By Jovan K
Richard Mille’s new RM 33-03 Automatic is what happens when you let a brand known for its tonneau antics play in a round sandbox. While it’s not a purely round watch, it significantly incorporates elements that bring it much closer to a round form factor than most of their traditional tonneau models.
The case measures 41.7mm x 9.7mm and wears closer to a second skin than a statement piece. Available in full grade 5 titanium or Carbon TPT with an 18K 5N red gold caseband, it has that stealth wealth look with an industrial edge. The tripartite construction is secured with Mille’s signature spline screws and combines polished and satin-brushed surfaces.
The dial leans hard into verticality. Skeletonised, with red gold numerals seemingly suspended in space thanks to titanium rails between the flange and movement. There’s a small seconds sub dial at 6 o’clock, a rarity in RM’s stable and a semi instantaneous date peeking out at 5 o’clock from a PVD treated titanium disc.
Inside beats the RMXP3 calibre, a 3.28 mm thin automatic movement with an off centre platinum micro rotor that winds both ways. Mounted on ceramic ball bearings, the rotor’s architecture keeps the power flowing without bloating the case. A variable inertia balance and 3 Hz frequency regulate things with surgical calm. It runs for just over 40 hours on a full wind.
The strap continues the motif with sculpted geometry at 6 and 12 o’clock, matching the case profile to a T. A folding titanium buckle ensures it stays put without shouting. The titanium variant will set you back CHF 115,000 while the Carbon TPT and red gold combo clocks in at CHF 145,000.
