The quintessence of an era can be found in the new Richard Mille 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman, an ode to prismatic colours.
Wristwatches have become more than time tellers. They are the ultimate luxury accessory to enhance a look. Two years after the black and white monochromatic shades of the Richard Mille (RM) 71-01, the new RM 71-02 comes in an array of hues that pay tribute to its inspiration – the essence of the ‘70s. This decade marked the rise of club culture, and the birth of electronic and disco music. The haunting rhythm of the era’s hits, the theatrical décor of Studio 54, and the fashion aesthetic of the period with its shiny lamé, rhinestones and sequins are some of the references. Cécile Guenat, creative and development director at Richard Mille, revisited the unapologetic individualism of the decade to create 10 models, each presented in a limited edition of seven pieces. The watches flaunt their strength and beauty in a profusion of colours and a combination of stones never seen before at Richard Mille. Tsavorites, spessartites, amethysts, diamonds, spinels, rubies, and sapphires evoke magnetic alchemy. A talismanic spirit is linked to the ornament dials – hematite is associated with strength, malachite with inner balance, lapis lazuli with vision, sugilite with protection, and pink opal with healing. The new Talisman collection showcases the singular aspects of these pieces through highly symbolic choices of precious stones, set in geometric motifs over the entire case as well as the dial.
“This collection is the ultimate combination of edgy artistic concept and automated know-how.”
“The intense glamour of the disco era resided in a multiplication of colours and textures,” explained Cécile. “I had to find a way to make this idea tangible. Working with the stones themselves proved to be a considerable challenge.
Because stones of very similar hues can end up looking completely different depending on their size and the type of setting.” The principal distinction in the 10 models is the arrangements of the stones, setting pattern, engraving and the central decoration of the 0.90mm thickness dial. At the same time, they all share the same CRMT1 calibre – Richard Mille’s eighth in-house movement, but its first automatic Tourbillon calibre. It’s a true technical achievement, given that this mechanism is integrated into the heart of a movement only 6.2mm thick and weighing just eight grams. Conceived for daily wear, this calibre reaffirms Richard Mille’s unwavering commitment to the pursuit of extreme mechanical innovation. This collection is the ultimate combination of edgy artistic concept and automated knowhow.
The bracelets of each model are distinctively designed and embossed with discreet vegetal motifs at 12 o’clock and geometric lines at six o’clock, each featuring two different shades with a metallic touch on the patent leather to augment the visual effect of the stones. A cultural legacy design to embellish your wrist!
