Right from the time of its launch in 2001, Richard Mille emerged as a revolutionary marque, THE 21st century brand par excellence. It paved a path that many others were to follow. Its originality is based on an approach borrowed from a world that fascinates the eponymous founder: that of motor racing. All its watches stem from a global concept dictating that their interior and exterior form a coherent whole. Like the chassis and the engine of a Formula 1 racing car, the case and movement are in perfect symbiosis, notably dispensing with the casing ring used to unite these elements in traditional constructions. Generally speaking, Richard Mille watches are extremely sophisticated – in their construction, the choice of materials and right the way through to the hand-crafted finishes reflecting the spirit of authentic Fine Watchmaking. The fact that the RM 010 can be described as ‘simple’ is because it does not comprise any horological complications as such. This is a watch that displays ‘only’ the time and date, but with the inimitable Richard Mille touch. Presented in 2006, it focuses on essentials by picking up where the RM 005 left off in 2004, the main differences relating to its slightly larger dimensions and more elaborate skeleton working. The RM 010 naturally finds its place in the brand’s iconic tonneau (barrel)-shaped case, one of the most difficult to produce. It called for an entire year of development and requires 202 machining operations to bring to its rough state prior to finishing. Artfully curved to enhance its comfort on the wrist, it is also distinguished by an interior entirely devoted to movements that enjoy exceptional visibility. The significantly openworked movement of the RM 010, light and yet sturdy thanks to a titanium mainplate and bridges, is an evolved version of the first self-winding caliber to house a declutchable rotor: winding adapts to the owner’s lifestyle. One notes the originality of the vertical date display, on which almost invisible numerals turn on a sapphire disk before appearing in turn against a white background. Alongside its red gold, white gold and titanium interpretations with gemset versions, the RM 010 collection encompasses certain limited editions such as the Chronopassion Black & Blue, Boutique Special, Black Night and Le Mans Classic. Since 2016, Richard has been offering an alternative in the shape of the RM 67-01, another ‘simple’ self-winding model, but in an ultra-thin version – a first for the tonneau shape.

• Relatively simple self-winding movement • The brand’s iconic tonneau (barrel)-shaped movement • Case and movement in complete symbiosis