Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition
Meet the New RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition
As the latest and final model of the RM 032 collection, this limited edition also aims to be the greatest dive watch Richard Mille ever produced.
By Rhonda Riche
Editor-At-Large
Once upon a time, in 2022, Watchonista traveled to St. Barth’s to interview Richard Mille ambassador and world freediving champion Arnaud Jerald.
Jerald holds several world records in freediving, with the latest in 2023, when he dived to a depth of 122 meters. To give some perspective of how deep that is, here’s a fun fact: Beyond 100 meters, every centimeter of skin is subjected to 11 kg of pressure.
As true now as it was when we wrote it at the time, Jerald is an innovator in his sport, always evolving not just his technique but also the aesthetic of freediving. Likewise, Richard Mille has come a long way with its dive watch adventure since the brand introduced the RM 032 series (which Jerald has worn on many of his eight record-breaking dives) in 2011.
Now, Richard Mille has created what it believes to be the brand’s most daring dive watch yet: the RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition.
Ultimate Warrior
Although one of Richard Mille’s rare pieces not tonneau-shaped, the round-cased Ultimate Edition is still unmistakably RM in its execution.
Why is it called the “Ultimate” Edition? For two reasons: First, this flyback chrono represents the ne plus ultra in technical performance. And second, it will be the final edition in the RM 032 collection.
According to Richard Mille, security and readability are the main drivers for this diver. Thus, the watch provides hours, minutes, seconds, 12-hour totalizer, and flyback chronograph functions, combined with an annual calendar sporting an oversized date at 12 o’clock and a month indicator between 4 and 5 o’clock.
For readability, the numbers on the date indicator are composed of two DLC titanium discs, with the numbers cut out in silhouette to marry visual clarity and style. At 3 o’clock, a running indicator featuring a Super-LumiNova disc, rotating at 2 rpm, is positioned beneath black bits outlined on the dial.
Hard Case
The ergonomic shape of the 50 x 17.8mm case ensures that this ginormous watch sits securely and comfortably on the wrist. This is due, in large part, to the case itself being composed of grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT.
Meanwhile, the unidirectional bezel is composed of micro-blasted DLC grade 5 titanium (the half bezels are made of Carbon TPT and are secured with eight-point star-shaped screws).
Because water pressure on the case and crown can be powerful enough to unintentionally activate one of the pushers, Richard Mille has developed and patented a locking crown to immobilize the watch functions to prevent such accidents. This system also improves the water resistance (it promises 300 meters) of the RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition.
This robust but lightweight case protects the calibre RMAC2 movement. This mechanism features a PVD-treated grade 5 titanium baseplate and bridges and is powered by a free-sprung balance. The energy created by the typical variable geometry rotor is stored in two barrels, providing a 50-hour power reserve.
While we are a little sad that this is the last addition to this mega-sized collection, we’re also happy that it is going out in style.
Pricing & Availability
The RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition is limited to 80 pieces and is priced at $250,000. For more information, check out the Richard Mille website.
