The RM 17-02 Tourbillon is one of those watches that immediately feels technical the moment you look at it. Richard Mille has always had a futuristic style, but this model pushes that idea in a more refined way, especially with the ceramic cases and the open mechanical design.
What Stands Out First: The Case
Before getting into the movement, the case is what catches your eye. The watch comes in two ceramic versions:
- White ATZ, which looks crisp and bright
- Black ceramic, which gives a stronger, sportier energy
Both are lightweight and extremely scratch-resistant, which is one of the reasons Richard Mille uses ceramic so often. Even though the shape is large, the material keeps the watch from feeling too heavy.
How the Watch Sits on the Wrist
A lot of people assume Richard Mille watches are uncomfortable because they look big. But the RM 17-02 is curved in a way that makes it sit surprisingly well. The dimensions (around 40 mm width and 48 mm length) sound large, but the titanium inside the case and the rubber strap keep the weight down.
The watch also has:
- 50 m water resistance
- Sapphire crystals on both sides
- Angled crystal edges to reduce reflections
So even if it’s not meant for deep diving or extreme sports, it handles daily life pretty easily.
The Movement Explained Simply
Inside the watch is the RM17-02 movement. It’s a manual-winding movement built on grade 5 titanium plates and bridges. In simple terms:
- Titanium = strong, light, and stable
- Skeletonised design = less weight, more visibility
- Coloured PVD accents = a bit of visual flair
The movement also includes:
- Around 70 hours of power reserve
- function indicators (winding, neutral, hand-setting)
- A variable-inertia balance wheel for consistency
- A ceramic endstone in the tourbillon to minimise wear
Even though these sound technical, they’re there to keep the watch running smoothly over time.
Why the Design Works
The RM 17-02 is a good example of what Richard Mille usually aims for: materials that come from high-tech industries, engineering choices that improve performance, and a design that shows everything openly instead of hiding it behind a closed dial.
A few features highlight this mindset:
- Fast-rotating barrel to keep power delivery steady
- PVD-coated bridges for better contrast
- Titanium baseplate that keeps the movement stable
Nothing here is for decoration only — everything has a purpose.
To summarize
The RM 17-02 Tourbillon isn’t trying too hard to impress, but it still ends up looking super modern and high-tech. The ceramic case keeps it light, the titanium inside makes it reliable, and the whole design reminds you why Richard Mille watches are always so different from everything else. It basically mixes smart engineering with a clean, modern style, making it a good example of what the brand is all about.
