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Lot Essay
Richard Mille dedicated the RM58-01, limited to an edition of 35 pieces, to his friend Jean Todt who epitomizes the kind of international traveller who covers thousands of kilometers each year around the globe.
It is entirely characteristic of Richard Mille to design and reinvent one of the most important of watch complications, the world time function. Not only is the RM58-01 ‘Jean Todt Limited Edition’ impressive for its 50 mm. size and sheer quality, but it is also ingenious in the way that the world time system can be changed with great ease and simplicity by the user. If this were not enough, the movement also features a visible one-minute tourbillon and a 10-day power reserve.
Richard Mille’s desire was to create a world time watch that could be quickly and simply adjusted for the different time zones. This he achieved so successfully with a system that has revolutionized the world time wristwatch. Naturally, the mechanics behind the system are highly complex and required the watch to be constructed as a single concept so that the dials, case and movement could act in unison. The movement and case engineers at Richard Mille co-operated in order that the bezel and movement could be linked with a special gear train whilst at the same time maintaining the water resistance of the case to 30 metres / 100 feet by means of two nitrile rubber O-ring seals.
The four-part case is made of alternating titanium and 18K red gold and the unidirectional rotating bezel is made of shot-blasted titanium. Bearing the names of 24 world cities, it is unlike other world time watches in that the RM 58-01 does not use a push-button to change the hour hand from one time zone to another. The time for each location is set by simply rotating the bezel anticlockwise. All the wearer needs to do is position the name of the city where he or she is located in the 12 o’clock position, this automatically sets local time and the time in the other 23 world cities which corresponds to the black and white 24-hour ring which automatically indicates day from night for the user.
Probably the most exclusive of all contemporary world time watches, this RM58-01 provides collectors and those who appreciate the extraordinary watchmaking of Richard Mille with the opportunity to acquire the first example of the ‘Jean Todt’ limited edition to be offered at auction.
It is entirely characteristic of Richard Mille to design and reinvent one of the most important of watch complications, the world time function. Not only is the RM58-01 ‘Jean Todt Limited Edition’ impressive for its 50 mm. size and sheer quality, but it is also ingenious in the way that the world time system can be changed with great ease and simplicity by the user. If this were not enough, the movement also features a visible one-minute tourbillon and a 10-day power reserve.
Richard Mille’s desire was to create a world time watch that could be quickly and simply adjusted for the different time zones. This he achieved so successfully with a system that has revolutionized the world time wristwatch. Naturally, the mechanics behind the system are highly complex and required the watch to be constructed as a single concept so that the dials, case and movement could act in unison. The movement and case engineers at Richard Mille co-operated in order that the bezel and movement could be linked with a special gear train whilst at the same time maintaining the water resistance of the case to 30 metres / 100 feet by means of two nitrile rubber O-ring seals.
The four-part case is made of alternating titanium and 18K red gold and the unidirectional rotating bezel is made of shot-blasted titanium. Bearing the names of 24 world cities, it is unlike other world time watches in that the RM 58-01 does not use a push-button to change the hour hand from one time zone to another. The time for each location is set by simply rotating the bezel anticlockwise. All the wearer needs to do is position the name of the city where he or she is located in the 12 o’clock position, this automatically sets local time and the time in the other 23 world cities which corresponds to the black and white 24-hour ring which automatically indicates day from night for the user.
Probably the most exclusive of all contemporary world time watches, this RM58-01 provides collectors and those who appreciate the extraordinary watchmaking of Richard Mille with the opportunity to acquire the first example of the ‘Jean Todt’ limited edition to be offered at auction.