With the RM33-03, Richard Mille makes a subtle statement with a timepiece that combines technical expertise with daily functionality
As a brand, Richard Mille is not one to rest on its laurels. Instead, the term “ongoing evolution” has become synonymous with the watchmaker. This is captured by the new RM33-03, which perhaps charts a new direction for the brand, led by the innovative skeletonised automatic RMXP3 calibre. Hence, the RM33-03 remains true to Richard Mille’s identity of uncompromising technical and aesthetic strengths, but is presented in a form that allows for daily functionality.
“As with every creation in the Richard Mille collection, the blend of elegance, technicity, and ergonomics exhibited by the RM 33-03 attests to the care that went into it,” says Cécile Guenat, creation and development director at Richard Mille.
While the name Richard Mille may often conjure up images of expressive, high-performance timepieces that are associated with motorsport and highly advanced materials, the RM 33-03 offers a more subtle expression. Its round case and slim 9.7mm profile signal a move toward watches that can be showcased as daily wear, while staying true to the complexity or engineering standards that are the hallmarks of the brand.
Available in full grade 5 titanium or in Carbon TPT with a red gold caseband, the RM 33-03 maintains the structural integrity and material innovation that Richard Mille is known for, but applied here with clear ergonomic intent. The form is lighter, thinner, and more versatile, appealing to collectors who appreciate technical value aligned with practical dimensions.
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At the centre of the timepiece is the RMXP3 calibre. With a profile of just 3.28mm, the movement integrates a platinum micro-rotor mounted on ceramic ball bearings, enabling bi-directional winding while preserving a minimal footprint. This compact design does not compromise performance — the variable-inertia balance allows fine-tuned regulation via four peripheral weights, and the movement maintains a power reserve of over 40 hours.
Materials are selected with precision: the baseplate is titanium treated with Titalyt, which enhances surface hardness and corrosion resistance through electroplasma oxidation. The bridges, also titanium, are finished in black PVD. Together, they ensure mechanical rigidity while reducing weight, key considerations in both performance and long-term stability.
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While the RM 33-03 may appear understated at first glance, its dial construction reflects architectural innovation. A black PVD-treated titanium date ring encircles the movement, with its semi-instantaneous display positioned within a clean white aperture at 5 o’clock. At 6 o’clock, a small seconds display is located. This is somewhat unusual for Richard Mille, but it is a historical horological complication that, beyond its aesthetic aspect, enlivens the dial with subtle motion.
Enhancing the three-dimensional design of the calibre are numerals produced in 18K 5N red gold, mounted on titanium rails positioned above the calibre. This vertical layering draws attention to the movement without overwhelming its structure. As with the bridges, finishing techniques include hand-executed sandblasting, micro-blasting, satin-polishing and bevelling.
The RM 33-03 employs materials developed primarily for aerospace and engineering applications — titanium and Carbon TPT — chosen for their specific technical properties. Carbon TPT offers high resistance to impact and temperature variation, while grade 5 titanium ensures both structural integrity and weight reduction. These are not aesthetic choices but functional ones, aligned with the broader objectives of durability and precision.
The tripartite case, secured with Richard Mille’s signature spline screws, integrates seamlessly with the strap via a new geometry that follows the natural curvature of the wrist. The dimensions — 41.7mm in diameter and under 10mm in thickness — support the watch’s positioning as a high-functioning object suited for daily use.
The RM 33-03 doesn’t depart from Richard Mille’s core values. Instead, by translating its material innovation and movement engineering into a design optimised for daily wear, the brand is expanding the application of its capabilities. This model introduces a more versatile, technically compact format into the Richard Mille repertoire — one that may appeal to collectors seeking performance and precision but in a quieter form.
