Richard Mille - The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII Hong Kong Friday, May 24, 2024 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Richard Mille
    Year: Circa 2017
    Reference No: RM030 Ti-ATZ
    Movement No: 198’035, 6208
    Case No: 1441
    Model Name: RM030 “Japan Edition”
    Material: White ATZ ceramic and titanium
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. RMAR1, 40 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: Textile Velcro
    Dimensions: 50 mm length x 42 mm width
    Signed: Case, dial and movement signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Richard Mille warranty stamped Richard Mille Ginza Japan dated 18th June 2017, instruction manual, product literature, document holder, fitted presentation box and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    In 2011, the RM030 collection marked a significant milestone for Richard Mille with its introduction of the automatic self-winding movement cal. RMAR1. The concept of an automatic movement is to wind the watch through the movements of the wearer. However, to avoid overwinding once the power is full, classic conventional systems utilize a sliding flange that could possibly introduce harmful debris into the winding barrel particularly when the wearer is highly active. This can adversely affect the watch's chronometric performance.

    After four years of extensive research and development, Richard Mille designed a new rotor that automatically declutches when the power reserve reaches 50 hours, and it re-engages when the power reserve decreases to 40 hours. This extraordinary technical achievement allows both the movement and the oscillator to maintain the best ratio of constant torque and power, resulting in optimal chronometric performance.

    The current iteration of the RM030 is a limited edition of only 50 pieces created specifically for the Japanese market. Featuring a robust ATZ ceramic case made from aluminum oxide powder tubes, it was injected at a pressure of a whopping 2,000 bar. With the rigidity increased through the process, it is one of the hardest materials in the world comparable to diamond. Notably, ATZ ceramic is highly hypoallergenic and exhibits exceptional resistance to scratches, shocks, and abrasion, making it an ideal material for a watch case.

    Fresh-to-the-market and the first time this reference has appeared in auction, the watch is very versatile especially when equipped with the Velcro strap. Further accompanied by its full set of accessories, the watch is no doubt a masterclass by Richard Mille showcasing how a perfect automatic movement should be made.

  • Artist Biography

    Richard Mille

    Swiss • 1999

    Established in 1999, Richard Mille's ultra-modern timepieces combine cutting-edge materials from high performance worlds such as Formula 1 racecars with high-end traditional watchmaking. The brand's revolutionary designs, technical breakthroughs and exceptional hand-finishing excite even the most discriminating collectors, and have positioned Richard Mille alongside the top makers of the modern luxury watch world.

    Innovative watches, such as the RM 027 Tourbillon, which was the world’s lightest mechanical watch when introduced in 2011, have helped the brand invert the concept of the luxury watch. Key models include the RM 009 Tourbillon cased in Aluminum Silicon Carbide (AlSiC), the RM 027-02 Tourbillon made for tennis star Rafael Nadal with a case made from quartz and carbon fiber and the RM 008 split seconds chronograph.

    View More Works

900

Ref. RM030 Ti-ATZ
A highly desirable and attractive limited edition white ATZ ceramic and titanium skeletonized wristwatch with date, winding indicator, power reserve indication, declutchable rotor, warranty and presentation box, a limited edition of 50 pieces made for the Japanese market

Circa 2017
50 mm length x 42 mm width
Case, dial and movement signed

Estimate
HK$780,000 - 1,560,000 
€93,500-187,000
$100,000-200,000

Sold for HK$1,651,000

Contact Specialist

Thomas Perazzi
Deputy Chairman, Watches, Head of Watches, Asia
+852 2318 2031
WatchesHK@phillips.com
 

Gertrude Wong
Head of Sale, Hong Kong
+ 852 2318 2045
gertrudewong@phillips.com
 

The Hong Kong Watch Auction: XVIII

Hong Kong Auction 24 - 25 May 2024