every six hours, rather than the conventional seven and a half, contributing to the movement’s rate stability.
Two additional indications are integrated into the design. At 2 o’clock, the power-reserve indicator shows the remaining energy in the mainspring, while the function indicator at 4 o’clock displays the crown position: H for hand-setting, N for neutral and W for winding.
The function indicator is operated through the crown, with the hand moving between the three positions as the crown is pulled out. A torque-limiting system protects the winding mechanism from excessive force.
The RM 17-02 Manual Winding Tourbillon is fitted with a rubber strap matching the watch’s contemporary technical character, completing the combination of materials and finishes used throughout the design.
For more details on the Richard Mille RM 17-02 Manual Winding Tourbillon and the White Quartz TPT version, see our related article. Further information is available at richardmille.com
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