FIGURE OF STYLE

When Richard Mille calls in one of the most gifted street artists, a watch that was already exceptional for its mechanism turns into a real work of art.

In the 1980s, Cyril Kongo made a name for himself in the world of graffiti art by his work on the walls in and around Paris and later in New York. Since then, his urban art has moved from the street to longer-lasting surfaces, and he now exhibits at major contemporary art events. But no matter the medium, his work always combines typography with exuberant colour. The recent partnership with Richard Mille respects the artist’s aesthetic trade-mark. The brand gave him the mechanism of a calibre as a field of expression. The result? The 30 limited-edition pieces in the RM68-01Tourbillon Cyril Kongo series are the theatre for a surprising explosion of bright colours.

The skeletoned hand-wound movement can be admired from all angles.

Each of these masterpieces by the artist known as Mr Colourful is protected by a case made of black TPZ ceramic. This simple material is ultra-resistant to scratching and enhances the appeal of each watch. The sapphire crystal also helps to protect the watches. The glass on the bezel side is 1.50mm thick. On the caseback, it is a mere 1.20mm in the centre and 1.95mm around the outside.

Price: 854,500 EUR inc. VAT richardmille.com

By Dan Diaconu