Flat’ll do nicely: Luxe Watches offers rare Richard Mille

Here at Luxe Watches we love a limited edition Richard Mille watch in great condition and this one is no exception. We are super excited to get our hands on the discontinued RM016 AI-RG – one of just 15 in the world!

There are a few variants of the RM016 out today we’re proud to have the 49mm, automatic winding extra flat, Titanium and rose gold version here in stock. You can tell straight away that it’s a limited edition because of the stenciled font numerals, which communicate a technical style. The black skeleton dial allows you to see a lot of the movement in all its glory through the scratch-resistant watch face, all while creating a look that is very technical and modern rather than traditional. The date aperture is at 7 o’clock. It’s a sapphire disc inside the movement treated with anti-reflective coating, which adds to the skeletonisation of the cogs. 

Slick for a suit

The extra flat rectangular case of the RM016 was introduced as a distinctive identity but was a detour on design for the Richard Mille collection. Nothing like this had been seen before within the brand but somehow it was perfectly in the RM style. With the same craftsmanship and technical prowess it’s as impressive as its predecessors. 

The entire watch is only 8.25mm thick. Very flat and low in profile, it was originally designed to be worn under a suit cuff – a world removed from the RM28 and RM60 chunkier watches.

A staple piece

RM016 AI-RG is definitely a staple piece – it’s the Nautilus 5711 of Patek. It’s so simple – literally just a date and time. There’s no chronograph, no minute repeaters or tourbillons. But it does have a variable geometry rotor, so no simple piece of metal. Its arm is in grade 5 titanium and the weight segment is 18ct white gold, with six possible positions adjusted by screws. It also features 18ct white gold wings, high palladium content and ceramic ball bearings that don’t need to be relubricated.

The unidirectional anti clockwise winding direction is exclusive to Richard Mille. This means it’s possible to adjust the watch to sports or non-sport wearing. For example, if you’re being sedentary while wearing your watch, i.e. you’re sitting in your office, you can adjust the movement to suit your lifestyle and the power reserve by taking the watch to a Richard Mille specialist.

Tried and tested

The base plate and bridges are made of grade 5 titanium and a highly corrosion resistant alloy which allows the gear plate and mechanical properties to function perfectly. The skeletonised base plate and the bridges were tested vigorously for resistance capacities. Rafa Nadal actually broke several prototypes of his development watches whilst playing tennis.

To finish off, it has a white vulcanised rubber strap and features the Richard Mille brushed and polished deployment clasp. It’s weightless but incredibly well made, boasting a 55-hour power reserve.