Richard Mille is always a leader in the industry when it comes to new technology and materials. This year, it wows us with its first-ever, gem-set sapphire watch. The brand has used sapphire — clear, pink and green — before, but this is the first time it sets the sapphire with diamonds.
The fantastic case takes weeks to create, starting with a study of the sapphire’s composition, then moving on to the machining of each ultra-hard piece from a single block of sapphire using diamond-tipped tools. The case requires 40 days of finishing. To set the gemstones (also a long operation), a laser is required to determine the tiniest micrometer openings into which prongs of gray gold are placed. The diamonds are then set into the prongs in rows.
The blue sapphire creates an intriguing color dance with the diamonds, which appear blue in certain places, especially around the mother-of-pearl center dial. The brand’s RM 07-02 self-winding movement powers the watch using a variable-geometry rotor.
Price: On request
Contact: Richard Mille in Beverly Hills, California, +1 310 285 9898, richardmille.com
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