Uniquely Alarming

Following their collaboration with supercar manufacturer Pagani to design the interior of their line of corporate jets, when Airbus decided to collaborate with a watchmaker, they chose the venerable firm of Richard Mille. The resulting Richard Mille 62-01 Tourbillion has a clunky name, yet it is one of the most advanced timepieces ever created. It’s strikingly attractive, utilizing Carbon TPT for the upper bezel and polished titanium for the casing. A 3Hz free-sprung tourbillon powers the watch to maintain the accuracy of the hour and minute hands as well as the green UTC hand that monitors a second time zone. The crystal, shaped like an aircraft window, allows a view of the mechanism inside. The most unique aspect, however, is not visible. Unlike typical alarms that emit a jarring cacophony, earning vicious glances from fellow opera patrons, the RM 62-01’s alarm is silent, alerting the wearer by means of a 12-second vibration when the solid gold oscillating weight is activated. The phrase, “time is money” aptly describes this collection, limited to 30 examples, each priced at a staggering $1,225,000; RichardMille.com.