Richard Mille, a pioneer in haute horology, continues to push the boundaries of watchmaking with its latest creation, the RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire. Featuring a stunning lilac sapphire case, this timepiece showcases the brand’s mastery of cutting-edge materials and innovative design.
While sapphire crystal watches have gained popularity in recent years, Richard Mille was the first to introduce a fully sapphire-cased watch in 2012 with the RM 056 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Sapphire. Since then, the brand has continued to refine its expertise, blending artistry with advanced technology to create exceptional timepieces.
Sapphire crystal, commonly used for watch faces and display casebacks, is prized for its durability, scratch resistance, and transparency. In the watchmaking industry, synthetic sapphire is used, which shares the same composition and properties as natural sapphire. With a hardness of 9 on the Mohs scale—second only to diamond—sapphire is incredibly tough. Its see-through quality also offers a captivating view of the intricate movement inside the watch.
However, crafting a watch case from sapphire is no small feat, especially for Richard Mille, known for its complex, curved designs. The brand collaborates with Stettler AG, a specialist in synthetic sapphire production, using the Kyropoulos method. This process involves heating aluminium oxide to temperatures exceeding 2,000 degrees Celsius and allowing a synthetic crystal to form around a seed over several weeks. Creating a single Richard Mille case requires a massive block of sapphire weighing dozens of kilograms.
The material’s extreme hardness and rigidity make it incredibly challenging to shape. Richard Mille has developed specialized machining and finishing techniques to work with sapphire, which has a hardness of 2,000 Vickers and tolerances of just a few microns. Milling and polishing a single sapphire case takes over 1,000 hours, highlighting the meticulous craftsmanship behind each timepiece.
The RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire is more than just a watch—it’s a testament to Richard Mille’s commitment to innovation and excellence. By combining advanced materials with unparalleled artistry, the brand continues to set new standards in the world of luxury watchmaking.
This latest release not only celebrates the beauty and durability of sapphire but also reaffirms Richard Mille’s position as a leader in horological innovation. For watch enthusiasts and collectors, the RM 07-02 Automatic Sapphire is a dazzling addition to the brand’s iconic lineup.
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