Richard Mille Introduces A New Masked Hero With The RM 52-06
Seven years ago, Richard Mille took inspiration from something that has fascinated artists, writers, poets and philosophers for centuries, the human skull, and made it the centerpiece of the RM 052 Tourbillon Skull. The shape of the skull served as the top bridge, hiding the entire movement behind it yet not entirely. It was suspended in the middle of the case, almost like a mystery watch, being only connected to the case by four bridges. This created the effect of bones and skull, much like a pirates flag. Richard Mille went even so far as to sculpt the back of the skull, which served as the movement’s center bridge. With the introduction of the RM 52-06, Richard Mille continues to play with this concept, yet now it is not a skull, but a mask that takes center stage.
Mille takes with this mask the artistic approach. Although every detail is crafted to perfection, as we have come to expect from the brand, they do not identify what the mask is about. This is part of the concept of the watch, allowing the beholder to make up its mind if it is indeed the mask of a superhero, an ancient warrior, or perhaps a gladiator getting ready for battle in the arena. With this does the RM 52-06 becomes as much a practical timepiece as a wearable object of art. The mask itself is, depending on the version, crafted from white gold or PVD treated grade 5 titanium under which the manual wind tourbillon movement does its work. The baseplate is made out of a block of grade 5 titanium. It is connected to the case by eight arms that give the mask an even more imposing look.
Richard Mille will make four versions of this watch, each limited to eighteen pieces and only available in the Americas. The all Carbon TPT, as shown here, highlights the unique texture of this ultra-light and very strong material in monochrome colors. Next to this, does Richard Mille also offer the RM 52-06 Tourbillon Mask with a dash of color in red and white Quartz TPT, blue and white Quartz TPT, and all Quartz TPT.
