At the intersection of art and philosophy. The new model is considered a dedication to Japanese culture. Richard Mille presents the RM 47 Tourbillon, the result of nearly four years of meticulous aesthetic research and design.
This artistic new timepiece features a very compact movement designed to accommodate stylish 100% handcrafted samurai armor. The idea for the model emerged during a friendly conversation between Richard Mille and two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, a passionate admirer of traditional Japanese art and samurai principles.
The new timepieces open up new creative horizons and live up to the brand’s prestigious collection of decorative watches. Entirely hand-carved by Pierre-Alain Lauzeron and painted by his wife Valerie Lauzeron, the image of the samurai armor reflects aspects of indigenous Japanese culture. The armor embodies the spirit of Bushido and the ethics of the samurai, whose values are still prevalent in Japanese society, and is made of 3N gold – a reference to ancient Japan used to decorate some of the country’s finest temples of gold leaf, as well as some traditional arts.
Many details are reminiscent of Asano, who became the embodiment of the Bushido spirit. The 18th-century patriarch Asano Nagano had 47 ronin under his command. After his death, they avenged the master and left this world as well. Their family crest – each samurai family has its own – is displayed on the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. This coat of arms, representing two crossed eagle feathers, symbolizing strength in battle and the power of an overlord, was also engraved on the shield of a military helmet. The crown is made of titanium, TPT® carbon and polished 3N gold with a Japanese maple scalloped pattern that symbolizes the seasons as well as elegance, beauty and the transience of life. Below are two swords in their scabbards, with the sharp side facing up, new 2022 replica watches
The execution of this decoration, more like a sculpture than just a carving, requires great patience, great care, great skill and dedication. “Swords and chisels, sharp blades and cuts, the accuracy of which depends on the skill of the engraver – there are many similarities between the qualities required by warriors and those required by our creative profession,” Pierre-Alain Rau Zeron said. It took a total of 16 hours of engraving and 9 hours of painting—more than a day’s worth of work—to create 11 pieces of samurai armor, seamlessly embedded on all sides of the RM 47 tourbillon movement.
Military armor acts like a guardian, offering valuable protection to the hand-wound RM 47 movement with hours and minutes. For perfect movement, the main plate and skeletonized bridges are made of grade 5 titanium, a biocompatible alloy commonly used in the aerospace industry, with a black PVD coating. This combination offers high corrosion resistance, excellent hardness and ideal surface flatness.
The movement, case and decoration of the RM 47 follow a design approach that integrates all components harmoniously and efficiently. The barrel-shaped case consists of three parts: a 3N gold bezel and a TZP black ceramic caseback attached to the sides. Inspired by the spirit and values of the Bushido samurai code, the unique aesthetic of the RM 47 Tourbillon of 75 pieces embodies a relentless pursuit of excellence and respect for tradition.