A New Standard

Richard Mille's RM 30-01 synthesises influences from the brand's two-decade history while etching out an identity entirely its own.

- LYNETTE KOH

Many sporty high-horology brands like to draw comparisons between the workings of their watches and those of performance automobiles, but Richard Mille timepieces probably come the closest in this regard. Just consider, for instance, the ultrapremium brand’s latest creation, the RM 30-01 Automatic with Declutchable Rotor, powered by the new RMAR2 calibre — a highly skeletonised and dynamic-looking movement (more on that later).

A descendant of the RM 29 and RM 30 — both of which will henceforth be discontinued — the RM 30-01 is equipped with a function selector. This feature has become one of the signatures of Richard Mille since its debut in one of the brand’s earliest timepieces, RM 002-V1. Functioning like an automotive gearbox, the function selector allows the user to switch among modes, such as time-setting or watch-winding, while minimising stresses exerted on the crown.