Enhancing the sapphire’s natural transparency — RICHARD MILLE

The RM 57-03 Tourbillon Sapphire Dragon represents the culmination of one of the brand’s most cherished special projects. In a groundbreaking achievement, an artistic creation in sapphire and gold has been seamlessly integrated into a manual winding tourbillon movement, requiring the intricate process of sapphire machining to be combined with the delicate art of engraving.
To achieve the dragon’s precise details and curves, Richard Mille opted for laser micro-cutting over traditional grinding, avoiding unwanted reactions. Extensive R&D and CAD programming ensured the elimination of weak points in the sapphire sculpture, while collaboration with Olivier Vaucher’s team led to the development of innovative hand-polishing techniques that enhance the sapphire’s natural transparency. Red gold accents and meticulously painted details on the dragon’s scales, tongue, and eyes add depth, artistry, and a striking visual dimension.