Richard Mille RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph Diver's Watch

by Ariel Adams (RSS feed)
Dec 19th 2008 at 12:02PM

Popular ultra high-end watch maker Richard Mille tackles the seas instead of the track with the new RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph Diver's watch. With impeccable engineering prowess, the RM 025 movement-based watch is almost too good to be submerged underwater although it satisfies every diving watch requirement with an extremely sturdy rotating bezel and 300 meter water resistant case that involves a complex case sealing process using hand tightened torque screws. Chronograph pushers on the left of the case are gasket sealed, and the crown, instead of being pulled out to operate, features a central push bottom to switch between its three functions; "H" (to adjust the hands), "N' (neutral time display mode), and "W" (to use the crown for winding).

Despite its intriguing technical design and large 50mm width, the watch's main draw are the mechanical features inside. Richard Mille has been able to combine a titanium column wheel based chronograph with a tourbillon. The specially designed barrel offers 70 hours of power reserve (with a power reserve indicator) in a single main spring barrel unit. Precision enhancing additions such a variable inertia balance wheel, torque indicator dial, and fast rotating main spring barrel provide a vastly increased level of precision and energy use efficiency over similar models - in addition to allowing for greater involvement and understanding of the movement operation by the wearer.

Case construction is a customizable mix of 18k red gold, white gold, and titanium. The Richard Mille designed rubber strap features a secure locking deployment for wearing comfort and security. As is the case in all Richard Mille watches, the RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph Diver has no specific dial plate. Subdials and hour indexes are reverse applied to the sapphire crystal allowing a direct view into the movement. The Tourbillon Chronograph Diver is a remarkable little machine, best suited for the dedicated horological enthusiast who is able to appreciate its many unparalleled features and technical prowess. Price will easily exceed $100,000 (by a lot).

Ariel Adams publishes the watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Tags: divers watch, DiversWatch, luxury divers watch, LuxuryDiversWatch, richard mille, richard mille rm025, RichardMille, RichardMilleRm025, rm 025 movement, rm025, Rm025Movement, tourbillon, watch, watches