Richard Mille RM 003-V2 "L. Fries" Tourbillon
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
circa 2009
Maker / issuer
Richard MilleThis unique Richard Mille RM 003-V2 wristwatch, dedicated to Master Watchmaker Laurent Fries, is a manual-winding timepiece housed in an 18K white gold, tonneau-shaped case.
Measuring approximately 43.8 mm in height and 39 mm in width, the watch features a transparent dial with suspended Arabic numerals and a distinctive white inner bezel. It is equipped with a one-minute tourbillon regulator and a carbon fiber movement plate. The complication suite includes a 70-hour power-reserve indicator at 10:30, a torque indicator at 1:30, and a two-time zone function adjustable via a push-piece at 9 o'clock.
A crown function selector, indicated by the 'W-N-H' display at 4:30, allows for winding, neutral, and hand-setting modes. The piece uses a gear train derived from an RM-15 caliber, resulting in a grey rather than brass finish. It is secured to a black rubber strap with a titanium double folding deployant clasp.
Evidence at a glance
- Linked sources
- 1
- Photograph views
- 1
- Catalogue references
- 0
Counts describe this entry’s documentation, not authenticity, rarity or completeness. Photographs may show one specimen; check each caption and licence.
Technical characteristics
- Type
- Tourbillon watch
- Maker
- Richard Mille
- Serial
- 231 AH/WG
- Functions
- Tourbillon, power reserve, torque indicator, dual time, crown selector
- Reference
- RM 003-V2
- Case Material
- 18K white gold
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Movement Number
- 154
- Production Date
- circa 2009
- Maker / attribution
- Richard Mille
Design
- Visible features
- • Case secured by eight bezel screws and four case-back screws • Integrated function selector labeled W, N, H at the 4:30 position • Transparent dial revealing a grey gear train • White inner bezel with minute track
- Case and Dial Construction
- The RM 003-V2 features a massive, tonneau-shaped, curvex case crafted from 18K white gold. The bezel is fixed by eight screws, while the sapphire crystal case-back is secured by four screws. The watch measures 43.8 mm in height and 39 mm in width. A white inner bezel provides a distinct visual contrast, a feature cited as unique to this specific piece. The dial bears the text 'RM003-V2 L.FRIES' to denote its unique provenance.
- Movement and Complications
- This caliber RM 003-V2 Evolution II movement utilizes a carbon fiber plate and includes a one-minute tourbillon regulator. The watch is adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism, and 5 positions. It houses 31 jewels and offers a 70-hour power reserve. Distinctive to this piece is the use of a gear train from an RM-15, which provides a grey visual finish rather than the standard brass. The watch includes a torque indicator for mainspring tension at 1:30 and a two-time zone function adjusted via a push-piece on the case-band at 9 o'clock. A crown function selector, operated via a push-piece on the crown, allows switching between winding, neutral, and hand-setting modes.
- Provenance and Documentation
- The watch was a gift from Richard Mille to Laurent Fries, a master watchmaker and tourbillon specialist. The watch is identified as a 'piece unique' and is the only version of this reference featuring the white inner ring-dial.
Identification
- Reference
- RM 003-V2
- Serial number
- 231 AH/WG
- Source note
- Facts transcribed from the linked source listing or collection record. Attribution and specifications are source-reported and have not been independently authenticated.
Catalogue references
No catalogue numbers recorded. Numbers are only published once transcribed from a verified edition of a standard catalogue — they are never inferred.
Research required
- Research required: Movement is reported to require an overhaul by the auction house
- Research required: Unique status attributed solely to the white dial and gear train assembly