Richard Mille RM 028 Diver

The new Richard Mille RM 028 automatic diving watch leaves a strange impression. It is too expensive for a tool watch and it is too big for a lifestyle timekeeper. However, it is a perfect vehicle to deliver a message that you have too much money.

Based on the last year’s RM 025 tourbillon chronograph diving watch, the new Richard Mille RM 028 Diver is significantly smaller, cheaper (or, rather, not so outrageously expensive) and it seems to be far more practical than the ’senior’ model, too.

Just like the RM 025, the RM 028 comes without a usual “solid” dial having instead its Arabic numerals printed on a transparent glass that covers the blackened base plate of the movement.

Lacking the chronograph and tourbillon complications, the watch sports much more legible interface and its huge (and also raising some Freudian connotations) hour and minute hands are covered in a thick layer of Superluminova providing for perfect readability even in the darkest waters.

The new RM 028 is animated by the recently introduced Caliber RMAS7 automatic movement. Beating at 28,800 vph and built on 32 jewels, the skeletonized caliber offers an unusual big date display function and features a NIVAROX temperature-compensating balance spring.

Since the watch has an official water resistance rating of whole 300 meters, it is designed to be easily operated even while wearing diving gear. As you can see on the pictures, the setting crown, for example, is so huge that you will have no problem using it even in rubber gloves.

Its 47 mm round case is made of titanium and rubber and is strong enough to ensure water resistance of up to 300 meters.

Of course, like the last year’s Favre-Leuba Bathy V.2 mechanical depth meter diving watch, this kind of timepiece is hard to visualize together with a tuxedo.

However, it will certainly look fine on a wet-suite if the estimated price of $70,000 doesn’t scare you away from this titanium beast.

Photos: Richard Mille

Richard Mille RM 028 Diver watch specification

Price range: $70,000
Movement: Automatic, Caliber RMAS7, skeletonized, in-house, 32 jewels, 28,800 vph, Swiss Made
Complications: Big Date
Power reserve: 55 hours
Case material: Titanium, rubber, transparent caseback
Case size: 47 mm
Case height: 14.60 mm
Dial: Skeletonized, transparent
Water resistance: 300 meters
Strap: Rubber
Crystal: Sapphire