Two Hot New Takes on the RM 65-01 Split-Seconds Chronograph from Richard Mille
The classic split-seconds chrono gets beach-ready with new dark yellow and pastel blue Quartz TPT bodies.
Watchmaker Richard Mille has been relentless in its 2024 release schedule. But are we tired yet? Heck no!
Hot on the heels of the Carbon TPT B.4 RM 27-05 Manual Winding Flying Tourbillon that made its debut on the wrist of Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros (the French Open), Richard Mille has dropped two new colorful variations of the RM 65-01 Split-Seconds Chronograph in dark yellow and pastel blue.
These are the first significant line extensions to the RM 65-01 since 2020. Here’s why.
Sun & Sky
In the press release accompanying this new duo, Richard Mille states that achieving “perfect harmony is an unending quest” for the brand.
If you’ve studied musical theory, you’ll know one achieves harmony by combining different sounds to create new, distinct musical ideas. However, finding the correct combination of notes is rarely easy.
For instance, in its previous red gold, Carbon TPT, titanium, and grey Quartz TPT incarnations, the RM 65-01 has struck specific visual balances that told the story of that model.
More specifically, the red gold made the RM 65-01 a classy dress watch, yet the titanium model is pure sports watch. Likewise, the Carbon TPT is perfect for the stealth-wealth vibe; meanwhile, the grey Quartz TPT version has a direct link to the racing world but still holds onto its understated elegance.
Now, these brightly-hued additions evoking endless azure skies and the warmth of the summer sun bring a different energy to the table: playfulness. It’s as if last September’s colorful Memphis-inspired, limited-edition RM 07-01 watches and the RM 65-01 had babies. Beautiful, beautiful babies.
Plus, this new palette also enhances the watch’s readability as the vibrant colors of the case permeate the dial. Each hue highlights a specific function, a feature that extends to the pushers and crown, ensuring an intuitive user experience.
And while enhanced readability is all well and good, in the case of the new RM 65-01 Dark Yellow Quartz TPT and Pastel Blue Quartz TPT, that is almost beside the point because these new colors are just plain appealing to anyone with a mischievous side.
Cool Case
Richard Mille has always excelled at marrying mechanics and materials in a sensual way (and we’re not just talking about the Richard Mille Tourbillon Erotic RM 69).
The RM 65-01’s Quartz TPT cases are created using a unique method that utilizes micron-thin layers of silica and carbon threads fashioned to a light but durable construction. The added pops of blue and yellow make the watch look good, but the treatment makes you want to run your fingers across the surface.
Both new versions employ the calibre RMAC4 – the most complex automatic movement ever developed by the brand, and almost every detail of the mechanism is designed to turn gear heads on.
First, this high-frequency split-seconds chronograph oscillates at 36,000 vibrations per hour (vph), while the movement features a six-column wheel. A pusher at 8 o’clock allows for a super-fast recharging of the spring that provides a weekend-friendly 60 hours of power reserve.
Lastly, the function selector on the crown enables fast and satisfying transitions between winding, date setting, and adjusting the hours and minutes.
Pricing & Availability
Here comes the good news and the not-as-good news.
The good news: The RM 65-01 in pastel blue will become a permanent member of the collection. The not-as-good news: The sunny “dark” yellow Quartz TPT, with its skeletonized dial, will be limited to only 120 watches.
For more information, including pricing, visit the Richard Mille website.
(Images © Richard Mille)