Richard Mille Gives Color And Craftsmanship Center Stage With New RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman

Richard Mille Gives Color And Craftsmanship Center Stage With New RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman

Martin Green
By Martin Green December 3, 2020

In an ode to color, Richard Mille is presenting the successor of the RM 71-01. Inspired by the 1970s, the disco era, and Studio 54, the new RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman’s showcase their craftsmanship in technicolor. Its collection consists of no less than ten different pieces, of which only seven will be made each, which have all been given names that were fashionable in that era. Bianca, Donna, Grace, Diana, Jessica, Gloria, Liz, Jane, Carmen and Paloma, all feature intricate patterns of colored gemstones set on the dial, crown, folding clasp and curved tonneau case of the watch.

Richard Mille RM 71-02 Carmen & Bianca
Richard Mille RM 71-02 Carmen & Bianca

Photo Credit: Lilas Lequellec

These watches are the brainchild of Cécile Guenat, Richard Mille’s Director of Creation and Development. She used only the most spectacular colored gemstones such as tsavorite, spessartite, amethyst, peridot, spinel, ruby, and sapphire. On the dial, she also utilized other stones, yet here not only with a clear focus on their natural beauty but also on their talismanic significance. Here hematite stands for strength, malachite for inner balance, lapis lazuli for vision, sugilite for protection, or pink opal for healing.

Richard Mille RM 71-02 Jessica, Paloma & Donna
Richard Mille RM 71-02 Jessica, Paloma & Donna

Photo Credit: Lilas Lequellec

Even the oscillating weight of the RM 71-02 Talisman is set with gemstones. It powers caliber CRMT1, which was introduced in the first Talisman collection in 2018, and is the brand’s first automatic tourbillon. As is always the case with Richard Mille, is also this movement a tour de force. The movement is only 6.2mm thick and weighs a remarkable 8 grams. Of course, the mainplate and bridges are crafted from micro-blasted grade 5 titanium, as are the spline screws. While you would expect a contrast between the high-tech movement and the precious case and dial design, they complement each other. Combined, they show the different facets of Richard Mille and his strong commitment to creative, innovative, and high-tech ladies’ watches.