Richard Mille RM 57-01 Tourbillon Phoenix and Dragon – Jackie Chan

Alongside the traditional (well, if we use the denomination ‘traditional’ for RM) Richard Mille watches, all inspired by racing and using some crazy materials – remember the nano-tubes used for the dial of the RM 022 – or amazing complications – see the G-sensor of the RM 36-01 – the brand also has a more distinguished collection, inspired by jewelry and the art of engraving. For this edition of Watch & Wonders, they introduce a follow-up of the RM 057 (that we recently photographed), being the Richard Mille RM 57-01 Tourbillon Phoenix and Dragon – Jackie Chan.

For this RM 57-01, Richard Mille takes his inspiration in the classical Asian myths – the Phoenix, a supernatural bird, and the Dragon. Created from 3N rose gold, these legendary figures inhabiting the interior of the movement are carved and incised entirely by hand. Special miniature tools had to be made for the specific artistry required to realise these two creatures. To increase the realism of these special animals, a long and painstaking process of hand finished micro painting was executed, also including the unseen parts of these two marvelous creatures.

What is amazing is how these figures look like they crawl, inside the case and around the movement, of the Richard Mille RM 57-01 Tourbillon, and not just posed on top of the movement. Talking about mechanics, the RM 57-01 comes with a one minute tourbillon, located at 6, and visible through the Dragon itself, similar to the RM 057 as shown below. The baseplate features RM’s usual treatment: PVD treated titanium bridges, finished by hand, with polished bevelled angles and straight graining on the steel parts. It boasts 48 hours of power reserve thanks to a double main spring barrel. The power reserve is indicated by a red line between 10 and 11 o’clock. The movement is also protected by a torque-limiting crown to protect the watch from possible over-winding.

The case has been micro-blasted, to get a ‘frosted’ finish; except the bevelled angles of the exterior sides, which can only be done by (a very skilled) hand. This 3-part case is of course secured by the usual 20 spline screws in titanium. The Richard Mille RM 57-01 Tourbillon Phoenix and Dragon – Jackie Chan will be available in a limited edition of 15 pieces in 18K white or red gold. We didn’t get a price quote, however for comparison, the RM 057 is priced north of half a million Euro.

And now we’re talking about the RM 057 anyway… Here are our photos of the RM 057 Dragon Jackie Chan. Recently we visited the Richard Mille facilities in Switzerland and photographed (among others) this beauty, that features an equally impressive mixture of Haute Horology and engraving.