Richard Mille RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley: The Symbolism of the Smiley
Everyone carries the desire to create connections with others and spread happiness. With this in mind, what could be more symbolic than the smiley? Little more than 50 years ago, a yellow circle, with two oval eyes and a broad, smiling mouth, established itself as a collective symbol of positivity and pop culture. Today, it is impossible to imagine our society without the smiley, drawn by Franklin Loufrani: it is a symbol of interaction.
Following three years of development by the Richard Mille team, the new RM 88Automatic Tourbillon Smiley combines the iconic smiley with a series of miniature sculptures. The result is a highly technological and creative timepiece. As a limited edition of 50 pieces, this emotionally charged watch is specially designed for lovers of watchmaking who simply want to spread joy.
The new Richard Mille RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley
Smiling: A universal language
Drawn 50 years ago by Franklin Loufrani and first appearing in the pages of the French newspaper France Soir in 1972, the smiley is still a sign of happiness today. The smiley symbol is universal: a smile, recognisable anywhere in the world. One of the first recorded smiles in history dates back to 2,400 BC, appearing on the statue of a governor of Mesopotamia (now Western Asia). The meaning and visualisation of the smile have changed significantly over the centuries and civilizations. The smiles on the sculptures of the Egyptian pharaohs, for example, are only faintly pronounced. This testifies to restraint and self-control – values regarded as particularly respectable at the time.
As a genuine source of well-being, our smile today can have a multifaceted meaning. It is a gesture that can expresses joy or sincerity; it can be innocent and or disarming. This symbolism comes to life in the form of the RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley.
Engraver Olivier Kuhn is largely responsible for the RM 88‘s playful design elements. Kuhn, who originally trained in customising motorcycles, combines haute horlogerie, 3D design and jewellery making. He has been creating miniatures for eight years, as well as the gold micro-sculptures in the RM 88 – each of which weighs less than one gram.
Furthermore, Kuhn was involved in the creation of the micro-sculptures, from their 3D design and manufacture to their final installation in the watch, thus ensuring that the watch also embodies Kuhn’s artistic style. The manufacturing process of the sculptures combines time-honored watchmaking skills with modern-day technology. First, resin is printed using a 3D printer. Then, plaster is applied around it, before it is melted and replaced with gold. Finally, the gold is then moulded with special watchmaking tweezers.
The process can achieve refinement even in the smallest details. However, the biggest challenge for Kuhn, and therefore the most complex part, was the combination of the cloud and rainbow. This is because the different fibres have to be connected, requiring 25 hours of work per piece.
While the bezel and caseback are made of white ATZ ceramic, which is known for its high scratch resistance, the case ring is in red gold, serving as a harmonious combination. Meanwhile, the domed bezel and satin finish are achieved through an elaborate process using with diamond tools. The eye-catching crown bears the recurring smiley on its head, adding another colourful, playful accent.
The surreal scene on the dial, which looks straight out of some kind of emoji world, bursts from a colourful rainbow and ends in the cloud. On top of this is a small second hand with a lightning bolt and a sun on its tips. This changes the weather conditions with every minute. Furthermore, the wearer can admire a blooming flower, a dark green cactus, a golden sun and a cheerful pink flamingo.
The three-dimensional effect of this work of art is topped off by a cocktail with an umbrella. Meanwhile, the smiley itself is mounted on a decorative bridge, creating a floating impression. The movement bridge, to which the smiley is attached, has taken the form and colours of a rainbow, creating the perfect background for the entire spectacle. A function indicator at 3 o’clock shows the positions for winding (W) and hand setting (H) when the crown is pulled out.
Another major challenge was the conception of a movement that would leave enough room to optimally accentuate the scenery without stealing the show from the protagonist. With this in mind, the CRMT7, a skeletonised tourbillon calibre, was developed. The automatic movement with hour, minute and function display operates at 4 Hz and has a power reserve of 50 hours.
