The true beauty of Richard Mille’s feminine revolution.
In the traditional world of luxury watchmaking, women’s timepieces have often been an afterthought, typically smaller, quartz-driven versions of men’s icons, and dressed up with a few rows of diamonds.
But at Richard Mille’s atelier, a different philosophy is unfolding.
The brand has long been synonymous with top-notch engineering.
Yet, beneath the carbon-fibre shells and titanium bridges lies a more poetic narrative: an exploration of the feminine imagination.
Far from being mere “shrunken” versions of men’s watches, the brand’s ladies’ collections − specifically the iconic RM 037 and RM 07-01 − have become the definitive benchmark for the modern woman. For women who demand both substance and style, the RM 037 is a revelation.
A direct response to a growing movement, it places women in the primary spotlight of haute horlogerie.
The Richard Mille ethos has always been about “a racing machine on the wrist,” but for women, that speed is tempered with an unparalleled sense of expressiveness.
Year after year, the brand reaffirms its commitment to this segment through rigorous innovation.
The RM 037 and RM 07-01 are the twin pillars of this philosophy.
They are contemporary, technical and possess a timeless quality that allows them to transcend the fleeting nature of seasonal fashion.
A masterclass in design
At first glance, the RM 037 looks like a jewel.
But look closer, and you’ll find the same rugged DNA that powers the watches worn by Formula 1 drivers and elite athletes.
The heart of this timepiece is the Calibre CRMA1, a skeletonised movement that is as much a feast for the eyes as it is a feat of physics.
Crafted from Grade 5 titanium and treated with black PVD, the movement is a landscape of visual contrasts.
Every tiny component has been laboured over − satinated, chamfered and polished − to create an exciting mechanical depth.
It turns the interior of the watch into a miniature gallery of light and shadow.
One of the most refreshing aspects of the RM 037 is its dedication to ease of use.
Traditionally, adjusting a mechanical watch can sometimes be a frustrating task.
Richard Mille has solved this with a clever function selector.
Instead of pulling at a tiny crown, you simply use two distinctive pushers shaped like delicate drops of water to toggle between Winding (W), Neutral (N) and Handsetting (H).
A small window between 3 and 4 o’clock displays the active mode, making the technicality of the watch feel intuitive and effortless.
Even the crown itself is a marvel.
Designed with a unique mechanism that makes it impossible to dislodge, it protects the movement from the rigours of daily life without sacrificing its sleek, integrated silhouette.
Balance of skill and aesthetics
What sets these timepieces apart is their versatility.
The RM 07-01, with its slender, curvaceous tonneau shape, offers a delicate balance of strength and grace, while the RM 037 brings a bolder, highly technical aesthetic to the wrist.
Each of these timepieces stands out with its own diamond-paved dial adorned with an ornamental stone – onyx, jasper, mother-of-pearl, fully set or dressed in Carbon TPT.
The eye is immediately drawn to the brilliance of these subtle combinations.
Integrated into traditional craftsmanship, the possibilities for pairing with gold, ceramic or Carbon TPT are endless.
The RM 037 truly shines (literally) in its aesthetic execution.
The iconic tonneau-shaped case serves as a canvas for the Art of Diamond Setting.
These aren’t just stones scattered on a bezel; they are meticulously integrated into the casebands using brilliant-cut diamonds.
In an era where luxury is often overused, Richard Mille’s ladies’ collections stand as a testament to what happens when you refuse to compromise.
They are a celebration of the woman who demands precision in her schedule and artistry in her life.
The silhouette of sophistication
Richard Mille’s four gem-set timepieces showcase a diversity that is as radical as it is precious.
Their tonneau-shaped cases with curved lines and the skeletonised architecture of their titanium calibre lend themselves to the most sophisticated variations:
• The RM 037 in red gold with snow setting contrasts against a snow-set diamond pavé with the contemporary mechanics of the CRMA1 automatic calibre.
• RM 07-01 Starry Night – Intergalactic collection is set into gold prongs inlaid within a black sky of Carbon TPT where the 181 diamonds of varying shapes and sizes create a captivating constellation.
• RM 07-01 in white gold with snow setting on a diamond-set gourmette bracelet extends the lines of its white gold case, accented with touches of red gold.
• RM 07-01 in white gold with baguette setting combines white gold with a baguette-set diamond pavé, creating a tone-on-tone effect enhanced by the anthracite finishes of the CRMA2 automatic movement.
