Richard Mille RM 75-01 is a watch with great artistic value and watchmaking craftsmanship. In addition to the design concept, material craftsmanship and other characteristics mentioned above, the following are some other aspects:
Design inspiration: The design inspiration comes from the secrets of the ocean and Gothic architecture. The case of the transparent sapphire crystal watch is like the sparkling sea surface, and the aquamarine rubber strap is a metaphor for the gentle dream of the underwater fantasy and the tropical beach. The design of the bezel is inspired by the Gothic ribs that have lasted for thousands of years. The clarity and transparency of the ocean and the majestic charm of Gothic architecture are interwoven and transformed into design inspiration, which runs through the movement, case and decorative details.
Movement design: RM 75-01 has an original movement designed specifically for the sapphire case. The movement components are streamlined, but the complex core is revealed with a stunning structure, realizing the function of accurate travel time. The titanium alloy base plate is as delicate as metal lace, but it firmly carries the involute gear system, tourbillon and barrel. The design of the topless bridge makes these parts "float" in the air, enhancing the hollowing effect while ensuring strength and durability. The bridge is carved with extreme craftsmanship to create volume and perspective, and the transparent sapphire and micro-sandblasting satin treatment complement each other. To echo the rhodium-plated gears, the titanium alloy base is covered with 5N gold PVD coating, injecting a touch of warmth into the movement.
Difficulty of craftsmanship: Machining sapphire is a real technical challenge. Its hardness is as high as Mohs 9 (2000 Vickers), second only to diamond, and it is extremely scratch-resistant. It needs to be processed with micron-level precision to ensure that the parts fit perfectly. Cutting out a three-piece case from dozens of kilograms of raw stones takes more than a thousand hours of work, and the polishing process lasts for 40 days without interruption.
The price of RM 75-01 in the second-hand market is affected by many factors, such as the quality of the watch, the integrity of the accessories, and the market supply and demand relationship. Generally speaking, its second-hand price will also be in a higher range. Since this watch has not been launched for a long time and is limited in quantity, it is relatively scarce in the market, so there may be a certain premium in the second-hand market. However, the specific price still needs to be evaluated according to the actual situation.
In terms of maintenance, since it is made of sapphire crystal material, although it is hard, it is also necessary to avoid collision with sharp hard objects to avoid damage to the case or mirror. At the same time, the rubber strap needs to pay attention to daily cleaning and maintenance, avoid long-term exposure to the sun or contact with chemicals to extend its service life. In terms of movement, it is recommended to send the watch to a professional after-sales repair center for maintenance and inspection regularly (usually 2-3 years) to ensure the normal operation of the movement and the accuracy of the travel time.