Welcome to Watch Guy Watches, GQ’s monthly presentation of high-end watches for the watch lovers among us. This July, Richard Mille partnered with an Italian bike company, Hublot brings sapphire vibes, and Vacheron and IWC both introduce new, shrunken versions of their flagship luxury sports watches.
Despite the collaborations between Breitling and Aston Martin, Omega and Swatch and Hamilton created for Christopher Nolan in watches that are up to our wrists odysseyIn fact the original still manages to break out of the clutter. Richard Mille’s new RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago Cleans this bar easily.
This is not the type of watch I usually praise. Million-dollar “hyperwatches” are more interesting as abstract science experiments/art projects than actual timekeepers. Colnago is an Italian bicycle manufacturer, and I don’t think I’ve ridden a bike for years. The appeal of the watch comes down to its sunny scenes: the blue-white colorway is reminiscent of an ideal day at sea with far-reaching clouds.
Of course, this being Richard Mille, the movement has been radically reworked to become an essential part of the design. The RM 64-01’s engine resembles a racing bicycle frame, and its clever arrangement making brilliant use of negative space is visually appealing. This is also a new move for adventurer Richard Mille, who usually fills every nook and cranny with some space-age design. Although my interest in the brand is generally limited to respect for its micro-mechanical and material expertise, I think this is a watch I would actually buy. wear and tear. (Provided I have a spare CHF 800,000 to spend on one, that is.)
When it comes to true high-end watchmaking technology, this thing is there in spades: Made of blue and white quartz TPT with 5N red gold accents, its case is made from a layered composite constructed from thinly sliced silica sheets injected with resin. At 49.9 mm × 43.2 mm and 14.2 mm thick, it’s certainly a large watch – but the lightness of the materials offsets this weight considerably, while the Grade 5 skeletonized titanium The baseplate and bridge contribute to a comfortable wearing experience. The airy colorway taken from the Colnago C68 frame is beautiful and summery, and extends throughout the movement bridge, case and rubber strap.
Interestingly, the tourbillon fitted into the manually wound movement is not actually the main event. Rather, it is the overall arrangement of components in a gear train such as a bicycle that affects the wearer. Unusually crafted for Richard Mille, the RM 64-01 Tourbillon Colnago manages to capture the essence of both companies without assaulting you over the head with logos or other obnoxious branding. It’s a really thoughtful design that impresses at any price.
