STYLE Edit: Richard Mille’s RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman watch is a feat of engineering – and a joyful riot of precious gemstones and disco-inspired popping colours
The 70s-inspired RM 71-02 channels ‘intense glamour’ with 10 variations named after Gloria Gaynor, Grace Jones, Bianca Jagger and more powerful women of the heady disco era
Inspired by art deco and tribal influences, the RM 71-01 was launched as a collection of 10 different variations, limited to just five pieces each.
In a continuation of the hugely successful collection, Richard Mille has introduced the RM 71-02 Automatic Tourbillon Talisman. Also offered in 10 different styles – this time inspired by the glitz and glam of the 1970s – the new range of watches are adorned with a veritable feast of precious stones, including tsavorites, spessartites, amethysts, diamonds, spinels, rubies and sapphires.
From the stone-setting to the engraving and the central decoration on the dial, each model in this collection boasts a unique design. To highlight their distinct identities, Guenat gave each of the watches a name that was in vogue in the 70s (Bianca, Gloria, Donna, Grace and others) to conjure a powerful group of women from the disco era. After all, who doesn’t want to be able to channel Gloria Gaynor, Grace Jones or Bianca Jagger on a night out?
The different stones in the ornamented dials represent an energy of their own. While the malachite is associated with inner balance, the pink opal is known for its healing qualities, the hematite is associated with strength, lapis lazuli with vision and sugilite with protection.
“The intense glamour of the disco era resided in a multiplication of colours and textures,” says Guenat. “I had to find a way to make this idea tangible. Working with the stones themselves proved to be a considerable challenge, as stones of very similar hues can end up looking completely different depending on their size and the type of setting.”