The Richard Mille RM016 Automatic is a watch very well known by watchlifestylers. The RM016 was launched in 2007 as the first rectangular watch in the Richard Mille collection. This amazing watch fitted with a black kevlar-lined leather strap is simple, elegant and iconic in the Richard Mille line-up. The RM016 is made of an ultra-thin titanium case that depending on the lighting conditions almost looks like stainless steel due to its slight silvery color. There are several limited editions of the RM016 with different dials and case finishes, but this one is our favorite.
While this Richard Mille appears to be a very simple watch, it is not. Its ultra-light case —weighing only 64 grams— is made of three parts in titanium and measures 49.80 mm in length by 38.00 mm in width. The ends of the case are 'tonneau' shaped providing a perfect wrist fit and the kevlar-lined leather strap is extremely comfortable. There are four polished star-shaped screws that keep the case together and four different shaped screws that attach to the kevlar-lined leather strap that is fitted with a double-folding deployant clasp. One thing worth mentioning about the strap, is that the strap gets marked easily around the area where it meets the case. This is really not a big deal considering that if you can afford this watch, a strap change should be the least of your worries.
The crown is one of our favorite design elements on this timepiece with its alternating brushed and polished areas and the tip ending in a cone shape that resembles a turbine. The crown is black as it is DLC treated and it is very easy to use and grip.
The sapphire crystal dial features bold Arabic numerals —limited edition RM016s come with an outlined hollow font instead of a solid bold one—, a vertical date aperture at 7 o'clock and sword-shaped hands with superluminova. The contrast between the white bold numbers and the black skeletonized movement is just stunning.
This watch is powered by the Richard Mille's automatic calibre 005-S with adjustable rotor geometry. As with any other Richard Mille, the display case back allows for full view of the movement that is a work of art and screams 'haute horlogerie'. Looking at this movement is something we can do for countless hours as it is just amazing.
Just as other Richard Mille watches we have featured here, this watch is extremely comfortable and one that goes well with everything no matter what you are wearing. Additionally, this watch is one of the lightest watches we've ever perused and one of our favorite Richard Mille watches due to its understated look and versatility.
Sticker Price $75,000 USD For more info on Richard Mille click here.
