Richard Mille RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull
Record status
Individual type · partial
Period
2019
Maker / issuer
Richard MilleThis Richard Mille RM 52-01, marketed as 'The Vanitas Vanitatum', is a unique wristwatch featuring a one-minute tourbillon regulator. Manufactured in 2019, the piece is constructed with a brown sapphire-crystal case measuring 50.4 mm by 42 mm with a thickness of 19.1 mm.
The movement is a manual-winding, grade 5 titanium caliber RM 52-01 featuring 19 jewels. A central feature is the skull-shaped plate and bridges made of grade 5 titanium, which serves as the movement structure. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters and secured to a white rubber strap with a titanium double folding deployant clasp. The watch utilizes twelve spline screws on both the bezel and case-back to secure the sapphire components.
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
- Manual-winding tourbillon wristwatch
- Year
- 2019
- Maker
- Richard Mille
- Material
- Brown sapphire-crystal
- Reference
- RM 52-01
- Movement Type
- Manual-winding tourbillon
- Place recorded
- Switzerland
- Case Dimensions
- 50.4 mm x 42 mm x 19.1 mm
- Movement Number
- 068
- Maker / attribution
- Richard Mille
Design
- Case and Design
- The RM 52-01 'The Vanitas Vanitatum' is housed in a unique brown sapphire-crystal case. The construction consists of three distinct parts: a bezel, a case-band, and a case-back, all machined from brown sapphire. The case is held together by twelve spline screws on the bezel and twelve on the case-back, utilizing stainless steel washers. The watch measures 50.4 mm in height, 42 mm in width, and 19.1 mm in thickness, providing a significant presence on the wrist. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, achieved via the use of transparent Nitrile O-rings between the sapphire components. The overall aesthetic is characterized by the transparency of the sapphire material paired with a white rubber strap and a titanium double folding clasp.
- Visible features
- • Skeletonized movement featuring a titanium skull structure • Brown translucent sapphire crystal case • Twelve visible screws on the front bezel • White rubber strap with folding clasp
- Movement and Caliber
- The watch is powered by the manual-winding caliber RM 52-01, which is constructed primarily from grade 5 titanium. The movement design integrates a skull motif, where the skull-shaped plate and bridges form the structural heart of the caliber. The tourbillon carriage is integrated into the mandible section of the skull design. The movement comprises 19 jewels. Four bridges, designed to resemble crossbones, link the movement to the case. The skeletonized architecture is intended to expose the tourbillon regulator, which rotates once per minute.
- Provenance and Documentation
- This specific timepiece is a unique piece produced in 2019. According to the provided records, it was sold in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in February 2020. The original identity of the purchaser remains undisclosed. The watch is accompanied by its original certificate of origin, numbered 26 628, which carries the date of the February 2020 sale. The auction description categorizes the condition of the watch as 'As new' for the case, dial, and overall status, with the caveat regarding the suggested maintenance for the movement.
Identification
- Reference
- RM 52-01
- Serial number
- 068
- 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 condition noted as 'Overhaul recommended' by source
- Research required: Exact number of owners since 2020 not verified by documentation