A New Design for the Richard Mille RM 33-03 Automatic

Richard Mille has just released a new automatic watch, and it is round — the RM 33-03.

An evolution of the RM 33 line, this moves away from the customary tonneau-shaped case that most fans are familiar with, and blends the circular form with a slight melding of the tonneau shape for a balanced look.

The Richard Mille RM 33-03 is able to maintain a relatively slim profile thanks to a new skeletonised automatic RMXP3 calibre movement. This movement features 40 hours of power reserved, and is just 3.28 mm thick due to its off-centre platinum monobloc micro rotor.

Further detail of the movement includes a Titalyt®-treated titanium baseplate, titanium bridges in black PVD, 18K 5N red gold numerals, and a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. “The idea is to accentuate the volumes within the calibre. Meanwhile, the empty and full spaces created by the movement’s high degree of skeletonisation also contribute to a shadow and light mood,” says Cécile Guenat, Creation and Development Director at Richard Mille.

Sized at 41.7 mm in diameter and just 9.7 mm thick, the Richard Mille RM 33-03 carries the brand’s DNA, yet retains more of a classic shape known in traditional watchmaking — it’s radical and highly technical, and less ostentatious compared to some of their other watches.

There are two variations of this watch available: Full grade 5 titanium (~USD 145,000) and one in Carbon TPT® with 5N red gold (~USD 185,000).