Known internationally under the pseudonym Cyril Kongo, the Paris-based graffiti artist made a historic collaboration to create the new Richard Mille RM 68-01 Tourbillon Cyril Kongo.
A new effort to inject contemporary art into the world of haute horlogerie in an unprecedented manner, the RM 68-01 Tourbillon Cyril Kongo is not a mere timepiece but it is also an art masterpiece unlike any other in the history of Richard Mille.
For this limited edition timepiece, an astounding level of craftsmanship is needed and Kongo takes the challenge head on and rethinks his approach to graffiti art to adapt it on an exceptionally limited surface.
With a very limited space to work with, the renowned artist manages to instill the lettering directly on the dial without jeopardising the calibre’s equilibrium, an effort that took over a year of experimentation.
Aside from a specific palette that adheres perfectly to the titanium components, a unique airbrush was also developed to allow him to paint one droplet at a time with the utmost delicacy.
On the back of the watch, the central form of the tourbillon movement’s baseplate can be seen radiating outwards like a splash of paint physically thrown against a wall, while from the front sees the different movement bridges arcing in various directions like wild brushstrokes.
Limited to 30 pieces worldwide, the Richard Mille RM 68-01 Tourbillon Cyril Kongo is a truly exceptional expression of 21st-century timekeeping married with contemporary street art.
(Photos: Richard Mille)
