“I find Memphis Design particularly fascinating in its diversity and freedom,” says Cécile Guenat, Creative and Development Director at Richard Mille. “The creator’s goal at the time was to escape the strictures of Modernist aesthetics and they were pioneers in the use of all types of materials through their designs. At the heart of the design process for this collection was the idea of juxtaposing colours in materials. Then we enriched this work by weaving inside the ancient craft of guillochage. This creates a symbiosis of the ultra-modern and the traditional in watchmaking.”
Guillochage is a decorative technique commonly used in watchmaking, jewelry, and other fine craftsmanship. It involves the creation of intricate, repetitive patterns on a surface (typically metal), using a specialised mechanical engraving machine called a rose engine or guilloché machine.
The process of guillochage entails carefully engraving a series of fine, precise, and often interlocking lines or curves onto the material, creating highly detailed designs. This technique is often used on watch dials, case backs, and various other components of luxury timepieces, as it adds a touch of artistry and elegance to the watch’s appearance.
Guillochage can be found in various styles and patterns, including intricate geometric designs, spirals, and sunbursts, and with the RM 07-01 CC, a grey PVD-treated red gold dial serves to showcase the engraved Memphis motif, surrounded by other decorative detailing in coloured ceramic, laser-cut rubber appliques, and diamond-set elements.
A serious statement about the idea of fun: Each of the three RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics variations is totally contemporary in every aspect of their approach.
Richard Mille’s RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection borrows inspiration from Memphis Design, with a sprinkle of sunshine.
Available in three summer-derived colours – blush pink, lavender and powder blue TZP ceramics, Richard Mille has made sure that the timepieces will always keep their colour as the Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal (TZP) ceramic used for the bezel and caseback is renowned for its colour-retention properties as well as its lightness and strength.
In keeping with Richard Mille’s signature style, Grade 5 titanium is used for the bridges and the baseplate with all components skeletonised to allow maximum light to pass through and fill the space.
The skeletonisation process emphasizes the attention given to achieving high-quality finishing in the movement. This involves intricate details like drawn, chamfered, and polished surfaces, complemented by microblasted and electroplasma treatments. Despite its delicate appearance, this metal lace proves its durability by passing all Richard Mille’s rigorous shock tests.