Watches with sapphire crystals have been on the rise, but Richard Mille was first in 2015, the RM 07-02 series broke ground with its cases crafted entirely from colored sapphire, a bold choice that has since become a hallmark of the collection. Then last year, it debuted three new RM 07-01 models inspired by the Memphis Movement, an ‘80s Italian design and architecture group founded by Ettore Sottsass known for its wild pop of colors and geometric shapes.
This year, Richard Mille expands its offering with four exquisite new versions. Playing with colour yet again, Richard Mille has released four strikingly vivid sapphire crystal RM 07-02 models – gem-set pink sapphire, lilac sapphire, green sapphire and gem-set green sapphire. Each RM 07-02 is a celebration of precision engineering and aesthetic perfection. The sapphire case alone represents over 1,000 hours of meticulous machining, ensuring a flawless crystalline finish.
The watchmaker first started designing cases made entirely of colored sapphire back in 2015. Producing a transparent sapphire case alone requires over 1,000 hours of meticulous machining to create a flawless crystalline finish. Creating colored sapphire cases then requires incorporating metal oxides into the material’s crystalline lattice.
Each model features stunning gemstones like diamonds, sapphires, and ornamental stones, all set into eye-catching sapphire cases that catch the light from all angles. Inside, the RM 07-02 is built for performance. Housed within its sapphire cocoon is the in-house CRMA5 skeletonized automatic movement, a marvel of horological innovation. This compact caliber is driven by a variable-geometry rotor, allowing the watch to adapt its winding efficiency to the wearer’s activity.
The baseplates and bridges come crafted in gold, and the diamond-set rotor adds an extra touch of luxury. Limited to just seven pieces per version, pink sapphire, lilac, green, and gem-set green sapphire, the RM 07-02 collection combines Richard Mille’s bold style and exceptional engineering.