Richard Mille

Introduced in 2009, the Richard Mille RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph marked the manufacture's ambitious entry into the world of professional diving watches while simultaneously debuting the first round case design in the brand's collection. One year later, Richard Mille expanded the concept with the RM 028, an automatic diver's watch featuring a slightly more compact 47 mm case. Drawing upon the design principles established by the RM 025, the RM 028 combines an exceptionally engineered case architecture with a highly technical skeletonized movement.

Purpose-built for underwater use, the RM 028 incorporates a unidirectional rotating bezel equipped with an ingenious double-push-button security system. The bezel can only be adjusted when both the 30-minute and red-arrow release buttons are pressed simultaneously, providing enhanced protection against accidental manipulation during diving activities.

The present watch is distinguished by a unique custom dial configuration. Unlike the standard production model, where the 9 o'clock marker is represented by an Arabic numeral and the 10 o'clock position by a baton index, this example features Roman numerals at both positions. Furthermore, the customary Arabic numerals at 12, 3 and 6 o'clock have been replaced by baton-style indexes.

These Roman numerals reference XIX Entertainment, the global entertainment, media, and artist-management company founded by British entrepreneur Simon Fuller. Named after the Roman numeral for nineteen, the company has represented some of the most prominent figures in music, sport, and popular culture, including David and Victoria Beckham, Annie Lennox, Amy Winehouse, the Spice Girls, and Andy Murray.

Combining Richard Mille's avant-garde engineering, the robust functionality of a professional diving watch, an exclusive bespoke dial configuration, and exceptional provenance, the present RM 028 represents an opportunity to acquire a highly individual example from one of contemporary watchmaking's most innovative manufactures.