The Richard Mille RM 022 Aerodyne Dual Time Zone Tourbillon Asia Edition is a high-performance luxury timepiece that exemplifies the brand’s commitment to aeronautical inspiration and advanced material science. This limited edition model, restricted to only eight pieces, features a 48mm x 39.7mm tonneau-shaped case constructed with a bezel and caseback made of North Thin Ply Technology carbon, characterized by its distinctive woodgrain texture and exceptional resistance. The caseband, hands, and chapter ring are crafted from 18k red gold, providing a warm contrast to the dark composite materials. A hallmark of the Aerodyne series is its revolutionary baseplate, which utilizes a honeycomb structure made of orthorhombic titanium aluminide reinforced with carbon nanofibers—a material originally researched by NASA for supersonic aircraft wings to ensure extreme rigidity and torsion resistance.
The watch is powered by the manual-winding Caliber RM022, a sophisticated tourbillon movement developed in collaboration with Renaud & Papi. It features a comprehensive array of horological complications, including a one-minute tourbillon visible at the 6 o’clock position and a dual time zone indicator displayed via a transparent sapphire crystal disc at 3 o’clock. The dial also incorporates a 70-hour power reserve indicator between 11 and 12 o’clock and a torque indicator at 1 o’clock, which allows the wearer to monitor the mainspring’s internal tension for optimal chronometric performance. A function selector, operated by a pusher in the center of the crown, allows the user to toggle between winding, neutral, and hand-setting modes, displayed by a small hand at 4 o’clock.
General reviews of the RM 022 frequently emphasize its remarkable technical depth and wearer comfort. Despite its complex construction and substantial 50mm-class presence, the use of lightweight composites ensures that the watch remains exceptionally light on the wrist. Critics and collectors alike praise the “flying wing” aesthetic of the baseplate and the flawless hand-finishing of its titanium components, though the technical complexity of the dial can make initial legibility a secondary consideration to its mechanical artistry. The Asia Edition is highly regarded for its exclusivity and the striking visual harmony between the industrial NTPT carbon and the traditional luxury of red gold.