New Richard Mille RM 33-03 Automatic: the alchemy of refined roundness
The new RM 33-03 Automatic reflects Richard Mille’s continued evolution, introducing a new round automatic watch that remains true to its uncompromising technical and aesthetic standards.
The RM 33-03 is the heir to the RM 33-02, retaining the distinctive ergonomics of the earlier shape while adding a new level of sophistication. The sporty lines of the tonneau-shaped watch are complemented by the natural balance of the round watch.
“Like every piece in the Richard Mille collection, the RM 33-03 embodies a blend of elegance, technicality and ergonomics that is a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into its creation,” says Cécile Guenat, Richard Mille’s Director of Creation and Development.
Movemental precision
At the heart of the RM 33-03 Automatic is the new skeletonized self-winding RMXP3 calibre, which is only 3.28 mm thin thanks to its off-centre integrated micro-rotor crafted from pure platinum. The rotor is mounted on ceramic ball bearings and can be wound in both directions, ensuring the compactness of the movement while also ensuring optimal energy output. The baseplate of the movement is made of Titalyt® titanium, an electro-plasma oxidation process that increases its hardness and durability. The bridges are also made of the same material, all coated with black PVD. This combination of material and surface treatment makes the entire assembly robust and ensures precise surface flatness, which is key to the perfect operation of the gear train and accurate timekeeping. Such precision engineering requires extraordinary care and expertise, as the thin components are naturally prone to bending and vibration under the mechanical stresses generated by machining and the temperature changes encountered during manufacturing and finishing.
The movement is surrounded by a black PVD-coated titanium date disc. The semi-instantaneous display disc is suspended above a white window at 5 o’clock. The small seconds display is located at 6 o’clock, which is a rare feature in Richard Miller replica watches. In addition to its beauty, this historic horological complication also brings the dial to life with a subtle sense of movement. These complex mechanisms benefit from a 3 Hz variable inertia balance. By placing four small weights around the balance, the oscillation frequency can be fine-tuned without changing the length of the hairspring. This regulating organ is a masterpiece of watchmaking craftsmanship, precisely regulating the energy stored in the rapidly rotating barrel, providing a power reserve of more than 40 hours.
Of course, Richard Mille watches are never short of traditional high-end watchmaking techniques, such as sandblasting, micro-sandblasting, satin-finishing and chamfering, which must be completed by highly skilled craftsmen. “The purpose is to highlight the volume of the movement,” adds Cécile Guenat. “At the same time, the airy and full space created by the highly skeletonized process of the movement also creates an atmosphere of interweaving light and shadow.”
The 18K 5N red gold numerals are set on a solid titanium track, located between the flange and the movement, and suspended above the movement, highlighting its three-dimensional structure. Like the bridge, this exquisite dial is a technical masterpiece due to its slenderness, while also having practical functions. It stretches across the entire movement, directing the eye to the small seconds dial. https://www.grand-watch.co
True luxury: state-of-the-art materials
The RM 33-03 Automatic inherits and innovates the aesthetic codes of its predecessors. It is given a unique character by forward-thinking materials such as titanium and Carbon TPT®, both of which are extremely light, scratch-resistant and beautiful.
Whether in Carbon TPT® or grade 5 titanium, the cases are characterized by their sporty and fluent lines, combining the curvature of the brand’s tonneau-shaped cases with the unmistakable characteristics of round watches. The three-layer case structure is fixed with the brand’s signature titanium spline screws and combines satin and polishing.
With a diameter of 41.7 mm and a thickness of only 9.7 mm, both versions are compact, making them perfect for any wrist; coupled with their ultra-light weight, they are barely noticeable when worn.
The strap design follows the distinctive lines of the recesses at 6 and 12 o’clock, creating a striking and original dynamic. These gradually disappearing lines further extend the dynamism of the case design. The grade 5 titanium folding clasp ensures a perfect fit on the wrist and a secure fit.
Available in full titanium or Carbon TPT® with a 5N red gold case, the RM 33-03 Automatic continues Richard Mille’s tradition of combining high-end materials with cutting-edge craftsmanship. The new RM 33-03 Automatic replica luxury watch adheres to the brand’s philosophy and perfectly combines modern comfort with cutting-edge visual effects and technology, making it a masterpiece.