RM012 AG Pt 'Proto1' Tourbillon | A unique platinum skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch | Circa 2008
Richard Mille 'Proto1', Reference RM012 AG Pt A platinum skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch Circa 2008 Dial: skeletonised Caliber: cal. RM012 manual, 20 jewels Movement number: P01 Case: platinum, sapphire crystal display back secured by four screws Case number: PROTO1 Closure: titanium Richard Mille folding buckle Size: 49 x 39 mm Signed: case, dial and movement Box: no Papers: yes Accessories: undated Richard Mille Warranty, leather folder, signed letter from Richard Mille dated June 2007 announcing the production of this prototype and purchase invoice dated March 2008Richard Mille Richard Mille RM012 AG Pt 'Proto1' Tourbillon | A unique platinum skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch | Circa 2008
RM012 AG Pt 'Proto1' Tourbillon | A unique platinum skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch | Circa 2008
Estimate:
250,000 - 450,000 GBP Richard Mille
'Proto1', Reference RM012 AG Pt
A unique platinum skeletonised tourbillon wristwatch
Circa 2008
Dial: skeletonised
Caliber: cal. RM012 manual, 20 jewels
Movement number: P01
Case: platinum, sapphire crystal display back secured by four screws
Case number: PROTO1
Closure: titanium Richard Mille folding buckle
Size: 49 x 39 mm
Signed: case, dial and movement
Box: no
Papers: yes
Accessories: undated Richard Mille Warranty, leather folder, signed letter from Richard Mille dated June 2007 announcing the production of this prototype and purchase invoice dated March 2008 Condition report
MVT: is running at the time of cataloging.
CASE: is in overall good condition with signs of wear to the case. Surface scratching throughout case and presence of dinging, especially to the edges of the case. Some scratching and scuffing to the clasp.
DIAL: is in excellent condition.
Please note that Condition 12 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers (Online Only) is not applicable to this lot.
The lot is sold in the condition it is in at the time of sale. The online condition report is provided to assist you with assessing the condition of the lot and is for guidance purposes only. The images of the lot also form part of the online condition report for the lot provided by Sotheby's. Any reference to condition in the online condition report does not amount to a full description of condition. The online condition report may make reference to particular imperfections of the lot but you should note that the lot may have other faults not expressly referred to in the online condition report of the lot or shown in the online images of the lot (for example, the online condition report 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. The online condition report may not refer to all faults, restoration, alteration or adaptation but rather the online condition report is a statement of subjective, qualified opinion (for example, information regarding colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact). Please also note that we do not guarantee the authenticity of any individual component parts, such as wheels, hands, crowns, crystals, screws, bracelets and wrist bands, since subsequent repairs and restoration work may have resulted in the replacement of original parts. In addition, certain images of the lot provided online may not accurately reflect the actual condition of the lot (for example, the online images may represent colours and shades which are different to the lot's actual colour and shades). For these reasons, the online condition report is not an alternative to taking your own professional advice regarding the condition of the lot. Prospective buyers should also refer to the Buying at Auction guide which includes important notices concerning the type of property in this sale. 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. Please be advised that wristbands 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. NOTWITHSTANDING THIS ONLINE CONDITION REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE/BUSINESS APPLICABLE TO THE RESPECTIVE SALE. After spearheading the watchmaking department for numerous companies including the legendary fine jeweler Mauboussin, industry veteran Richard Mille launched his eponymous brand in 2001. Since its inception, Richard Mille has been dedicated to utilizing the latest technical innovations and exotic materials to produce timepieces that are unmistakably modern in look and at the forefront of horological achievements.
The movement of the RM 012 was, is still, revolutionary in concept and design. Intended to be created with the case and movement as one, the result, finished to the highest standards by hand, is both a technical and visual marvel. As an example of the research and dedication involved, the winding barrel, going train and tourbillon case are constructed in aluminum alloy Anticorodal 100 (AlMgSi1), the material was chosen for its low mass inertia, special ability to absorb vibrations, corrosion resistance and dynamic strength. The case, measuring 48 x 39.30 x 13.84 mm and weighting 171 grams with the strap and buckle is one of the heaviest in the RM series.
Furthermore, the present lot provides a great opportunity to acquire a unique piece. Accompanying the watch, there is an autograph letter from Richard Mille informing the original owner on the manufacturing of the watch, whose delivery had been delayed due to the Swiss watchmaker's desire to achieve the highest quality in the production of the prototype for the RM012. Excitingly, the letter mentions the production of three prototype watches of the RM012 of which we are pleased to offer the first one in the series.
