Richard Mille RM 30-01 Automatic with Declutchable Rotor

In the realm of Haute Horlogerie, Richard Mille continues to push the boundaries of innovation, technical prowess, and elegance. Its latest release, the Richard Mille RM 03-01 Automatic with Declutchable Rotor, redefines what a self-winding watch can be while paying homage to its predecessor, the RM 030.

This is not your ordinary self-winding watch with a date display and power reserve indicator. Take the date function, for instance. It is displayed by two separate DLC-treated titanium discs, lending an air of modern sophistication. Then there’s the self-winding movement, with an integrated clutch mechanism designed to disconnect the rotor from the barrel automatically once the mainspring is fully wound. This feature helps prevent over-winding and reduces wear on the movement.

Unlike conventional watches that depend on crown positions for different functions, the RM 03-01 introduces a function selector switch at 2 o’clock on the side of the case. This nifty addition allows users to switch effortlessly between winding (W), hand-setting (H), and date-adjustment (D) modes.

The design also takes a departure from the original RM 030. Instead of the rounded, full Arabic numeral markers and centralized indicators, the new RM 03-01 features an open-worked, angular design. The diamond-shaped power reserve indicator now sits to the left of the central hands, the date window has been relocated to 4 o’clock, and an indicator for the function selector switch is smartly positioned above the date display. The dial itself comprises two layers: one transparent sapphire and another made of titanium with a diamond-shaped design, mirroring the movement’s aesthetic.

Richard Mille offers the RM 03-01 in two configurations. One features a case made entirely of grade 5 titanium, while the other pairs a titanium middle case with upper and lower sections in 5N red gold. Despite the differing materials, both have tonneau-shaped cases measuring 42mm in diameter, 17.59mm in thickness, and an overall lug-to-lug profile of 49.94mm. Sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatments are featured on both the front and back, and both models offer water resistance up to 50 meters.

Inside, the RM 03-01 employs the Caliber RMAR2, a skeletonized self-winding movement that operates at 28,800 vibrations per hour (4Hz), offering a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. The movement incorporates a clutch to automatically disconnect the rotor from the winding mechanism when the mainspring is fully wound, re-engaging it as the power reserve drops below 40 hours. This ensures an optimum level of tension in the mainspring at all times.

Both versions of the RM 03-01 come with black rubber straps featuring titanium folding clasps. The full-titanium version is priced at $208,000 USD, while its 5N red gold counterpart is available for $253,000 USD.