The Richard Mille RM 72-01 Lifestyle Chronograph was released as the brand’s first in-house chronograph. It embodies Richard Mille’s commitment to blending cutting-edge technical innovation with striking contemporary design. The watch is housed in the brand’s signature tonneau-shaped case, distinguished by its prominent bezel screws with a five-spline design that ensures perfect visual symmetry, a detail not possible with traditional slotted screws.
The watch is powered by the in-house Caliber CRMC1, a skeletonized movement that took over five years to develop. It features automatic winding, hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph, function indicator, and stop seconds. Unlike conventional chronographs that rely on either a horizontal or vertical clutch, the RM 72-01 features a patented double-clutch system with oscillating pinions. This innovation allows for smoother chronograph activation, reduced energy consumption, and improved precision—all without affecting the watch’s timekeeping.
The case measures 38.4mm by 47.3mm, making it slightly more compact than many other Richard Mille models. It was launched in four materials: titanium, 18k red gold, black ceramic, and white ceramic, with pricing starting at $188,000 for the titanium version. The openworked dial highlights the architectural layout of the movement, with subdials positioned at 1 o’clock for running seconds, 5 o’clock for chronograph minutes, and 9 o’clock for chronograph hours.
Beyond its mechanics, the RM 72-01 embodies Richard Mille’s “lifestyle” philosophy. Its lightweight construction, ergonomic design, and visual impact make it a piece that transitions effortlessly from sport to daily life. As part of the brand’s contemporary collection, the RM 72-01 reflects Richard Mille’s vision of watches as both high-performance machines and bold expressions of modern style.