Richard Mille

• cal. RM56-02 manual winding tourbillon movement, 19 jewels, sapphire centre bridges and titanium movement baseplate suspended from single-braided cable through 8 pulleys • skeletonized dial, outer minute track • sapphire tonneau-form case, sapphire crystal bezel and display back secured by 12 screws •  case, dial and movement signed •  with a transparent strap by Aerospace Nano® and titanium Richard Mille folding clasp

The movement in working condition at the time of cataloguing and all other function are working. It was not tested for the accuracy of time or duration of the power reserve and may need service at the buyer's discretion. Please note that Sotheby's does not guarantee the future working of the movement. The case and dial in very good condition, no obvious sign of wearing, like new. Overall in excellent condition.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. All dimensions in catalogue descriptions are approximate. Condition reports may not specify mechanical replacements or imperfections to the movement, case, dial, pendulum, separate base(s) or dome. Watches in water-resistant cases have been opened to examine movements but no warranties are made that the watches are currently water-resistant. Please note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and leather bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue. In particular, please note it is the purchaser's responsibility to comply with any applicable import and export matters, particularly in relation to lots incorporating materials from endangered species.NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

**Please be advised that bands made of materials derived from endangered or otherwise protected species (i.e. alligator and crocodile) are not sold with the watches and are for display purposes only. We reserve the right to remove these bands prior to shipping."

Accompanied by Richard Mille warranty and a traveling pouch.

Created for the Hong Kong Watches & Wonder event in 2015, the magnificent RM56-02 Sapphire Tourbillon is the watchmaking milestone for it's complex case design for the weightlessness and transparency.

This timepiece is centred on two innovations, the first being the cable and pulley system that suspends the movement from the sapphire case – taken from their RM 27-01 Nadal watch; and second, the unparalleled use of sapphire to create transparent components. 

Being cut and milled from solid blocks of sapphire, RM56-02's entire case, including the front bezel, caseband and back bezel. Knowing as a particularly scratch-resistant material, sapphire creates the transparency to the timepiece based on its molecular composition. The three-part case is made entirely of sapphire crystal making it scratch resistant.

This wristwatch is a true testament to Richard Mille’s commitment to perfection as the case has to be milled and ground from solid pieces of sapphire and takes up to 40 days to create one RM 56-02 case and an additional 400 hours for the sapphire bridge.

Furthermore, the grade 5 titanium baseplate is suspended by a system of four pulleys on the case as well as six pulleys on the baseplate itself, which is all held together with a 0.35mm braided cable.

With only 10 pieces produced, technique and creativity is what makes this watch a novel piece in the Richard Mille collection and beyond. This elegant and complex wristwatch features unique components that reinforce the brands craftsmanship and innovation. It is a rare collector’s watch that is seldom presented.