The Richard Mille RM 016 is a charming timepiece that bears the Richard Mille brand's technical, high style and innovative spirit. RM watchmakers designed and launched this timepiece in 2007 as an alternative to the voluminous tonneau-shaped cases that have become a signature of the Richard Mille brand since the first RM timepiece was launched in 2001.
As a result, the RM 016 stands out in the watchmaker’s catalog. Its avant-garde design, compact dimensions, and highly technical skeletonized movement sets this watch in a class of its own. In this post, we will deeply dive into the specifications and features of the RM 016 Extraflat timepiece, explaining some of the details of this watch that make it so special.
History of the Richard Mille RM 016
In January 2025, Richard Mille launched the RM 16-02 as part of the watchmaker’s first release of the year. But this watch isn’t a new introduction. It is the third watch in the RM 016 series. The collection was originally introduced in 2007, just six years after the brand’s first timepiece was released.
At the time of its release, the RM 016 was the first rectangular watch to be produced by Richard Mille. Until then, the watchmaker specialized only in bulky tonneau-shaped watches. The RM 016 was the first Richard Mille watch with an ultra-thin casing and a design that tapers to fit the wearer’s wrist.
When released, the RM 016 was a breakthrough for the Richard Mille brand because it allowed the watchmaker to explore two unchartered territories with one watch. The first was creating a rectangular watch - a design that boldly deviates from the traditional Richard Mille shape. The second unfamiliar territory was the ultra-thin watch category. In a way, the release of this watch paved the way for more refined RM watches with elegant aesthetics and record-breaking super thin models like the Richard Mille RM UP-01, one of the thinnest watches in the world by any watchmaker.
Following the debut of the RM 016 in 2007, Richard Mille released the RM 16-01 as a follow-up in 2019. This unique timepiece was part of the watchmaker’s candy-inspired Bonbon Collection. In 2025, Richard Mille dropped the RM 16-02 as one of the latest watches in the watchmaker’s catalog.
What Makes It Special?
So, what makes the RM 016 such a special timepiece? One glance at this watch, and the answer to that question is obvious. The unusual shape of this watch, its ultra-flat dimensions, and even the movement that powers it internally are some of the unique features that make the RM 016 stand out in the watchmaker’s catalog. Here’s an overview of the main features of this timepiece.
Shape
Rectangular watches have been a staple in the horological industry for centuries. Although they’re not as popular as round watches, iconic rectangular models like the Reverso by Jaeger-LeCoultre and Cartier Tank have been popular with horological enthusiasts searching for unique timepieces.
The RM 016 was Richard Mille’s first attempt at expanding its stylistic palette beyond the typical tonneau-shaped watches while staying true to the strength and impacts of the original models. Unlike the older rectangular watches that embody traditional design philosophies, the Richard Mille RM 016 rectangular watch is a contemporary model with an impressive modern character and a unique identity.
The rectangular case of the 49.80mm x 38mm watch is simple and precise. Although different from your typical Richard Mille, it still embodies the perfect geometry and legacy of the Richard Mille brand. Its shape and size are impressive at first glance, with a significant wrist presence that ensures that it stands out on any wrist despite its ultra-flat dimensions.
Extra Flat Profile
The thinness of the case is another impressive attribute that surprised RM enthusiasts when this timepiece was released. Today, the “ultra-thin” qualifier attached to this watch’s name might sound like a stretch. With a height of 8.25mm, the RM 016 isn’t exactly slim. This is even more apparent when you compare it to newer thin watches from this manufacturer, such as the RM UP 01, which is only 1.75mm thick. This “true” ultra-thin watch is not just Richard Mille’s thinnest watch; it is also the second thinnest watch in the world.
However, even though the RM 016 isn’t a record-breaking watch, it was an impressive timepiece at its release in 2007. Considering the size of its case and its unique shape, a controlled thickness of 8.25mm kept it slender and wearable.
With this timepiece, the goal of Richard Mille’s design team was to reinterpret the high-tech aesthetics and durability of the tonneau-shaped watches in a new, slender case that can be worn as a dress watch for formal occasions. This level of discretion and ultra-thin engineering was a novel concept for the Richard Mille brand, making the RM 016 even more impressive.
At the end of the day, Richard Mille achieved the goal of creating a svelte 8.25mm watch, slim enough to slip neatly under the sleeves. To maintain his slim profile all the way through and improve wearability, the lugs are designed to taper downwards to allow them to conform to the curvature of the wearer's wrist flanks. Despite its muted profile, this watch is not made for small wrists.
Skeletonized Dial
A Skeletonized dial is one of the hallmarks of a typical Richard Mille design, and the RM 06 dial is no exception. When held against the light, the RM 016’s dial reads like you’re peering into an otherworldly window frame.
The RM 016 lacks a conventional dial like many other Richard Mille watches. Instead, all the calibrated features for telling the time have been silkscreen printed to the backside of the crystal cover. Its uncluttered configuration is characterized by a simple date window replacing the numerals at the seven o'clock position.
Movement
When people talk about the RM 016, much focus is on its external appearance. But this timepiece is also impressive from a functional standpoint. The original RM 016 was fitted with the RMAS7 movement of grade 6 titanium. To achieve its extra-flat dimensions, the movement was skeletonized and stripped down to the barest physical substance required to keep it functional and efficient.
The powerful self-winding caliber RMAS7 is one of RM’s most powerful movements, featured in other models like the RM 028. One of the unique attributes of this watch is its rotor, which has a variable geometry function. This design makes it possible to adjust the winding efficiency of the timepiece based on the wearer’s habits or activity level.
The movement also offers excellent performance and torque. It features two barrels, improving the timepiece's stability while achieving a power reserve boost of up to 55 hours. The movement is exquisitely finished, which is important since it is visible through the case back and on the dial side.
The newer version of the RM 016 (The RM 16-02) comes with an updated movement. The Caliber CRMA9 that powers this new timepiece is just 4.12mm thick, perfectly suited for this watch's sleek rectangular case and aligns with its extra-flat profile. The most notable feature of this new movement is its free-sprung balance, which helps the timepiece retain its precise calibration and consistent performance even when subjected to shocks.
Richard Mille RM 016 Price
The RM016 occupies a special place in Richard Mille’s catalog. For anyone who can afford one, it is one of the best ways to enter into the intriguing world of Richard Mille watches, especially if you’re not attached to the traditional tonneau-shaped casing of the typical RM timepiece.
The original model of this watch is no longer in production, meaning the only way to find a Richard Mille RM 016 for sale is to shop on the secondary market. Richard Mille's RM 016 price ranges from about $74,000 to $110,000 in secondary marketplaces.
For the latest version of this timepiece (Richard Mille RM 16-02), which was released in 2025, you can expect to pay about $134,000 for the titanium version and up to $156,000 for the Terracotta Quartz TPT model when buy a Richard Mille RM 016 from official retailers. While these are hefty prices compared to other timepieces from other brands, they are still on the affordable side of the scale for a Richard Mille watch.
Conclusion
The Richard Mille RM 016 automatic stands out, not just in Richard Mille’s catalog, but in the luxury watch market in general. The unique design of this watch will surely resonate with watch lovers who recognize the value of innovation and artistry even in the world of high-end horology.
