⚡ Quick Verdict (TL;DR)
If you don’t have time to read the full 2,000-word review:
A new player has entered the game. New Factory (NF) just released the Richard Mille RM055 V5, and it might be better than BBR.
- The Killer Feature: Hand-Set White Jewels (Real Gemstones, not glue).
- The Movement: True Integrated RMUL2 with functioning dual barrels.
- The Case: Updated caseback “light opening” (smaller glass window) to match Gen.
Score: 9.8/10. The new standard for Richard Mille RM055 replicas.
Watch Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model Reference | Richard Mille RM055 Bubba Watson White Ceramic |
| Factory | New Factory (NF) – V5 Edition |
| Case Size | 42.7mm x 49.9mm x 13.5mm Thickness |
| Case Material | High-Density White Ceramic |
| Dial | Skeletonized with Hand-Set Jewels |
| Movement | NF Custom RMUL2 Integrated Clone (Dual Barrels) |
| Functions | Hours, Minutes, Seconds |
| Crystal | Sapphire with Double AR Coating |
| Strap | Natural White Rubber Strap |
1. Introduction: The “Bubba Watson” Legacy
The Richard Mille RM055 is one of the most recognizable watches in modern horology. Originally designed for golfer Bubba Watson, it was built to withstand the extreme G-force of a golf swing. Its white ceramic case and skeletonized movement make it a summer icon.
For years, the replica market for the Richard Mille RM055 has been a battlefield.
- KV Factory: Dominated early with a thick case.
- ZF Factory: Improved the case but used a decorated movement.
- BBR Factory: Changed the game with the Integrated Movement.
Now, New Factory (NF) has dropped their V5 Edition (skipping V1-V4 to show dominance). They claim to have fixed the small details that BBR missed. Is this marketing hype, or is the NF Richard Mille RM055 the new king?
Table of Contents
2. The Jewel Revolution: No More Glue
This is the most significant upgrade on the Richard Mille RM055 from New Factory.
(Image Alt: Hand-set white jewels on Richard Mille RM055 movement)
Hand-Set vs. Glued
In the world of high-end watchmaking, jewels (rubies or sapphires) are pressed into the metal bridges. In the replica world, they are often just glued on top for decoration.
- Old Replicas: Used red glass beads glued onto the plate. They looked fake and sometimes fell off.
- BBR V2: Used white jewels, but the setting was still basic.
- NF V5: Uses Real Imported White Gemstones.
- The Setting: These jewels are Hand-Set into the metal bridges (Press-fit), not glued. This mimics the genuine Richard Mille RM055 assembly process.
- The Test: NF claims these jewels are hard enough to pass a Thermal Conductivity Test (Diamond Tester). While we can’t verify every stone, the visual difference is stark. They reflect light with a brilliance that plastic beads simply cannot match.
Visual Impact
Under macro photography, the jewels look crisp, clear, and perfectly centered in their chatons. This is “High Horology” finishing on a replica level. It elevates the entire look of the skeleton movement.
3. The Case: Correcting the “Light Opening”
New Factory has obsessed over the case geometry of the Richard Mille RM055.
(Image Alt: Corrected caseback opening on New Factory Richard Mille RM055)
The Caseback Upgrade
One flaw of previous Richard Mille RM055 replicas was the Caseback Sapphire Window.
- The Flaw: On older versions (including BBR), the glass window was too wide, exposing parts of the movement holder ring that shouldn’t be seen.
- The NF Fix: They have reduced the “Light Opening” (visible glass area). The ceramic caseback now covers more of the movement edge, matching the genuine Richard Mille RM055 proportions exactly. This makes the movement look like it is floating perfectly in the center, suspended by the shock absorbers.
White Ceramic Material
The case material is consistent with top-tier standards:
- Material: High-density ATZ-style white ceramic. It feels smooth and cool to the touch.
- Chamfering: The “Guide Angles” (bevels) on the case edges have been refined to be smaller and sharper, mimicking the genuine hand-polishing found on the real Richard Mille RM055.
4. The Movement: True Dual Barrels
The heart of the Richard Mille RM055 is the RMUL2 engine.
