Richard Mille announced his first watch, the RM001 Tourbillon, in 2000 and has ever since remained true to three key concepts driving the passion, which helped redefine modern horology: the best technical innovations, the best artistry and architecture with the best heritage and fine watchmaking craftsmanship. Mille sought to create wristwatches that were 21st century masterpieces, employing cutting edge materials and techniques, but remaining steeped in traditional Swiss watchmaking.

In 2004 Richard Mille introduced the RM005 which was not only its first automatic timepiece but also its first non-complicated model.

Non complicated did not mean simple, as the watch featured a titanium baseplate. The brand had to research and invest in the right type of tools to produce the movement. The challenge was not simply designing these baseplates, but also the methods required in their production. The watchmakers had to be extremely careful not to mark the PVD treatment while assembling the movement.

This model also inaugurated the exclusive variable-geometry rotor, an invention that allows the movement’s winding mechanism to be optimised and personalised to the owner’s lifestyle by adjusting the six-position rib placement setting.

This patented mechanism modifies the rotor’s inertia, either speeding up the winding process in the case of minimal arm and hand movements or slowing it down when high activity sports are pursued.

From circa 2005, the present RM005 is not only one of the earlier examples made but represents a milestone in Richard Mille’s history.