Richard Mille presents its new RM 69 Erotic Tourbillon, its name a clear affirmation of the creative longing to reveal our most secret intentions in all their glory. Playfully interpreted, this fine watchmaking creation will delight and amuse its owners, teasingly displaying phrases that evoke desired pleasure. On the RM 69, love and eroticism proclaim themselves proudly and clearly in words. Far from scenes brought to life by automatons, this creation plays on the desire to openly express passion, sensuality and even sexuality. This 30-piece limited edition will be available exclusively in Richard Mille’s 24 boutiques around the world.
Erotic timepieces are part of watchmaking history. Designers of yore played with the theme of libertinism by mechanically recreating suggestive scenes. Because they broke with conservative moral, religious and political customs, these objects were often banned and confiscated. But like all forbidden love, their pleasure was enjoyed away from prying eyes. Thus by concealing the complications at the heart of watches in question, certain models have survived to this day.
The bridges and baseplate of the manual-winding tourbillon caliber are machined from grade 5 titanium. Designed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi, this movement features 505 components and 41 jewels, and is extremely compact thanks to its unique Duoplan construction that enables the tourbillon and barrel to be aligned on the same axis. Enhanced by steep bridges, the 3 Hz tourbillon carriage and the barrel insist on being seen.
Circular-graining, beveling, mirror-finishing and hand-polished sinks are paired with PVD-treated, micro-blasted and satin-finished surfaces to create exemplary finishes that reflect an uncompromising commitment to the caliber’s aesthetic. Its 69-hour power reserve is displayed in a new aperture at 4 o’clock in the form of a gauge powered by a planetary differential. This exceptional power reserve, obtained using a simple barrel, testifies to the Swiss brand’s quest for high performance in this original movement.
The RM 69 thus offers its wearers the pure pleasure of the new Richard Mille “Oracle” complication, a mechanism that sets off the rotation of three grade 5 titanium engraved rollers like Tibetan prayer wheels, displaying a random phrase. Activated on request by pressing a button at 10 o’clock, it plainly reveals the wearers’ deepest desires. To enhance its legibility, the movement’s engineers have developed a mechanism allowing the hands to break free from the geartrain. Activating the push-piece at 8 o’clock makes the hands disappear, visually liberating the rollers. Once released, the hands automatically return to their rightful position in time.
