Just last week, Richard Mille unveiled a couple of automatic tourbillon watches that really struck a chord: the RM 74-01 and 74-02. Both boast high-tech material cases and movements, and one model was unveiled in two versions. The new watches are particularly impressive because of their technological innovations in case materials — deftly blended with one of the world’s oldest and most beloved precious metals: gold.

As such, Richard Mille continues to push the boundaries of materials and movement innovation with the RM 74-01 and RM 74-02, two striking in-house automatic tourbillon models. While they share the same ultra-skeletonized movement architecture, their personalities are defined by their distinct case materials—grey Cermet for the RM 74-01 and Gold Carbon TPT® (with Quartz TPT) for the RM 74-02. These timepieces exemplify the fusion of technical mastery and avant-garde aesthetics that define Richard Mille’s watchmaking philosophy.

RM 74-01

The RM 74-01 is housed in grey Cermet, an advanced material that combines the lightness of titanium with the hardness of ceramic. Developed in collaboration with the IMI Group, grey Cermet consists of a zirconium metal matrix reinforced with high-performance ceramic inserts. This results in a case material that is highly resistant to scratches and corrosion, with a hardness comparable to that of a diamond. The case is complemented by a grade 5 titanium caseband, baseplate, and bridges, ensuring structural integrity while maintaining an elegant, modern aesthetic.

At its heart is the CRMT6 caliber , an in-house automatic tourbillon movement. The movement’s baseplate and bridges are crafted from electroplasma-treated grade 5 titanium, ensuring optimal rigidity and resistance to thermal variations. The free-sprung balance wheel, regulated by a tourbillon, guarantees precision, while an involute profile gear train ensures the smooth transmission of energy. The fast-winding barrel delivers an impressive 50-hour power reserve, with energy efficiently managed through a variable-geometry rotor that can be adjusted to suit the wearer’s activity level.

RM 74-02: Gold Carbon TPT®, Quartz TPT

The stunning bezel of this watch is the ultimate eye catcher. It  incorporates gold leaf into Quartz TPT®, a material exclusive to Richard Mille. Developed over the course of several years in tandem with the brand’s technical partner, North Thin Ply Technology, the Gold Quartz TPT is created using a complicated process that includes ultra-thin sheets of quartz fiber that are stacked and heated at high pressure to create a composite with natural striations and patterns. Delicate strands of 22-karat 5N rose gold are embedded in the material and shimmer through the translucent quarts material.

There is also a black and gold version of the 74-02 that is enhanced with both Gold Carbon TPT and Gold Quartz TIP – along with gold leaf.  Years of R&D went into the making of this combination of precious metal and high-tech materials. While both versions are offered on a strap, there is also a choice of an open-linked bracelet – making the watch incredibly trendy.  The RM 74-02 is inspired by its predecessor, the Gold Carbon TPT®, made of ultra-light Carbon TPT®.

Powering the RM 74-02 is the CRMT5 caliber, an automatic tourbillon movement with a baseplate and bridges made from gold. The baseplate is adorned with yellow gold elements, while the movement architecture mirrors that of the RM 74-01, featuring a tourbillon regulator, free-sprung balance wheel, and a high-efficiency gear train. Like its counterpart, the RM 74-02 benefits from a variable-geometry rotor, allowing for customized winding efficiency. The watches retail for approximately $550,000.

Both models showcase Richard Mille’s commitment to extreme craftsmanship and material innovation. Their tonneau-shaped cases, finely finished movements, and striking contrasts between materials highlight the brand’s avant-garde approach. The tourbillon, prominently displayed at 6:00 on the fully skeletonized movement, reinforces the technical prestige of each timepiece.

So, my thoughts. Love the white Carbon TPT with Quartz TPT and gold leaf! Not so much the bracelet version. While it looks cool on the wrist with a more fluid aesthetic akin to a bracelet, this watch cries out for a white strap.