Bokey TimeThis is Bokey Watch Industry. Welcome to check out this issue’s watch review. In this issue, we present the replica Richard Mille RM38-02 Tourbillon, a private modified version. The bezel and case back are crafted from crystal material, while the middle case is made of artificial crystal material. Each case is truly noble, sparkling, pure and transparent, showcasing unique personality through the flow of light and shadow.
Then let’s look at the details. The entire watch features this transparent design combined with a hollowed-out feel, allowing a direct view of the movement’s operation, which is truly beautiful. How can we distinguish between a genuine and fake tourbillon? A genuine tourbillon rotates in one direction consistently, and there is a small gear outside it that both rotates on its own axis and revolves around the center. This is the structure of a true tourbillon. Unlike the type that swings left and right – that’s just a cheap balance wheel. This genuine tourbillon represents the pinnacle of mechanical watchmaking and is a symbol of high-end craftsmanship in horology.
Let’s take a look inside. All these gears are operational, and with the red accents, it’s truly very cool. On these gears, there is a mainspring barrel that gradually tightens as you wind the watch. Compared to movements like those in Rolex watches, the tourbillon movement is relatively more delicate. Therefore, when using it, try to be gentle—for example, when winding the watch, don’t apply too much force; do it softly, and when pulling out the crown to adjust the time, use a light touch as well. Although the tourbillon is a high-end mechanism, its shock resistance is not as robust as those Rolex movements. It’s like how a Ferrari isn’t as rugged as a Jeep Wrangler—that’s a simple analogy. The back of the watch is also very cool. All the gears here are movable, and the engravings on the back are clear, including the model number.
The strap is also relatively soft and paired with our original folding clasp, which has a smooth opening feel. It can be directly pulled up here. Richard Mille basically uses this kind of clasp design. The watch has a diameter of approximately 43.7mm and a height of around 50mm, making it wearable for most watch enthusiasts. For this type of watch, we shouldn’t pursue extremely high simulation accuracy; it’s suitable for occasional wear and appreciation. Since it’s manually wound, it’s not suitable for daily commuting. Wearing it occasionally or simply displaying it as a collector’s item is a great choice.
The overall appearance is also very striking. The crown features the iconic five-pointed star screws, basically all of which are five-pointed. Then, take a look at the large model number inside the movement. Overall, the cost-performance ratio is quite high. Compared to the millions of dollars of the genuine version, a few thousand yuan is truly a world apart. If you like this watch, you can buy it to appreciate and play with—it’s still very good value for occasional enjoyment.
