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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Tourbillon wristwatch

Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull Nanoceramic

Partially verified

This Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull Nanoceramic is a tonneau-shaped, curved wristwatch. The timepiece is crafted with a TZP nanoceramic bezel and caseback, paired with a 5N gold component integrated into the dial design. A defining feature of this model is the skeletonized 5N gold skull that serves as the baseplate and bridge structure, with the tourbillon regulator positioned within the mouth of the skull at the 6 o'clock position. The watch is powered by the Caliber RM052, a grade 5 titanium movement featuring a lateral lever escapement and a titanium tourbillon cage. The watch includes an outer minute track with luminous dot markers and titanium skeletonized hands.

Front view of the Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull Nanoceramic watch showing the 5N gold skull dial and tourbillon cage.
Front view of the Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull Nanoceramic watch showing the 5N gold skull dial and tourbillon cage. — 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 52-01 AN CA-TZP/PR01
Catalogue / lot identifier
301
Source-reported date
Not established
Source-reported place
Not established

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 Architecture

The watch features a distinctive tonneau-shaped, curved case constructed from TZP nanoceramic for the bezel and case back. The assembly is held together by eight milled titanium screws on the bezel and an additional eight screws on the transparent case back. The case band is reinforced to maintain the structure of the curved profile, which measures 42 by 50 mm with a total thickness of 15 mm. The winding crown is treated with a rubber coating to facilitate operation.

The dial is transparent, allowing a view of the mechanical components. The outer perimeter features minute divisions punctuated by 5-minute luminous dot markers. The visual centerpiece is a 5N gold skull that functions as the movement's primary structural element. The one-minute tourbillon regulator is positioned directly within the mouth of this skull. Time is indicated by titanium skeleton hands tipped with luminous material for visibility.

Evidence for this section
  • “tonneau-shaped and curved, nanoceramic, TZP (bezel and caseback)and 5N gold wristwatch”
  • “bezel with 8 special milled titanium screws”
  • “at 6 aperture for the tourbillon regulator in the mouth of a 5n skull”

Movement and Escapement

Powering this timepiece is the Caliber RM052, a movement constructed from grade 5 titanium. It incorporates a lateral lever escapement and a one-minute tourbillon regulator. The tourbillon cage is also crafted from titanium and is designed with three equidistant polished arms. The movement contains 19 jewels and utilizes a monometallic balance with a ceramic cap jewel to ensure durability.

The escapement is regulated by a self-compensating Breguet balance spring. The movement is reported as adjusted to heat, cold, and five different positions, incorporating a shock absorber to protect the regulating organ. The total build of the movement is integrated into the 5N gold skull structure, which acts as the movement's baseplate and primary bridge for the gear train and tourbillon cage.

Evidence for this section
  • “Cal. RM052, grade 5 titanium, 19 jewels”
  • “lateral lever escapement with one-minute tourbillon regulator”
  • “titanium tourbillon cage with 3 equidistant polished arms”

Condition and Accompaniments

According to the auction description, the individual components of the watch have been evaluated using a standardized grading system. The case, the dial, and the movement have all been assigned the highest grade, denoting that the watch is in as-new condition. The dial, case, and movement are all signed by the manufacturer, confirming the authenticity of the horological assembly.

These items are noted as accompanying the watch, contributing to its status as a complete set. The watch is also fitted with a titanium Richard Mille buckle for the strap, ensuring the security of the timepiece during use.

Evidence for this section
  • “Case: 1 As new Movement: 1 As new Dial: 1-01 As new”
  • “Accompanied by the original warranty, original fitted box and instructions”
  • “Dial, case and movement signed”

Open research questions

  • What is the specific production number for this watch within the 30-piece limited edition?
  • Does the included warranty document contain a specific purchase date or original point of sale?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull Nanoceramic
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
ModelTourbillon RM 52-01 AN CA-TZP/PR01“Tourbillon RM 52-01 AN CA-TZP/PR01”
Case MaterialNanoceramic TZP and 5N gold“nanoceramic, TZP (bezel and caseback)and 5N gold”
MovementCaliber RM052, grade 5 titanium“Cal. RM052, grade 5 titanium”
Jewels19“19 jewels”
Dimensions42 x 50 mm“42 x 50 mm”
EditionLimited to 30 pieces“Made in a limited edition of 30 nano-ceramic pieces”

Visible details

  • Skull-shaped 5N gold baseplate and bridge
  • Tourbillon regulator visible at the 6 o'clock position
  • Bezel secured with eight milled titanium screws
  • Transparent sapphire crystals on front and case back

Research qualifications

  • Limited production run of 30 pieces, but specific individual serial number is not provided in source text
  • Source mentions original warranty is included, but does not provide details regarding remaining manufacturer coverage

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

Consulted source

RICHARD MILLE RM52/01 SKULL NANOCERAMIC Richard Mille, "Tourbillon RM 52-01 AN CA-TZP/PR01". Made in a limited edition of 30 nano-ceramic pieces. Very fine, and unusual, tonneau-shaped and curved, nanoceramic, TZP (bezel and caseback)and 5N gold wristwatch with visible one-minute tourbillon regulator and a titanium Richard Mille Buckle. Accompanied by the original warranty, original fitted box and instructions.

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record c349323f8d

Terms in this record

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

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