Art and Engineering: Two New Richard Mille RM 33-03 Automatics Redefine the Round Watch
The RM 33-03 blends technical precision and artistic flair in two bold versions in either grade 5 titanium or Carbon TPT with red gold.
By Sébastien Aeberli
Design, Content & Social Media
Unveiled last week, the RM 33-03 Automatic is Richard Mille’s latest reinterpretation of the round watch – a rare shape in the brand’s portfolio, but one approached with RM’s innovative spirit and uncompromising attention to detail.
As the successor to the RM 33-02, this new creation blends bold design with advanced mechanics, offering a watch that is both elegant and dynamic. With the RM 33-03, Richard Mille once again reaffirms its ability to challenge watchmaking conventions while preserving ergonomic excellence and aesthetic harmony.
A Distinctive Evolution in Design
Richard Mille is traditionally known for its signature tonneau-shaped cases, a defining element of the brand’s design language. With the RM 33-03, however, the brand takes a different approach by embracing the classic round case shape.
Despite this shift, the watch maintains the sporty spirit and advanced technical architecture that characterize Richard Mille’s timepieces. As the successor to the RM 33-02, the RM 33-03 introduces refined complexity and construction improvements, marking an evolution rather than a departure.
The RM 33-03 is offered in two distinct 41.7mm variations, each highlighting different materials and finishes. One version features a case made entirely from grade 5 titanium, which is prized for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. Thanks to this lightweight yet durable metal, the watch sits comfortably on the wrist while showcasing a sleek, industrial look consistent with Richard Mille’s modern aesthetic.
The second variation combines the cutting-edge Carbon TPT composite with 5N red gold accents, delivering a striking contrast of textures and colors. Carbon TPT is renowned for its layered, striated pattern and outstanding resilience, giving the watch a unique visual identity and robustness. The warm tone of the 5N red gold bezel and crown adds a touch of luxury and refinement, balancing the high-tech materials with classic elegance.
Beyond materials, both versions of the RM 33-03 are meticulously designed to optimize wearability. The case’s proportions and curvature have been carefully calibrated to conform naturally to the wrist, ensuring comfort without compromising the bold and dynamic design.
This focus on ergonomic harmony underscores Richard Mille’s commitment to creating watches that combine innovative mechanics with practical, everyday wearability, transforming the round watch into a true technical and artistic statement.
A Movement that Matches the Design’s Precision
Inside the RM 33-03 beats the RMXP3 calibre, a skeletonized automatic movement developed with extreme attention to weight, performance, and structural integrity. The movement’s baseplate and bridges are made of grade 5 titanium, offering remarkable strength and rigidity while keeping the total weight of the timepiece at a minimum.
One of the standout technical features is the off-center platinum micro-rotor visible via the sapphire caseback. The decision to place the micro-rotor in an off-center location not only optimizes the view of the movement from the back but also ensures a more efficient winding mechanism and a thinner profile for the watch (it is only 9.1mm thick).
The architecture of the RMXP3 highlights Richard Mille’s passion for openwork design. Every component, from the gear train to the bridges, is skeletonized to reveal the heart of the mechanism. With a power reserve of 45 hours and a frequency of 3 Hz, the calibre ensures precision and reliability without sacrificing visual drama.
A Bold Fusion of Architecture and Emotion
The RM 33-03 is not just a feat of engineering; it stands as a creative statement, with a dial that showcases a daring interplay of composition, depth, and layered elements, reflecting a bold artistic vision that elevates the watch beyond pure technicality.
Designed with intricate geometry and rich textures, it speaks to the influence of Creative and Development Director Cécile Guenat, who continues to bring fresh artistic direction to the brand.
“In the RM 33-03, we wanted to express tension and movement through architectural contrasts,” explained Cécile Guenat. “We played with symmetry and structure, aiming to create a piece that is as much about dynamic presence as it is about refined balance.”
That intention is clearly visible in the multilayered dial, where a raised carbon fiber flange and red accents intersect with open spaces and mechanical depth. The incorporation of red details – especially in the crown, rotor, and chapter ring – injects energy and visual tension into the otherwise monochrome design, achieving a refined boldness that mirrors Guenat’s artistic vision.
This unique fusion of technicality and emotion speaks to Richard Mille’s evolving design language. While staying true to the brand’s values of precision, performance, and experimentation, the RM 33-03 also introduces a new level of graphic sophistication and artistic layering that pushes the round watch into uncharted territory.
Final Thoughts
The RM 33-03 Automatic represents Richard Mille’s ongoing commitment to innovation in design, engineering, and functionality. Combining advanced mechanics with ergonomic design and distinctive aesthetics, this model is a noteworthy addition to the brand’s collection. Balancing sportiness with refinement, the RM 33-03 offers a fresh perspective on the possibilities of a round watch.
To explore the RM 33-03 Automatic and discover the brand’s full range of groundbreaking creations, visit the Richard Mille website.