IN THE STARTING-BLOCKS
Last limited series for this model which is just as accurate and high-performing as the Jamaican athlete, a friend of the brand! The materials used set it apart from previous versions.
With the RM 61-01Ultimate Edition Yohan Blake, Richard Mille takes a final bow with this model presented for the first time back in 2014. The previous RM 61-01, younger sibling of the impressive RM 59-01 worn by the eponymous sprinter, was fashioned around a case (50.23×42.70×15.84 mm) made of TZP ceramic, amongst other materials. For this ultimate 150-piece series, this material gives way to a Quartz TPT® and Carbon TPT® duo, both respectively present on the bezel and the caseback with the latter also featured on the caseband. Unlike previous colored versions, this model showcases a monochrome look boasting variations of gray. The random patterns obtained during the production of the high-tech materials make each of these watches unique.
This timepiece continues to be driven by the skeletonized RMUL2 caliber. This hand-wound movement adds to the model’s lightness as its weight remains under 4.3 g. Its cutting-edge engineering nonetheless ensures it resists shocks of up to 5,000 g’s and offers the hour, minute and second hands a power reserve of some 55 hours thanks to a double-barrel system. A myriad of its components, gear trains and bridges, can be admired from either side of the case, in particular on the sapphire-crystal caseback side.
The light, robust and 50-meter-deep waterproof RM 61-01Ultimate Edition Yohan Blake will be totally at home in your everyday life and will remain perfectly on your wrist during your favorite sports activity, given its comfortable rubber strap.
Price: CHF151,000 richardmille.com
By Dan Diaconu