The RM 88 is equipped with two base plates: one technical, on which the movement is mounted, and the second, which is intended for ornamental objects. This creates the three-dimensional space, but at the same time remains resilient. The rotor made of 3N yellow gold with OneWay winding system and ceramic ball bearings still allows for a phenomenal view through to the dial via the caseback.
The RM 88 Automatic Tourbillon Smiley is a vibrant creation that is sure to bring a smile not only to the wearer, but also to those who catch sight of it. Limited to 50 pieces, the timepiece comes with a yellow Velcro strap. Interested parties can apply for this timepiece at Richard Mille boutiques and, if accepted, purchase the watch for CHF 1.1 million.
Team Luna Rossa, winner of the Prada Cup during the most recent contestfor America’s Cup, is among the top sailing clubs in the world. Now, the long-standing partner of Panerai is uniting with its Italian amici once again to introduce an all-new Luminor Luna Rossa timepiece: the PAM01342. Coinciding with the beginning of the race…
Roger Dubuis is celebrating the 30th anniversary of the brand with the Excalibur Grande Complication. This watch features a unique movement with a perpetual calendar, minute repeater, and tourbillon, all housed in a 45mm pink gold case. Case & Strap The case of the Excalibur Grande Complication is crafted from rose gold and measures 45…
Hublot has just released a new piece as part of its MP (manufacture piece) collection. This time, the new MP-10 Tourbillon Weight System is not only limited in its production numbers, but also in its presence of traditional timekeeping elements. Conspicuous by their absence are the hands, oscillating weight or even a dial. Case of…
Hublot has unveiled the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic, a limited edition timepiece that embodies the watchmaker's commitment to sustainable innovation. Made from the tennis star's HEAD rackets and Lacoste polo shirts, the watch is a tangible representation of Djokovic's achievements and Hublot's craftsmanship. Case: Recycled Materials and Gorilla Glass The case and bezel of…
A. Lange & Söhne have introduced a new ODYSSEUS model, the ODYSSEUS White Gold Grey Dial. The watch is housed in a 40.5 mm three-part white-gold case and features a grey dial. Exuding a sporty feel, the watch is presented on a rubber strap with air ducts (Ref. 363.068). Alternatively, a brown leather strap (Ref.…
The ‘First Omega in Space’ returns to the collection. This watch, one of the most sought-after timepieces from Omega, is a true icon. It now appears in a modern version with an updated movement and Co-Axial Master Chronometer certification. The famous timepiece, originally marked with reference number CK 2998, first appeared in 1959. It belongs…
From 29 June to 2 July, this great classic car meeting returns to the legendary Le Mans race track. Against a history-steeped backdrop, around 800 classic cars as well as another 8,500 club vehicles will take part in a series of fiercely contested races. This year, the 150 exhibitors and 1,000 drivers from 30 different…
Panerai is introducing a new watch: the Luminor Marina Specchio Blu 44 mm – PAM01316. It comes with a newly developed steel bracelet which picks up on the characteristics of the Luminor case. In addition, the model features the Panerai-typical "sandwich" construction, as well as the brand's patented crown protection bridge. The Panerai Luminor Marina…
With the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Tourbillon Skeleton, the brand is presenting a skeletonised version of the Overseas with tourbillon. In addition to a variant with a pink gold case, the house is also launching a model made entirely of titanium - a first for the brand. The calibre 2160 powering the watch was skeletonised and…
Last month, Ralph Lauren enjoyed an extraordinarily successful Spring 2025 fashion show in the Hamptons at New York Fashion week, attended by the likes of Usher, Naomi Campbell and Anna Wintour. Hosted at the Khalily Stables, an equestrian complex in Bridgehampton, the collection was, as always, infused with references to the brand's equestrian history. While…
Frederique Constant’s release of a new perpetual calendar watch at the beginning of this year could not have been better timed. The Slimline Perpetual Calendar Manufacture Designed by Peter Speake was created in cooperation with the independent British watchmaker Peter Speake, who conceived a minimalistic design with an open-worked dial and selected colour accents. The…