Build quality, movement details, market pricing context, and collector notes on this reference — all covered below. The sourcing reference is at the end.
For a reference like the Richard Mille RM38-02 Tourbillon Bubba Watson, the sourcing tier matters more than the price point — the same reference can perform very differently depending on which production run it comes from and how the movement has been regulated before dispatch. This review covers the characteristics that indicate build quality on this specific piece.
The 12.75 mm case is built in stainless steel, following the original reference geometry across lug width, case band, and crown placement without the dimensional shortcuts that lower-tier production accepts.
The anti-reflective coating on the crystal creates the dial depth that cheaper builds lose under direct light, where an uncoated crystal reflects back and flattens the visual effect.
The Manual Winding Tourbillon Movement 7. Cr houses the tourbillon mechanism — assessed on this build for cage rotation consistency, visible finishing quality, and structural stability under daily wear conditions. At this production level the tourbillon is a functional complication rather than a decorative gesture.
The 50m water resistance rating handles rain and incidental water contact reliably — suited to the daily wear conditions the watch will actually encounter.
The rubber strap provides the flexibility and water resistance compatibility that suits the active daily wear context this reference is designed for — it does not resist the wrist curve the way stiffer straps do, and the deployant clasp holds reliably through the full range of wrist movement.
The exhibition caseback provides a direct view of the movement architecture — rotor finish, bridge layout, and plate decoration are all visible, and on a well-sourced build these elements confirm the quality of what is inside the case rather than just what is presented on the exterior.
This reference sits at a specific point in the brand's catalogue where build complexity and collector demand both support careful sourcing — an average example falls short of what the design promises, while a well-sourced build delivers on it fully.
Who This Reference Suits
This reference suits the experienced collector who is sourcing a specific build rather than browsing for something new. If you know this reference, know what distinguishes a good example, and are looking for a well-executed version at the superclone tier — this is the piece. If you are still developing your knowledge of the reference, spend time with the genuine article first before acquiring this one.
Market Context
Higher-grade sourced examples of this reference generally circulate in the $1,450–1,957 range among informed buyers. Limited production complication pieces at this tier command a premium that reflects both the mechanical complexity and the scarcity of well-executed examples — the market range for this reference reflects both factors. This figure is a market reference estimate for research purposes — ARFWatches does not sell or transact products directly.
Updated factory notes, production run comparisons, and current availability for this reference are maintained at SwissClones.cn.
Editorial Disclaimer: ARFWatches.com is an independent watch review and collector research platform. This page does not constitute an offer to sell any product. All market pricing figures are editorial estimates based on collector community data. Readers are responsible for ensuring compliance with the laws of their jurisdiction.