Simply Abu Dhabi XIII

1 4 1 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I C ontinuing the celebration of novel ladies’ timepieces for this “Year of the Woman”, Richard Mille’s ongoing and fruitful association with the famous Malaysian actress Michelle Yeoh encompasses a new jewellery creation with the tourbillon RM 51-01 Tiger and Dragon-Michelle Yeoh. This novel artistic creation celebrates her new film ‘Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon II’, due to be released in 2014, in which Michelle returns to the role of her well known character, Yu Shu Lien. Richard Mille and Michelle’s collaboration began in 2011 with the creation of the RM051 Phoenix Tourbillon, a symbolic timepiece in which she was intimately active. Michelle desired to reiterate the concept of forms and shapes integrated within the watch’s movement, this time with a visual scene centred on the symbolic themes of the Tiger and the Dragon, with a tiger and a dragon clutching the tourbillon movement. Created from 3N red gold, the figures are carved and incised entirely by hand. Special miniature tools were custom-made for the specific artistry required in the physical realisation of these two creatures. To increase the realism of these special animals, a long and painstaking process of hand-finished micro painting was executed, including the unseen parts of these two marvellous entities. The tiger and dragon have deeply influenced Asian culture. The tiger, considered as ‘Yang’ supremacy and therefore male, was viewed as a demon hunter. For the military, the tiger, symbol of courage, was represented on shields and weapons. The dragon, meanwhile, is a very common symbol in China, taking on many complex traits, as an emblem that can unify a group. Today we closely associate it with prosperity and happiness. With a power reserve of 48 hours, indicated by a red line between 10 and 11 o’clock, the grade 5 titanium movement includes a torque limiting crown to protect the watch from possible overwinding. The RM 51-01 Tiger and Dragon-Michelle Yeoh will be available in a limited edition of 20 pieces in 18K white or red gold.