Richard Mille - The 2021 New York Watch Auction New York Saturday, December 11, 2021 | Phillips
  • Manufacturer: Richard Mille
    Year: Circa 2011
    Reference No: RM023
    Movement No: 3067
    Case No: 138
    Material: 18K white gold
    Calibre: Automatic, cal. RM023, 32 jewels
    Bracelet/Strap: White rubber Richard Mille
    Clasp/Buckle: Titanium Richard Mille double deployant clasp
    Dimensions: 45mm Diameter
    Signed: Case, dial, movement and clasp signed
    Accessories: Accompanied by Richard Mille warranty dated 28th November, 2011, fitted presentation box, leather portfolio, product literature, polish cloth and outer packaging.

  • Catalogue Essay

    Established in 1999, Richard Mille's 21st century timepieces embody the concepts of innovation, artistry and architecture combined with cutting-edge materials from high performance mechanics like Formula 1 racing and traditional watchmaking. His revolutionary designs, technical breakthroughs and exceptional hand-finishing are sought after by discriminating collectors, and have positioned Richard Mille as one of the top luxury watch brands on the market today. Richard Mille’s collection includes complicated timepieces with tourbillons, G-force meters, torque indicators, and chronographs, to elegantly simple wristwatches like the RM023.

    Based upon the success of the references RM007 and RM010, which were designed for reliability and wearability, the RM023, released in 2009, is an automatic semi-skeletonized wristwatch with date window, and zero reset center seconds. The unisex model evokes Mille’s dual principles of the masculine and feminine, affinity and opposition. It is a subtle and sublime timepiece blending technical knowledge and innovative design. The skeletonized movement allows the wearer to see the base plate and bridges, along with the revolutionary adjustable rotor geometry. The patented zero-reset mechanism allows for quick and easy synchronization to an official time signal. When the crown is extended, the movement stops allowing the center seconds hand to jump to the zero position. With the time set, once the crown is pushed in the movement instantaneously begins again. The sophisticated dial design features an asymmetrical layout with oversized roman numerals.

    The Mille team spent a year on case design to improve functionality, with each rough case produced from 202 separate machine operations, in order to form a complete concept incorporating case, dial and movement. Using analytical engineering methods, the team looked to Formula 1, where similar to chassis and engine developed in harmony, they sought to integrate the movement and case of the RM023 for performance and precision timing.

    The RM023 has a modern appeal and is an example of uncompromising quality and innovation seen by Richard Mille. The present model is in excellent overall condition, and complete with guarantee and presentation box.

  • 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.

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Ref. RM023
A fine semi-skeletonized white gold tonneau-shaped wristwatch with date and zero-reset center seconds, with warranty and presentation box

Circa 2011
45mm Diameter
Case, dial, movement and clasp signed

Estimate
$30,000 - 50,000 
CHF27,800-46,300
€26,600-44,300
HK$234,000-390,000

Sold for $163,800

Contact Specialist

Paul Boutros

Head of Watches, Americas

+1 (212) 940-1293

WatchesNY@Phillips.com

 

The 2021 New York Watch Auction

New York Auction 11 - 12 December 2021