Richard Mille RM53-01 Tourbillon “Pablo Mac Donough” Sapphire Blue Edition
APS Factory 1:1 Super Clone
The APS Factory RM53-01 Tourbillon Pablo Mac Donough Sapphire Edition represents the perfect fusion of transparency, strength, and mechanical artistry. Originally designed for Argentine polo champion Pablo Mac Donough, this timepiece was built to survive brutal impacts while maintaining the elegance of haute horlogerie.
The full sapphire case is not just for show — it’s a technical statement. Machined from a single block of synthetic sapphire crystal through hundreds of hours of CNC micro-cutting, it offers near-complete transparency while boasting a hardness second only to diamond. Through it, every gear, bridge, and spring of the suspended tourbillon movement is visible.
Inside, the architecture is nothing short of genius. The skeletonized movement hangs within the case via braided steel cables — an engineering solution inspired by suspension bridge design. This innovative construction absorbs shocks up to 5,000 Gs, making it one of the most impact-resistant mechanical tourbillons ever conceived.
APS Factory’s 1:1 recreation captures all of this brilliance — from the dual-arched bridge structure and polished tension pulleys to the stunning interplay of silver, black, and sky-blue detailing.
Paired with a soft blue FKM rubber strap, it’s both futuristic and fearless — a piece that looks like it belongs in a museum but feels ready for the field.
Technical Comparison — Genuine vs APS Factory RM53-01 Sapphire
| Specification | Genuine RM53-01 Pablo Mac Donough | APS Factory RM53-01 Super Clone |
|---|---|---|
| Case Material | Sapphire Crystal Monobloc | CNC Synthetic Sapphire |
| Dimensions | 50 × 42 × 15.5 mm | 50 × 42 × 15.6 mm |
| Movement | Caliber RM53-01 Manual Tourbillon | APS Skeleton Manual Tourbillon |
| Suspension System | Braided Steel Cable Shock Absorbers | Decorative Dual Cable Suspension |
| Power Reserve | ≈ 70 hours | ≈ 45 hours |
| Weight | ≈ 40 g (without strap) | ≈ 43 g |
| Crystal | Sapphire (Front + Back, AR coating) | Sapphire (Front + Back, AR coating) |
| Strap | Blue Rubber | Blue FKM Rubber |
| Retail Price | ≈ $1,000,000 USD | ≈ $1,500 USD |
Collector’s Perspective
The RM53-01 Sapphire Edition is one of those watches that redefines what a mechanical watch can be — light, transparent, and almost indestructible. Every component inside seems to float, suspended in a delicate equilibrium of precision and motion.
APS Factory’s execution recreates the soul of the original — the hollow case depth, the layered bridges, and the realistic mechanical depth. Under direct light, the sapphire case refracts a soft blue aura, giving it a surreal, futuristic glow that’s impossible to ignore.
For collectors and enthusiasts, this model is a perfect representation of Richard Mille’s philosophy — “the art of extreme horology.”
