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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tourbillon wristwatch

Richard Mille RM 003-V2 "L. Fries" Tourbillon

Partially verified

This unique Richard Mille RM 003-V2 wristwatch, dedicated to Master Watchmaker Laurent Fries, is a manual-winding timepiece housed in an 18K white gold, tonneau-shaped case. Measuring approximately 43.8 mm in height and 39 mm in width, the watch features a transparent dial with suspended Arabic numerals and a distinctive white inner bezel. It is equipped with a one-minute tourbillon regulator and a carbon fiber movement plate. The complication suite includes a 70-hour power-reserve indicator at 10:30, a torque indicator at 1:30, and a two-time zone function adjustable via a push-piece at 9 o'clock. A crown function selector, indicated by the 'W-N-H' display at 4:30, allows for winding, neutral, and hand-setting modes. The piece uses a gear train derived from an RM-15 caliber, resulting in a grey rather than brass finish. It is secured to a black rubber strap with a titanium double folding deployant clasp.

Front view of the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 L. Fries Edition showing the transparent dial, tourbillon, and crown selector display.
Front view of the Richard Mille RM 003-V2 L. Fries Edition showing the transparent dial, tourbillon, and crown selector display. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Richard Mille
Reference
RM 003-V2
Catalogue / lot identifier
141
Source-reported date
circa 2009
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
231 AH/WG

Source-reported attribution and specifications are not independent authentication. A listing does not establish present ownership, current display, availability or permission to reproduce.

Object description

Case and Dial Construction

The RM 003-V2 features a massive, tonneau-shaped, curvex case crafted from 18K white gold. The bezel is fixed by eight screws, while the sapphire crystal case-back is secured by four screws. The watch measures 43.8 mm in height and 39 mm in width.

A white inner bezel provides a distinct visual contrast, a feature cited as unique to this specific piece. The dial bears the text 'RM003-V2 L.FRIES' to denote its unique provenance.

Evidence for this section
  • “massive, curvex, wristwatch chronometer, water-resistant with sapphire crystal case-back screwed by four screws, bezel screwed by eight screws”
  • “white inner bezel, transparent dial with suspended Arabic numerals”

Movement and Complications

This caliber RM 003-V2 Evolution II movement utilizes a carbon fiber plate and includes a one-minute tourbillon regulator. The watch is adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism, and 5 positions. It houses 31 jewels and offers a 70-hour power reserve.

Distinctive to this piece is the use of a gear train from an RM-15, which provides a grey visual finish rather than the standard brass. The watch includes a torque indicator for mainspring tension at 1:30 and a two-time zone function adjusted via a push-piece on the case-band at 9 o'clock. A crown function selector, operated via a push-piece on the crown, allows switching between winding, neutral, and hand-setting modes.

Evidence for this section
  • “carbon fibre movement plate, one-minute tourbillon regulator, adjusted to heat, cold, isochronism and 5 positions, 31 jewels”
  • “This movement is actually equipped with a gear train from a RM-15; this gives it a different visual appearance because the gear train is grey and not brass.”

Provenance and Documentation

The watch was a gift from Richard Mille to Laurent Fries, a master watchmaker and tourbillon specialist.

The watch is identified as a 'piece unique' and is the only version of this reference featuring the white inner ring-dial.

Evidence for this section
  • “The watch offered by Richard Mille to Laurent Fries, Master Watchmaker, in recognition of his services”
  • “First of all, its ring-dial is white in colour, unique in the world.”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific mechanical impact of substituting the RM-15 gear train into the RM-003 caliber beyond the visual difference?
  • Does the attestation document detail any specific assembly work performed by Laurent Fries on this particular unit?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Richard Mille RM 003-V2 "L. Fries" Tourbillon
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRichard Mille“Richard Mille”
ReferenceRM 003-V2“RM 003-V2”
Serial231 AH/WG“Case No. 231 AH/WG”
Movement Number154“Movement No. 154”
Case Material18K white gold“18K white gold”
FunctionsTourbillon, power reserve, torque indicator, dual time, crown selector“one-minute tourbillon regulator, 70-hour power-reserve indication (sector at 10:30), torque indication for mainspring tension (sector at 1:30), two-time zone (disc independently adjustable by the rectangular push-piece at 9 o’clock on the case-band), and, selector for the crown functions (“W”, winding / “N”, neutral / “H”, hands; sector at 4:30; activated by the round push-piece located on the winding-crown).”
Production Datecirca 2009“circa 2009”

Visible details

  • Case secured by eight bezel screws and four case-back screws
  • Integrated function selector labeled W, N, H at the 4:30 position
  • Transparent dial revealing a grey gear train
  • White inner bezel with minute track

Research qualifications

  • Movement is reported to require an overhaul by the auction house
  • Unique status attributed solely to the white dial and gear train assembly

Photograph identity and source facts were screened before import; rights clearance remains pending.

Consulted source

RICHARD MILLE REF. RM 003-V2 / L. FRIES, ONE-MINUTE TOURBILLON REGULATOR, POWER RESERVE INDICATION, TORQUE INDICATOR, TWO-TIME ZONE, CROWN SELECTOR; PIECE UNIQUE; 18K WHITE GOLD -- The watch offered by Richard Mille to Laurent Fries, Master Watchmaker, in recognition of his services

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 3c2b4d6cbe

Terms in this record

Glossary explanations for terms named in this object’s record.

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