The lightest Richard Mille ever made changed my perspective on the entire brand

Richard Mille has always been a tough watch for me to really fall in love with. Maybe blame it on the all the hype RM’s get by the famous Instagram influencers or simply their bold look and oversized wrist presence. The first Richard Mille I ever put on my wrist was the RM005-FM. When I snapped a picture and sent it to my friend the first thing he asked was if it was the toy out of a McDonald’s Happy Meal 🤣. Tough take for a 6 figure watch but I can understand where he was coming from. The colors are bright, the style is in your face, and it’s a huge watch protruding off your wrist… but then I found the RM 67-02..

The Richard Mille 67-02 Extra Flat, with its ultra-thin profile and feather-light presence, is a watch that truly stands out in the RM collection. It’s thin, it’s light, the materials are out of this world, and in my opinion has a totally unique look. But once I put it on, the 67-02 really grabbed my attention for its almost ethereal presence on the wrist—it's so light and flat, it feels like you're wearing almost nothing. Weighing in at just 32 grams, the 67-02 is the lightest automatic watch that RM offers.

The 67-02 was developed as a sporting watch, specifically designed for Olympic athletes, and it's evident in every aspect of its design. The watch is offered in different colorways, each representing and developed for a different athlete. The black and blue version, for instance, was made for French Rally Racing champion Sebastien Ogier. The white model, featuring a Quartz TPT case, was designed for French skier Alexis Pinturault. Both include blue, white, and red accents as a nod to the French flag. The maroon model was designed for Qatari high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim and the green model for South African sprinter Wayde van Niekerk. Each edition of this watch is a tribute to the athlete's home country and their sporting prowess.

In my opinion, the RM 67-02 isn't just a sports watch; it's the essence of what a sports watch aspires to be. Merging style and functionality, it's perfectly at home in casual settings—whether that's hitting the golf course, athleisure, or just pairing it with jeans and a t-shirt. Its standout design clearly sets it apart for more laid-back occasions, a characteristic that ranks it at the top of my Richard Mille favorites. But beyond its look, what captivates me is the watch's purposeful engineering to endure the demands of sports without missing a beat. This piece isn't just about the practicality one might question with its hefty price tag; it's a testament to the luxury of donning a timepiece designed with such specific, impactful intent. The unparalleled lightness and comfort of its mesh band make it a seamless addition to everyday wear. The RM 67-02 embodies the luxury of sporting a watch that's as durable in physical activity as it is gentle on the wrist, a blend of Richard Mille's innovative design with everyday functionality.

One of the most impressive features of this watch is its Carbon TPT case. Unlike traditional carbon fiber materials, Carbon TPT is engineered through a unique layering process where carbon fibers are aligned and then fused with a special resin. This technique not only ensures the case is exceptionally light and slim—7.5mm thick—but also enhances its durability. The layered structure provides a striking visual texture and an unparalleled strength-to-weight ratio, making it an exemplar of Richard Mille's commitment to pushing the boundaries of watchmaking materials and techniques. This advanced material choice underscores the brand's pursuit of combining aesthetic appeal with high-performance qualities in their watches.

When the 67-02 was first released, it stirred some controversy among industry insiders, dealers, and jewelers. Many felt that it pushed the envelope too far, especially considering its price point of over $150,000 at retail for a watch with an elastic band as a strap. It was seen as a bit of a show-off piece, with its understated design and nylon stretchy mesh band. But for those who appreciate the blend of avant-garde design and technical prowess, the RM 67-02 represents a bold step in watchmaking.

The Richard Mille 67-02 is a statement piece that blends athleticism with luxury. It's for those who want a timepiece that stands out in a crowd, not by being flashy, but by being innovatively understated and exceptionally crafted.

What do you think? Is this a watch you’d wear or is Richard Mille’s style and presence not for you?