2.02.2010

RICHARD MILLE - New impulses


In a moment of simultaneous recollection and foresight, the RM 021 Tourbillon Aerodyne is introduced together with four other new releases.





 
RM 021


Richard Mille’s pioneering reputation began eight years ago. Now, in a moment of simultaneous recollection and foresight, the RM 021 Tourbillon Aerodyne is introduced together with four other new releases. Orthorhombic titanium aluminides are new group of alloys, developed from the main class of titanium aluminides, which possess a specific crystalline molecular structure ordered on the orthorhombic phase of Ti2AlNb. The actual shape of the baseplate itself as seen from the dial side resembles the trench-like V-shaped profile of a flying wing aircraft where the wing tips are positioned higher than the central body of the aircraft itself. The winding barrel and the tourbillon are both placed in the central depth of this aerodynamic structure, balancing on light and airy bridges with four arms on two sides.


 
RM 019


The first and most striking feature of the RM 019 Ladies’ Tourbillon is the diamond studded Celtic Knot that weaves itself over and through various parts of the movement, connecting and joining the winding barrel, power reserve indicator and tourbillon in an endless cycle. The baseplate of the watch has been made from black onyx which is considered as a stone of protection against negative thoughts, as well being the stone of equilibrium and inspiration. In keeping with the technical nature of all watches created by the brand, the RM 019 utilizes a newly developed power reserve indicator that makes use of a differential gearing system, directly connected to the winding barrel.


 
RM 007 Titalyt


While the Richard Mille signature immediately catches the eye, so too does the feminine nature of the RM 007 Titalyt. A process of titanium oxidation by electro-plasma improves the strength of the metal, and consequently its ability to resist scratching, wear and tear, and corrosion, according to Standard AMS 2488D. The biocompatible treatment is applied in some of the most cutting-edge sectors, from automobile racing to the aerospace industry to hightech medicine. Thanks to this material, unseen in watchmaking prior to the release of the RM 016 Titalyt®, the RM 007 gains greater strength and elegance, and proves once more that Richard Mille has devoted a prominent place in his collection to Ladies watches.


 
RM 016 Titalyt


The RM 016 Titalyt® features a rectangular case with a multitude of details eloquently testifying to the 400 or so hours of technical research that were lavished on producing this rare and precious object. Its variable-geometry rotor also serves to adapt the automatic winding to the user’s activity level, such as when engaging in sports. The inertia of the rotor can be modified by adjusting the position of the V-shaped ribs so as to accelerate the winding process in case of gentle arm and hand movements, and slow it down in case of intense activity.


 
RM 023


Designed for both men and women, the new skeletonized RM 023 unites everything essential in Richard Mille’s philosophy with a sophisticated appearance. While the case size of the RM 023 combined with the new asymmetrical dial and crown brings an air of elegance to the exterior, the interior is focused solely on timekeeping and nothing else. Great attention to every detail is ensured, starting with the winding rotor and its white gold V-shaped ribs and variable geometry, which can be personally adjusted to each wearer’s activity level before leaving the workshop. The weight segment along the outer edge is milled from a special tungsten/cobalt alloy, with the rotor’s ball bearings created from synthetic ceramics. The special double barrel system lowers wear and tear on the movement, also evening out any variations in the flow of power to the movement. The PVD treated titanium baseplate, bridges and balancecock with many skeletonized parts have been developed to guarantee excellent rigidity and accurate surface flatness, which in the case of skeletonized movements requires additional considerations.


ALL THIS ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS JUST THE ICING ON THE CAKE


 
RM 025


Visually, the RM 025 Tourbillon Diver’s watch, which has been awarded in the Sports Watch category at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève, breaks with the iconic Richard Mille case, yet this is a change born directly from technical necessity, as it is suitable for the world of diving and the demands of the deep sea. The unique tripartite case is complemented by the additional integration of the lugs into the case’s torque screw system, as well as the torque limiting crown and a new design of watertight pushers. The bezel is also unlike any other. It is constructed of three layers, connected with 24 screws, turning unidirectionally following ISO 6425 norms in order to avoid timing miscalculations. In addition, the entire bezel system is screwed to the watchcase, making it absolutely stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen. All this attention to detail is just the icing on the cake however; within ticks the calibre RM 025, a carbon nanofibre movement which unites two extremes: the complication of a tourbillon with the notorious complexities of a chronograph movement.


 
RM 004-V2 All Gray



Just like the shockwave that went though the Swiss watch industry when the first haute horlogerie watches appeared in steel cases rather than gold – half a century ago – Richard Mille shocked everyone by creating tourbillons with titanium cases and movements. This first step was quickly followed by the use of carbon nanofibre for movement baseplates, marking the premier use of this material in watchmaking. Celebrating these new experimental developments in 21st century watchmaking, and driven by the desire to create a new alternative, Richard Mille has created the All Gray series. Each watch in this series has a carbon nanofibre baseplate with a special grey PVD coating combined with a case of microblasted titanium.





TECHNICAL INFORMATIONS


RM 021

Case: titanium also available in 18-carat red or white gold
Dimensions: 48x39.30 mm
Movement: manual winding tourbillon
Functions: 70h power reserve, torque indicator and function selector, baseplate
in orthorhombic titanium aluminide and carbonfiber core
Water-resistance: 50m


RM 019

Case: 18-carat red or white gold
Dimensions: 45x38.30 mm
Movement: manual winding tourbillon movement with black onyx movement plate, finished with a ceramic endstone for the tourbillon cage, specially sculpted, Alcryn-collared crown
Functions: 48h power reserve
Water-resistance: 50m


RM 007 Titalyt

Case: titalyt
Dimensions: 45x31 mm
Movement: automatic winding movement with a rotor in titanium and tungsten carbide
Functions: hours, minutes, date
Water-resistance: 50m
Case-back: sapphire crystal


RM 023

Case: titanium also available in 18-carat red or white gold
Dimensions: 45x38.30 mm
Movement: skeletonized automatic winding movement
Functions: 50h power reserve, date, tourbillon with adjustable rotor geometry
Water-resistance: 50m


RM 025

Case: titanium fitted with 18-carat red gold lugs
Dimensions: 50.70x19.20 mm
Functions: chronograph, 50h power reserve, torque indicator, function indicator, carbon nanofibre baseplate
Water-resistance: 300m


RM 004-V2 ALL GRAY

Case: micro blasted titanium.
Dimensions: 48x39 mm
Movement: manual winding movement with carbon nanofibre movement plate. Functions: chronograph split seconds, 50h power reserve, torque indicator, function indicator.
Water-resistance: 50m.
Limited edition: 30 pieces








**For more information about Richard Mille Wristwatches.

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