I am delighted to introduce you extremely lightweight and durable Richard Mille RM016 Titalyt in today’s hands-on review.

 

Richard Mille is the brand I was never a huge fan of. For many years, I was perceiving it as extravagant sports watches with a huge price tag. Though, I liked their unique creations like RM 56-02 with rectangular case entirely made of sapphire crystal. The problem was I couldn’t imagine these wristwatches being worn on wrist daily. 

What is the better way of dispelling all my preconceptions and prejudices I may previously hold against Richard Mille, than wearing one of these watches for a bit? – There is none. 

I knew this day of me facing Richard Mille would eventually come. I had to verify allegations hold against Richard Mille with reality. Was it bad? Of course not, as well-known saying tells us “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, we should never prejudge anything by the way it looks and in this case it was true as well. It turned out that this particular model I could try out, which is RM016 Titanium, fulfills all requirements of my perfect utility watch, besides its price point, of course. Its titanium case and ‘skeletonised’ design make it extremely lightweight, sometimes can almost forget you are wearing it on your wrist. Besides, its rectangular case shape and slightly curved case-back literally adheres to your wrist. The dial with oversized Arabic numerals, broad central hands and date display are very legible, which is an another important feature I am looking for in my perfect utility watch.

This is that type of watch, which just wants to be worn, screaming “wear me!”, when you look at it. Despite, dimensions (48.5 x 38mm), making it quite big wristwatch, it is all compensated by its extra-flatness.

 

The watch is coupled to a black rubber strap with standard tang buckle, which is definitely not my favourite solution in this type of watch. I like the way Richard Mille combined sturdiness with lightness and comfort of wearing together in this particular model, not forgetting about its design. 8 grade-5 titanium screws and ceramic crown with detailing in 18K white gold complement very distinctive case with Titalyt® treatment – Richard Mille was the first to use it in watchmaking. It gives the watch a prominent profile and touch of exclusivity. 

The front and case-back are secured by sapphire crystal with anti-glare treatment on both sides. Speaking of the heart enclosed inside this spectacular timepiece, we have got ‘skeletonised’ self-winding mechanical movement with 55-hour power reserve, operating at 28,800 vph. Double-barrel system helps to keep torque stability over longer period of time. The energy is stored between two winding barrels, therefore reducing pressure on parts that keep watch ticking.