Hands-On With The Richard Mille RM 018 Boucheron Tourbillon

There’s nothing wrong with a little glitz and glamour in our lives from time to time, and this watch comes with both in abundance! The RM18 Marcus Unique Piece is a manual wind tourbillon from Richard Mille. Nothing unique there, but look a little closer into the movement itself, seen through the skeleton RM dial, and you will see dark liquid black wheels of Onyx.

The Onyx is not just used to decorate but is actually incorporated into the movement, a first in watch making. To perfect the cutting of the stone took three years of development in conjunction with the jewellery house of Boucheron. Housed in a white gold case with baguette set diamonds gives the watch a beautiful black and white finish.

Since its inception in 1858, the house of Boucheron has been creating masterpieces for exceptional clients, and its past is dotted with masterpieces of historic jewellery from their workshops on 26, Place Vendôme, such as the legendary tiara for the wife of Tsar Nicholas II, creations for the Shah of Iran, and the Maharajah of Patiala. It was Richard Mille’s aim to create a wristwatch in homage to that history that would combine the exceptional talents of both companies; a literal synthesis of the jeweller’s tradition and 21st century horology.

The RM018 is something really special. Simply holding it in your hands you can feel it. The clarity of the diamonds and the flawless baguette setting, the deep black onyx, and lets not forget the tourbillon movement created with master watch makers at Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi (APRP). This watch is a perfect combination of watchmaking and jewelry.

All housed in the now synonymous Richard Mille tonneau case that gracefully curves around the wearer’s wrist, meaning both men and women can enjoy it.

This unique piece, made exclusively for the Marcus boutique in London, comes with a price tag of over one million British pounds, but if money is not a problem and you want to own something no one else has this is the piece for you.

Photo Credit: Alex Rose. For more information, please visit the official Marcus Watches website.