The RM 16-02 Automatic Extraflat stands as a paragon of horological artistry and mechanical ingenuity, embodying an intricate tapestry of aesthetic refinement and engineering prowess that challenges conventional watchmaking paradigms. Within its extra-flat rectangular form, Richard Mille reimagines the archetypal silhouette of the RM 016, crafting a timepiece that is as much a statement of avant-garde design as it is a triumph of technical execution.
This masterpiece is distinguished by its urban aesthetic, an embodiment of the brand’s radical reinterpretation of established aesthetic codes. Drawing on the principles of Brutalist architecture, the watch’s interlaced forms conjure a visual labyrinth, a maze of optical illusions that provoke a deeper contemplation of form and function. The purity of its lines belies the intricate complexity beneath, where each detail emerges as an invitation to explore its myriad intricacies.
At the heart of this horological marvel is the Calibre CRMA9, a testament to Richard Mille‘s watchmaking expertise. As the 15th evolution within the brand’s prestigious lineage of in-house movements, this calibre is a marvel of engineering, wrought in titanium to ensure an unparalleled entrance of light through its meticulously openworked design. The skeletonised baseplate, crafted from microblasted grade 5 titanium and cloaked in a grey electroplasma finish, dominates the visible surface. A stark contrast is presented by the PVD-coated minutes bridge, providing a focal point within the movement’s intricate lattice.
The CRMA9’s extreme skeletonisation is a feat of precision engineering, requiring countless hours of milling and finishing to achieve its 67 artfully chamfered apertures. The result is an orchestration of elements that appear to dance within the movement, evoking an impression of lightness and transparency that accentuates the interplay of shapes and depth. This sophisticated execution reveals the technical complexity at the core of the timepiece, as the baseplate and bridges undergo rigorous testing to ensure their resilience under the duress of everyday wear.
A new silhouette in platinum, paired with titanium inertia blocks, delineates the oscillating weight that emerges against the backdrop of the movement. Utilizing ceramic ball bearings, the bidirectional rotor ensures efficient winding, supporting a generous 50-hour power reserve. The dial itself becomes a canvas of visual intrigue, where hour markers weave through the movement’s architectural maze, inviting an enigmatic interaction between watch and wearer.
The RM 16-02’s allure extends beyond its technical virtuosity to encompass its sculptural rectangular form and distinctive ergonomics. At 36 x 45.65 mm, this iteration presents a 10% reduction in size from its predecessor, allowing a seamless embrace of the wrist and preserving the brand’s iconic design language. The casing offers two distinct interpretations: one in microblasted and satin-finished grade 5 titanium, and the other in the innovative Terracotta Quartz TPT®. This unique coloration, achieved through a pioneering process of impregnating silica threads with a colored matrix, reflects the meticulous attention to detail synonymous with Richard Mille.
In summary, the RM 16-02 Automatic Extraflat is a beacon of aesthetic inventiveness and mechanical sophistication, inviting the imagination to traverse both dynamic and meditative realms. With its harmonious blend of avant-garde artistry and technical brilliance, this timepiece stands poised as a quintessential representation of Richard Mille‘s commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking excellence.
