EDITOR'S REVIEW
Combining the two worlds of fine jewellery and fine watchmaking, Richard Mille introduced the RM 026-01 Tourbillon in 2011 as the first Richard Mille watch that incorporated a work of art on the watch dial. The RM 026-01 Tourbillon watch features a wonderful diamond and black sapphire panda sat peacefully in a yellow gold bamboo forest. Instead of a Chinese landscape as his backdrop, this panda's home is the skeletonised dial. The tripartite tonneau-shaped, fully curved rose gold case is the perfect frame for the work of art within. The dial showcases the inner workings of the RM 026-01 manual-winding tourbillon movement, with the tourbillon itself nestling contentedly on the lap of the bejewelled panda. Time is told with off-centre hour and minute hands, while the 48-hour power reserve is indicated between 10 and 11 o'clock by an innovative printed red line on a moving disk. The base plate is carved from black onyx with windows on the movement beneath. A watch of exquisite craftsmanship, it is accompanied by a black alligator leather strap and is limited to 30 pieces.
*This Richard Mille watch was priced at £418,000.
