The RM 16 is a veteran of the Richard Mille catalogue, first released in 2007, it was the brand’s first rectangular watch, and even today it’s a compelling proposition, offering that distinctive and assured RM aesthetic, in case that is surprisingly angular for a brand that is — for many — synonymous with the tonneau.

Now the brand has released two fresh versions of the RM 16, the RM 16-02, available in titanium and a brand new quartz TPT in terracotta. This shade, true to its name is a rich, warm red, achieved by layering 45 micron diameter silica threads at 45 degree angles in a coloured matrix, which is then heated, pressurised, milled and finally set atop a creamy white quartz TPT case middle.

The titanium model is more conventional fare, offered in a mix of polished, satin and microblasted finishes. Both options are 36 x 45.6 x 9.5mm, a reduction in size from the 2007 original. In addition to that the case has been subtly reworked to improve the on-the-wrist ergonomics in meaningful ways. 

While its easy to get caught up in the drama of the cases, it would be woefully remiss of us if we didn’t talk about the decidely non-quartz calibre of this watch. Calibre CRMA9 is brand new, and the 15th member fo the brand’s in-house family of movements. While the overall look and feel is very much within the RM wheelhouse. Ostensibly it’s a time-only automatic calibre, but that sort of simple descriptor doesn’t do the movement justice. Perhaps surprisingly, the biggest news about this movement is the baseplate. Richard Mille has gone to great lengths to create an open, labyrinthine titanium baseplate that amplifies the rectangular shape of the case, maximising the amount of light in the movement. A sapphire dial sits on top of the baseplate, carefully shaped to follow the geometry of the baseplate, echoes the twists and turns of its architecture. There are a sum total of 67 chamfered openings on the baseplate, each of which requires two hours of precise milling alone, and that’s not including the other finishes that add up to a remarkable looking new movement. On the back there’s a new silhouette for the platinum oscillating weight, and the power reserve is still a solid 50 hours. 

The result, as is the case with all Richard Mille watches, is a statement. As you can see in the frankly impressive fashion shoot that Richard Mille produced to promote the release, the RM 16-02 works well on men’s or women’s wrists and the colour palette is contemporary and — dare we say it — subdued. Something that feels very fitting for a hyperwatch in 2025. The RM 16-02 is an interesting proposition for Richard Mille. As a time only number it exists in the less rarefied air of RM, but it’s also a very different, slightly less obvious shape than what we expect from the brand. These things make the RM 16-02 feel considered and considerably cool.

Tech Specs: Richard Mille RM 16-02  

Movement: Calibre CRMA9, skeletonised automatic winding movement, 50 hours of power reserve

Functions: Hours and minutes

Case: Titanium or Terracotta Quartz TPT, 36.00 x 9.50 x 45.64 mm, water-resistant to 30M

Dial: Sapphire

Strap: Cream or Terracotta rubber

Price: In Titanium, USD 134,000, in Terracotta Quartz TPT, USD 156,000