27.01.2023
There are certain hand gestures in the world of relevant hand gestures that require little explanation to the receiver of the message even if you’re signalling it in different parts of the globe: the thumbs up, the V sign, the OK, the finger heart, and obviously, the middle finger. That illustrious list also includes the sign of the horns (also known as devil horns or the rock on) where the pinky, index finger and thumb are extended and the middle and ring finger are curled in. Such is its universal appeal that Gene Simmons, believe it or not, tried to trademark this rock music-friendly salute even though quite a number of musicians did it in live performances prior to his band Kiss hitting the big time. The sign of the horns salute is perhaps more well-known for its subversive messaging, akin to sticking one’s tongue out. Richard Mille, for one, vibes with this bad boy-esque messaging. After all, it is the original disruptor of the upmarket timekeeping game since debuting just over two decades ago with a series of tonneau-shaped timekeepers. Now, it is paying homage to this bad boy rep by adding an extra hand onto the dial, one that also serves the function of the movement’s main plate. In fact, Think of the RM 66 Flying Tourbillon – a digit shy from the number of the beast – as an extension of the RM 052 launched just over a decade ago that popularised an oversized skull and crossbones motif on a pricey timekeeper (yes, it was quite a drip that others started to copy the move). The RM 66, which houses a manual-winding tourbillon movement, has a skeleton hand fashioned with a sign of the horns gesture, crafted in red gold and then microblasted and polished by hand. Part of the gold hand is also visible on the exhibition caseback. Richard Mille must also be credited for choosing to mill the bezel and caseback in carbon TPT, one with a special damascene look that appears to have been through hell and back. The caseband in titanium is just as special for this edition as it includes a studded gold panel recalling the most badass leather jacket details you can think of. Richard Mille is only making 50 pieces of this because we all know bad boys these days are in short supply too.
