RICHARD MILLE has chosen passion, sexuality and debauchery as themes to inspire the creation of its latest watch, the name for which is quite fittingly “RM 69 Tourbillon Erotique.”

The timepiece will be presented at the 2015 Watches and Wonders trade fair, taking place in Hong Kong from September 30 to October 3.

Contrary to popular belief, libertinism has its place in the history of horology. In fact, for centuries, watchmakers have played with the theme of libertinism by mechanically recreating suggestive scenes.

Because they broke with conservative moral, religious and political customs, these objects were often banned or confiscated, but by concealing these scenes at the heart of the watches in question, some models have survived to this day.

With this new model, Richard Mille is instead choosing not to hide the erotic and sensual suggestions for a more vibrant expression of these intense desires. “On the RM 69…. love and eroticism proclaim themselves proudly and clearly in words. Far from scenes brought to life by automatons, this creation plays on the desire to openly express desire, sensuality and even sexuality,” explains the brand.

A new mechanism by Richard Mille

To present these phrases to the wearer, Richard Mille has created an entirely mechanical, hand-wound movement, comprising 505 components and three grade-5 titanium rollers as part of its “Oracle” complication.

By pushing a button at the 10 o’clock position, the rollers are activated and display random messages such as “I want to caress you madly” or “Let me kiss you tonight.”

The movement was designed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi. In this “Duoplan” construction, the tourbillon and barrel are superimposed on the same axis, rather than being assembled face-to-face. This makes the caliber more compact, thus leaving room for the rollers.

There is also an additional button at the 8 o’clock position that makes the hour and minute hands “disappear” when the dial is set to display a more important message than the time.

The movement will continue to keep time and, after a second press of the button, the hands will return and once again indicate the correct time.

The watch has a 69-hour power reserve, which is displayed in a gauge at the 4 o’clock position that is powered by a planetary differential. The casing is also made of grade-5 titanium.

The “RM 69 Tourbillon Erotique” will be produced in a limited run of 30, available for purchase from the 24 Richard Mille stores around the world.