RM 002 & RM 003

Following the RM 001 prototype (just 17 units), Richard Mille needed a watch that would present his philosophy to the world. It was an RM watch, the RM-002, the first official production RM in 2002. Soon after, he introduced the RM-003, which kept the RM-002 architecture but added an extra time zone to accommodate international travelers.

Both models combine:

1. Skeletonized Movement: A tourbillon movement in skeletonized 3D.
2. Sapphire Dial: A full visibility sapphire crystal dial.
3. Gearbox Button: A gearbox-like button inspired by a Formula 1 gearbox.
4. Futuristic Components: Components of carbon and titanium light years ahead of their time.

To collectors who compare RM 002 and RM 003 with RM later models, these are the blueprint on which the whole RM universe was made.

The RM-002 showcased Mille's revolutionary design language. It had a skeleton movement in a tonneau case (45 x 38.5 mm) of rose or white gold, with a power-reserve indicator and a tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Above all, the gearbox-type crown function selector-W (winding), H (time setting), N (neutral)- moved less straining and gave a feeling of a racing machine. This concept led to RM’s transformation from a traditional watchmaking company to a motorsport-engineered horological company.

RM 002-V1

1. Baseplate: Titanium baseplate
2. Tenders: Tenders of a tenderer kind.
3. Value: Valuable because of the early series.

RM 002-V2

1. Baseplate: Carbon nanofiber baseplate
2. Durability: Durable, rugged, and aerospace-based scratch-resistant.
3. Inserts: Glued inserts (the same as the Airbus A380) required.
4. Technical Variant: Viewed as the high-technical variant.

This is why the price of the RM 002-v2 tends to be higher than the V1 market price.

The RM-003 was similar to the architecture of RM 002 and incorporated a GMT functionality through a transparent sapphire disc. A pusher at 9 o’clock moves the second time-zone numerals, and all is simple and easy to read--which was the very purpose of Richard. The RM 003 and RM 003-v2 are very rare, more expensive than the RM 002, and sought after by frequent flyers and collectors of the early era.

The prices of the RM 002 and the Richard Mille RM 003 have been steadily increasing, and the initial RM models have one of the steepest appreciation curves among luxury watches.

The preference between the two models rests solely on a collector’s personality and values, as both are foundational; they play different roles in the development of Richard Mille.

Why Choose the RM 002?

The RM 002 is a spiritual successor of the RM 001 to purists. It represents:

1. Real production: The original Richard Mille.
2. The technical identity of Mille was refined first.
3. Simple tourbillon without any complications.
4. A more refined, classy version of the idea of a racing machine of Mille.

Historically, more important early RM collectors prefer the RM 002-V1, whereas engineering-innovation collectors prefer the RM 002-V2 at a higher price, with a carbon nanofiber baseplate.

Why Choose the RM 003?

The RM 003 is an item that combines utility and rarity. It adds:

1. GMT Indicator: A GMT showing indicator in a sapphire disk.
2. Pusher: Left-case pusher with rapid self-intuitive timezone alterations.
3. Rarity: Much lower quantities of production, which makes it significantly more challenging to locate.

The model is also particularly appealing to overseas collectors and travellers seeking a technically rich early RM with real-world purpose.

Which One Performs Better in the long run?

Both are strong, but the RM 003 is:

1. Rarer
2. More technically complex
3. Gaining more and more popularity among investors.

In the meantime, the RM 002 is the entrance to the earliest Mille epoch, and any serious RM collector cannot dispense with it. Comparisons of RM 002ance and RM 003 always place these two among the most significant early Mille references ever issued.

The RM 002 and RM 003 border on the past and the future - a flawless blend of watch-making and the future. These were watches that showed Richard Mille could transform the industry while also respecting the ages-old art of Swiss horology.

They Represent the Birth of the Mille Philosophy

All the innovations that we now identify with the brand, such as skeletonized buildings, exotic materials, etc., were invented here. The RM 002 and RM 003 would not have existed, and the RM 27 Nadal series would never exist, the RM 11 Flyback would never exist, and the RM 56 Sapphire masterpieces would never exist.

They Were Richard Mille’s Experimental Laboratory

Mille was able to test these watches:

1. Materials: New materials
2. Clutch Systems: New clutch systems
3. Movement Layouts: New movement layouts
4. Finishing: New finishing approaches
5. Case Treatments: New case treatments
6. Tolerances: New engineering tolerances

They Bridge Haute Horlogerie and Aerospace Engineering

None of the watches of the era combined polished anglage with carbon nanofiber plates, or hand-frosted finish with PVD titanium, or a classic tourbillon with a motorsport function controller.

Aesthetic Timelessness

Although both models feature complex motions and out-of-this-world materials, they still maintain clean lines and ergonomic cases, as well as a wearable appearance that easily switches between calm and professional.

Investment Legacy

These two references are poised to become the blue-chip classics of the RM world today, the equivalent of early Patek, Audemars Piguet, or F.P. Journe objects, as collectors continue to hunt for the early Mille models.