FHH | The Quirky Backstory Of The Richard Mille RM 020

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Richard Mille RM 020. Richard Mille RM 020. Richard Mille RM 020. Richard Mille RM 020

22 December 2025

The Quirky Backstory Of The Richard Mille RM 020

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by @watches_and_culture

The rise of wristwatches reached a point of no return in the 1930s, when their production surpassed that of pocket watches. The latter quickly became obsolete compared to the practicality and ingenuity of wristwatches. So much so that today, it is almost impossible to find a new pocket watch in a watch catalogue.

Let’s face it: today, we’re not necessarily wearing a watch to check the time, but for many other reasons. So why not bring pocket watches back into the game?

That’s exactly what richard mille had in mind in 2008 when the brand launched the bold RM 020 — a futuristic pocket watch made with high-tech materials and featuring a striking tourbillon.

The RM 020 is powered by a unique manual-winding caliber built from a mix of carbon fiber and titanium, equipped with a tourbillon and delivering an impressive 10-day power reserve.

The watch case is crafted in titanium and comes with a dedicated quick-release titanium chain, allowing it to be attached to a belt or other accessories. The chain is directly fixed to the crown, which itself features a torque-limiting system to prevent overwinding.

In total, there are more than 189 components involved between the crown, clasp, and chain alone (pic4). Like all Richard Mille creations, the RM 020 was quickly adopted by numerous celebrities, including Pharrell Williams (pic5), just to name one 😊.

FUN FACT:
Did you know that having a tourbillon in a pocket watch actually makes more sense than in a wristwatch? The primary purpose of a tourbillon is to counterbalance the effects of gravity when a watch remains in the same position for long periods of time — such as in a pocket. On the wrist, the complication is less useful, as the watch naturally changes positions throughout the day.