Earlier this year at SIHH 2019, Richard Mille took us into a vibrant zone full of colourful mechanical delicacies. Oversized candies ranging from marshmallows to liquorice and candy-inspired watches! The Richard Mille Bonbon Collection, with a total of 10 models in limited editions of 30 pieces each, are no less than delectable horological treats.
Go beyond the palettes, and you’ll see that mechanics are also paramount in these unisex watches. The Bonbon collection is based on three of the brand’s iconic models: RM 07-03, RM 16-01 and RM 37-01. In a sense, the manufacture has revisited its existing collection, but played quite creatively with the aesthetics, especially the colour.
Richard Mille’s understanding of how tinted ceramics behave, expertise in layering materials like Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT® and constant improvements to the setting of coloured gemstones are all ingredients in these confectionary recipes, which are singularly imaginative, playful, distinctive and, most importantly, appetising. The mind-blowing spectrum of greens, crimson, yellow and pink for example, add to the wealth of shades for the collection.
Ok.. so shades are definitely one thing, but it’s also the other little details that make up the beauty of these watches. Each of these 10 models have some stunning graphic compositions, a range of textures across the different components of the watch, as well as some special details. The crowns and some of the caseband, for instance, take the shape of a
particular treat, such as a cupcake or gelato. Just like a kid in a candy shop, who can’t really choose between what’s on offer, watch lovers are bound to experience the same dilemma. There’s enough variety….and it’s all equally tempting!
Take the Sweets collection for instance. It comprises of four models, all with two-tone ceramic cases that set off their grand feu enamel or black-chromed titanium confections. Better yet, the textures you expect to encounter upon biting into these sweets are conjured visually thanks to a mastery of enamelwork that succeeds in evoking sensations like softness, crunchiness, and fluffiness. The creamy quality of the TZP ceramic case is enhanced by the varied matt and polished effects of elements on the dial. Black, a foundational colour in the technical vocabulary of Richard Mille, is presented in a whole new light here, as a giant roll of liquorice that occupies the entire surface of a dial. Here, the most satisfactory solution for obtaining the liquorice shape of the RM 16-01 was a stamping operation, followed by a black chrome coating that lends this piece its spot-on colour and texture.
Then there is the Fruits Line. This has six delectable flavours: Lemon and Strawberry (RM 16-01 Citron et Fraise), Blueberry and Litchi (RM 07-03 Myrtille et Litchi), Kiwi and Cherry (RM 37-01 Kiwi et Cerise). Here, colour was of paramount importance. The colour-gradient cases are made of Carbon TPT and are combined with Quartz TPT of a different hue for each model. Painted in acrylics and lacquered by hand, the 3,000 miniature sculptures integrated in these compositions stand out from the dials, turning each one into a sachet full of tiny candies. To further enhance their realism, a ‘sugar coating’ effect was achieved using powdered enamel and the fine sand employed in hourglasses. Tart jelly ribbons, twisty lollipops, candy citrus segments, gumdrops and other surprises are positioned on plates of grade 5 titanium that are machined and skeletonised like horological components.
From Left to Right: RM 07-03 Automatic Marshmallow, RM 07-03 Automatic Cupcake, RM 07-03 Automatic Myrtille, RM 16-01 Automatic Réglisse, RM 37-01 Automatic Sucette
From Left to Right: RM 37-01 Automatic Kiwi, RM 37-01 Automatic Cerise, RM 16-01 Automatic Citron, RM 16-01 Automatic Fraise, RM 07-03 Automatic Litchi
Applying the science of materials and textures to the realm of confectionary, Richard Mille has embarked on a vast collection of delicious and powerfully evocative pieces. Whether in the Sweet or Fruit line, every watch in the Bonbon Collection is mouth-wateringly appetising, and promises a moment of horological extasy.
For once, we’re not complaining about an excess dose of candy crush!
