Richard Mille has prepared two new exquisite tourbillons for the upcoming Baselworld 2013 event. Merging the art of watchmaking with that of fine jewelry manufacturing, the watches are absolutely stunning. They are limited editions of older creations, refined and upgraded.
First is the Richard Mille RM 26-01Panda timepiece, a better version of last year’s RM 026 model, decorated with diamonds, sapphires, and gold. The case itself is made of 18k white gold, and so is the panda, which sits cutely on the bottom left side of the dial.
The bamboo trees that surround the panda are carefully painted by hand to look like the endangered animal’s natural habitat. Finally, the backplate is crafted from black onyx, which is a beautiful gemstone that is often believed to bring emotional stability upon its wearer by pushing away negative energy.
If, however, you are not very much into cute accessories, the second model might fit you better. It is the watchmaker’s second skull-themed timepiece, the first one having been launched in 2012. Called Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull watch, it features a sturdy backplate made of grade 5 titanium with black PVD coating.
A 5N red gold skull shape occupies the entire center area of the dial in a clean, skeletonized design. The case is made of TZP, while the back of the watch boasts another skull shape, this time as seen from the back. Powering the piece is a 21,600 vph hand-wound mechanical movement with 19 jewels. Both the Panda and the Skull watches will be limited to 30 units.