(Image Alt: Dual barrel skeleton movement on Richard Mille RM055 replica)
Functional Barrels
- Decoration vs Reality: Many replicas have two barrels, but only one works. The other is just a dummy.
- NF V5: Both mainspring barrels are connected and functional. You can see the springs coiling inside both barrels as you wind the crown. This provides stable torque and a smoother power delivery to the gear train.
Integrated Architecture
Like BBR, this is a true Integrated Movement. There is no “dummy deck” covering a standard movement. The balance wheel spins at the correct frequency, and the gear train is fully visible and operational. This transparency is key to the Richard Mille RM055 aesthetic.
5. On-Wrist Experience: 13.5mm Comfort
How does the V5 wear? Is it too big?
- Dimensions: At 49.9 x 42.7mm, the Richard Mille RM055 is a large watch, but the 13.5mm thickness keeps it manageable. It sits lower on the wrist than older 16mm replicas.
- Strap: The natural rubber strap is soft and compliant. It features the latest generation venting system to reduce sweat, crucial for a summer watch like the Richard Mille RM055.
- Buckle: The latest version spring-leaf folding clasp is included. It snaps shut with a premium sound and holds the watch securely.
6. Comparison: New Factory vs. BBR Factory
The showdown everyone wants to see. Which Richard Mille RM055 is better?
| Feature | New Factory (V5) | BBR Factory (V2) | Winner? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jewels | Hand-Set (Real) | Glued/Pressed | NF (Big Win) |
| Caseback | Correct Opening | Slightly Wide | NF |
| Movement | Integrated RMUL2 | Integrated RMUL2 | Tie |
| Ceramic | High Density | ATZ Ceramic | Tie |
| Price | Similar | Similar | Tie |
Verdict:
New Factory (NF) edges out BBR. While the movement architecture is similar, the hand-set jewels are a detail that elevates the watch to the next level. If you want the absolute best visual details under a loupe on your Richard Mille RM055, go with NF.
7. Buying Guide: Real Stone vs Fake Stone
How do you know you got the NF V5 Richard Mille RM055?
- Look at the Jewels: Use a loupe. If the white stones look like they are pressed into the metal (with a metal rim holding them), it’s NF. If they look like blobs of glue, it’s an old version.
- Check the Caseback: The glass window should be tighter, covering the movement holder ring completely.
8. Pros & Cons
✅ The Pros
- Best Jewels: Real stone setting is a game-changer for the Richard Mille RM055.
- Case Shape: Corrected bevels and caseback opening.
- Movement: Functional dual barrels are impressive.
- Material: Pure white ceramic won’t fade.
❌ The Cons
- Brand Name: “New Factory” is a generic name (might be a rebrand of a bigger factory like Sonic or EUR), so long-term parts support is unknown.
- Water Resistance: Still a skeleton watch. Don’t swim with it.
9. Final Verdict – Is the NF V5 the New King?
Yes. The King has been dethroned.
The New Factory (NF) Richard Mille RM055 V5 is currently the pinnacle of RM replication. By focusing on the micro-details—like jewel setting and caseback geometry—they have created a watch that withstands closer scrutiny than the BBR version.
If you are looking for the absolute best Richard Mille RM055 replica in 2025, this is the one to buy.
Check the latest price and stock here.
FAQ: Common Buyer Questions
Q1: Can the jewels really pass a diamond tester?
A: NF claims they are real white gemstones (likely synthetic sapphire or moissanite), so they might pass basic thermal tests. This is a huge upgrade over plastic.
Q2: Is it manual or automatic?
A: Manual winding. Just like the genuine Richard Mille RM055.
Q3: Is the white ceramic matte or shiny?
A: It is Matte (Micro-blasted) finish, correct to the Bubba Watson edition.
Q4: Is New Factory reliable?
A: While the name is new, the build quality suggests they are backed by a major manufacturer. The movement stability is excellent in early tests.
“While NF wins on the RM055, if you prefer the red TPT carbon look of the Nadal series, check out our review of the BBR Richard Mille RM35-02 V3.”