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The Encyclopedia of Horology

Wristwatch · Manual-winding tourbillon wristwatch

Richard Mille RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull

Partially verified

This Richard Mille RM 52-01, marketed as 'The Vanitas Vanitatum', is a unique wristwatch featuring a one-minute tourbillon regulator. Manufactured in 2019, the piece is constructed with a brown sapphire-crystal case measuring 50.4 mm by 42 mm with a thickness of 19.1 mm. The movement is a manual-winding, grade 5 titanium caliber RM 52-01 featuring 19 jewels. A central feature is the skull-shaped plate and bridges made of grade 5 titanium, which serves as the movement structure. The watch is water-resistant to 30 meters and secured to a white rubber strap with a titanium double folding deployant clasp. The watch utilizes twelve spline screws on both the bezel and case-back to secure the sapphire components.

Front view of the Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull Tourbillon with a brown sapphire case.
Front view of the Richard Mille RM 52-01 Skull Tourbillon with a brown sapphire case. — Antiquorum. Rights pending — permission not yet requested. Original source

Catalogue identity

Source
catalog.antiquorum.swiss
Category
Wristwatch · Manual-winding tourbillon wristwatch
Maker / attribution
Richard Mille
Reference
RM 52-01
Catalogue / lot identifier
373
Source-reported date
2019
Source-reported place
Switzerland
Source-reported serial
068

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 Design

The RM 52-01 'The Vanitas Vanitatum' is housed in a unique brown sapphire-crystal case. The construction consists of three distinct parts: a bezel, a case-band, and a case-back, all machined from brown sapphire. The case is held together by twelve spline screws on the bezel and twelve on the case-back, utilizing stainless steel washers.

The watch measures 50.4 mm in height, 42 mm in width, and 19.1 mm in thickness, providing a significant presence on the wrist. Water resistance is rated to 30 meters, achieved via the use of transparent Nitrile O-rings between the sapphire components. The overall aesthetic is characterized by the transparency of the sapphire material paired with a white rubber strap and a titanium double folding clasp.

Evidence for this section
  • “brown sapphire-crystal, manual-winding, “tonneau”-shaped, massive, curvex, wristwatch chronometer, water-resistant (30 m.)”
  • “fits snugly around the wrist and is water-resistant to 30 metres thanks to two transparent Nitrile O-rings.”
  • “It is assembled around the calibre by means of titanium (grade 5) “spline” screws and wear-resistant stainless steel (316L) washers.”

Movement and Caliber

The watch is powered by the manual-winding caliber RM 52-01, which is constructed primarily from grade 5 titanium. The movement design integrates a skull motif, where the skull-shaped plate and bridges form the structural heart of the caliber. The tourbillon carriage is integrated into the mandible section of the skull design.

The movement comprises 19 jewels. Four bridges, designed to resemble crossbones, link the movement to the case. The skeletonized architecture is intended to expose the tourbillon regulator, which rotates once per minute.

Evidence for this section
  • “Caliber RM 52-01, titanium (grade 5), 19 jewels”
  • “The plate and bridges of the movement thus form this skull (made of grade 5 titanium). The jawbone and the mandible enclose the ruby of the tourbillon carriage.”
  • “The movement is linked to the case by four bridges inspired by the crossed bones that appear on the flags of pirate ships.”

Provenance and Documentation

This specific timepiece is a unique piece produced in 2019. According to the provided records, it was sold in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in February 2020. The original identity of the purchaser remains undisclosed.

The watch is accompanied by its original certificate of origin, numbered 26 628, which carries the date of the February 2020 sale. The auction description categorizes the condition of the watch as 'As new' for the case, dial, and overall status, with the caveat regarding the suggested maintenance for the movement.

Evidence for this section
  • “This real tour-de-force was manufactured in 2019 and sold in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in February 2020; the original buyer remains unknown to this day.”
  • “Accessories certificate of origin No. 26 628 (dated Buenos Aires, February 2020), warranty card, instruction booklet, booklet”

Open research questions

  • What specific chemical additive or process creates the brown color within the sapphire crystal case?
  • Has this unique piece appeared at any previous public sales or exhibitions between 2020 and its current cataloguing?

Source evidence

Recorded claims and source quotations for Richard Mille RM 52-01 Tourbillon Skull
FieldSource-reported valueSource quotation
MakerRichard Mille“Brand Richard Mille, Les Breuleux (Franches-Montagnes, Jura)”
ReferenceRM 52-01“Reference RM 52-01 Brown Sapphire RMV”
Movement Number068“Movement No. 068”
Year2019“Year made in 2019”
Case Dimensions50.4 mm x 42 mm x 19.1 mm“Height 50.4 mm. Width 42 mm. Thickness 19.1 mm.”
Movement TypeManual-winding tourbillon“manual-winding, “tonneau”-shaped, massive, curvex, wristwatch chronometer, water-resistant (30 m.) with brown sapphire-crystal case-back screwed by twelve screws, bezel screwed by twelve screws, black inner bezel-dial with luminous dots revealing the skull-shaped titanium movement with a one-minute tourbillon regulator.”
MaterialBrown sapphire-crystal“brown sapphire-crystal, manual-winding, “tonneau”-shaped, massive, curvex, wristwatch chronometer”

Visible details

  • Skeletonized movement featuring a titanium skull structure
  • Brown translucent sapphire crystal case
  • Twelve visible screws on the front bezel
  • White rubber strap with folding clasp

Research qualifications

  • Movement condition noted as 'Overhaul recommended' by source
  • Exact number of owners since 2020 not verified by documentation

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

Consulted source

RICHARD MILLE REF. RM 52-01, ONE-MINUTE TOURBILLON REGULATOR; "SKULL TOURBILLON" SO-CALLED "THE VANITAS VANITATUM", PIECE UNIQUE; BROWN SAPPHIRE-CRYSTAL

Reviewed 2026-10-26 · Record 7b3b5703f6

Terms in this record

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

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