Weekly Wind Down | Sales Highlights including watches from Richard Mille, Jaeger-LeCoultre & A. Lange & Söhne

Richard Mille has made a name for itself crafting robust technical watches, and in its two decades of existence has racked up some pretty impressive milestones. It’s turned delicate complications into daily wear propositions and produced the impossibly thin RM UP-01, which briefly held the record for the world’s thinnest mechanical watch. 

For a brand with these credentials, it might be surprising to know that up until recently, Richard Mille didn’t have its own completely in-house chronograph. However, this all changed with the launch of the RM 72-01, and it’s fair to say the results are impressive. From a styling perspective, this is typical RM thanks to its curved tonneau-shaped case and prominent bezel screws. This version is crafted from rose gold and white ceramic and is paired with a white rubber strap, aka Miami-spec. We’ve also got an openworked design here, with the movement components clearly visible from the front and back of the case. 

So, what about this new in-house movement then? The CRMC-1 calibre maintains some traditional techniques but also introduces some innovation in the form of a double tilting pinion system. Without diving too deep into the nerdy details, this new architecture tackles a long-held challenge for watchmakers whereby a movement's energy is impacted when the chronograph is engaged. This new system spreads the workload as the calibre draws energy from different parts when the chrono is running. The outcome is a more reliable and robust watch which fits perfectly with the brand’s ethos.  Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £242,500

From its origins on the Polo field through to its swivelling case, the history of the Reverso has been well documented. However, with its debut dating all the way back to 1931, you might be wondering what head-turning references have popped up along the way? Well, we're going to save you digging through over 90 years of history and highlight one of the coolest ever Reversos to come from the Vallée de Joux.

Launched in 2001 and limited to just 500 pieces, this is the first ever series-production Reverso to be crafted in platinum. Jaeger-LeCoultre's renowned calibre 849 was adapted for this watch and features intricate skeletonisation. The movement also features incredible free-hand engraving which highlights the watchmaker’s attention to detail. 

In order to ensure that the wearer can see every minute detail of this painstaking decoration, the swivelling case has been adapted to incorporate a sapphire crystal on the backside too, allowing the movement to be viewed from both sides. Speaking of details, JLC even included a platinum buckle to match the case. This is truly one of the best Reversos of the modern era. Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £14,500

This limited edition Richard Lange reference is one of just 50 examples from the revered German watchmaker. The design of the watch reflects the aesthetics of vintage pocket watches, embodying the classic style that the brand is renowned for.

The case features distinctive lugs which are stepped out and pronounced and highlight Lange’s lauded attention to detail. The silver dial is enhanced with a rhodium coating and then black lacquered Roman numerals are applied.

This 'Referenzuhr' example also introduces some additional functionality with a small seconds sub-dial and power reserve indicator. On the underside, a sapphire case back displays the manually-wound L033.1 calibre which is elaborately decorated with free-hand engraving on the balance cock in typical Lange fashion.  Recently sold on Watch Collecting for £35,000