RICHARD MILLE: READY FOR WINTER

Richard Mille’s RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection has been inspired by both the summertime and Memphis Design.

Launching just in time for the UAE’s winter season, Richard Mille’s RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection borrows inspiration from Memphis Design, the 1980s Italian art and architecture, with a sprinkle of sunshine added for good measure. “I find Memphis Design particularly fascinating in its diversity and freedom,” says Cécile Guenat, Creative and Development Director at Richard Mille.

“The creator’s goal at the time was to escape the strictures of Modernist aesthetics and they were pioneers in the use of all types of materials through their designs. At the heart of the design process for this collection was the idea of juxtaposing colours in materials. Then we enriched this work by weaving inside the ancient craft of guillochage. This creates a symbiosis of the ultra-modern and the traditional in watchmaking.”

GUILLOCHAGE

Guillochage is a decorative technique commonly used in watchmaking, jewelry, and other fine craftsmanship. It involves the creation of intricate, repetitive patterns on a surface (typically metal), using a specialised mechanical engraving machine called a rose engine or guilloché machine.

The process of guillochage entails carefully engraving a series of fine, precise, and often interlocking lines or curves onto the material, creating highly detailed designs. This technique is often used on watch dials, case backs, and various other components of luxury timepieces, as it adds a touch of artistry and elegance to the watch’s appearance.

A serious statement about the idea of fun: Each of the three RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics variations is totally contemporary in every aspect of their approach.

Grade 5 titanium: The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure optimal strength requirements.

Guillochage can be found in various styles and patterns, including intricate geometric designs, spirals, sunbursts, and with the RM 07-01 CC, a grey PVD-treated red gold dial serves to showcase the engraved Memphis motif, surrounded by other decorative detailing in coloured ceramic, laser-cut rubber appliques, and diamond-set elements.