Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie

• RM 017 Ultra Thin Tourbillon

The new RM 017 Tourbillon continues the development of the highly successful rectangular case first launched with the RM 016, when its innovative case design extended the collection’s range alongside the iconic Richard Mille tonneau shape.

With dimensions of 49.80 mm x 38.00 mm, the RM 017 Tourbillon retains the same case proportions of its predecessor as well as the wrist fitting curvature and tapering specific to the Richard Mille collection. However, that is where the similarities end: with a total height comprising a mere 8.70 mm, the RM 017’s manual winding movement sets new standards as one of the thinnest tourbillon constructions ever created.
In addition, the RM 017 Tourbillon uses a movement baseplate in carbon nanofiber, a major innovation first tested with great success in the RM 006, an experimental model. The technical results achieved were remarkable and Richard Mille therefore decided to further expand the use of carbon nanofiber, a new material never before applied to horology, to the entire tourbillon range.

The RM 017 also continues Richard Mille’s passion for mechanical innovation. Its function selector is a further development of the mechanism originally implemented in the RM 002. This concept, based upon a car’s gearbox, offers the selection of three possibilities via a special pusher in the center of the crown: winding, neutral and handsetting. The RM 017 Tourbillon takes this a step further by offering a speed handsetting function, which on pressing the push button allows to rapidly change the hour hand independently of the minute hand.

• RM 022 Tourbillon “Aerpdyne” Dial Time Zone

In 2009, the RM 021 “Aérodyne” greatly impacted the industry on its launch as it encapsulated exemplary modern materials unique to horology and created the subsequent design path to the new RM 022 “Aérodyne” Dual Time zone.

As for the RM 021, the new RM 022 communicates space and supersonic speed that inspire the brand since 2001. However this Tourbillon has another attribute in that it is the first watch to combine a dual time zone with an external structure in titanium combined with orthorhombic* titanium aluminides and carbon nanofibres.

This dual time zone indicator is technically extremely complex but also very user-friendly. At the center of the dial a transparent sapphire crystal disc inscribed with hours permanently rotates through the movement. The digits on the disc are apparent only when transposed on a clear background situated at 03 hours. This dual time zone is easily and quickly adjusted through the finely finished pusher situated at 09 hours. Each impulse adds an extra hour to the time zone.

Combined with a tourbillon movement of exceptional chronometric characteristics the RM 022 proves once more that innovative design and the latest technology are perfectly compatible with values of exclusivity and tradition synonymous with horology in the 21st Century.

Calibre RM 022: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, dual time zone, power reserve, torque indicator and function selector.

Dimensions: length 48 mm x 39.70 mm (widest point) x 13.85 mm (thickest area). Available in titanium or 18 carat red or white gold, with alligator strap and matching buckle.

• Presenting the new diver’s watch Richard Mille RM 028

At the beginning of 2009, Richard Mille entered the world of the ocean depths with his premiere diver’s watch, the RM 025 tourbillion chronograph. This exceptional piece also marked the first entrance of a round case within the collection. Today the brand presents a new automatic diver’s watch, the RM 028, in a slightly smaller diameter of 47 mm.

Following the lines set out by the RM 025, the new RM 028 with its exceptional case and skeletonized movement possesses all the incontestable qualities that typify the watches of Richard Mille. Following diver’s watch ISO norms 6425 with its water resistance of 300 meters (30 ATM) and a unidirectional bezel, the seemingly simple lines of the round case of the RM 028 conceal a considerable amount of technical know-how. The exceptional water resistance is achieved with a three part case construction and torque screws, with complete integration of the lugs into the case system.

Turning unidirectionally to prevent miscalculations whilst diving, the bezel is composed of three sections assembled with 22 torque screws, making it impossible to accidentally dislodge from the case. The skeleonized automatic movement of the RM 028 utilizes a rotor with variable geometry, a major innovation of Richard Mile that allows the level of automatic winding to be adjusted to the user’s lifestyle via the setting of two 18ct white gold wings.

• RM 019 Ladies’ Tourbillon

For 2009, a long awaited addition to the ladies’ collection at Richard Mille watches has become a reality with the presentation of the RM019 Ladies’ Tourbillon wristwatch.

The first and most striking feature of this new creation is the diamond studded celtic knot that traverses and weaves itself over and through various parts of the movement, connecting and joining winding barrel, power reserve indicator and tourbillon in an endless cycle. The hour and minute hands are striking in their asymmetrical placement within the flowing lines of this celtic knot pattern.

Dating back to about the 5th century, the most emblematic and identifiable artwork in celtic history must be considered the celtic knot. This symbol, also referred to as the mystic or endless knot, suggests that in life there are neither beginnings nor endings, consequently reminding us of the timeless nature of the spirit. With its unlimited and returning pathway, the celtic knot symbolizes an uninterrupted life; it is both an emblem of longevity and the never-ending cycle of our existence. Brought into the domain of technical haute horlogerie, this eternal symbol takes on a new relationship with the timelessness of time itself.

The baseplate of the watch has been created of black onyx, a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz chalcedony composed of silicium dioxide, (SiO2). Onyx varieties with rectilinear black and white parallel stripes are actually a part of the agate family, whereas the fully black type is what one commonly calls true Black Onyx. This is a gemstone able to deflect and channel harmful energy towards the Earth, thus providing stability. Due to this ability, Black Onyx is considered a stone of protection against negative thoughts, as well being the stone of equilibrium and inspiration. Adding a refined visible touch, the tourbillon endstone bridge on the onyx baseplate side is also engraved with a celtic triquetra knot.

The RM 019 Ladies’ Tourbillon will be available in 18 carat red or white gold cases, finished with a specially sculpted, Alcryn collared crown.

• RM 021 Tourbillon Wristwatch “Aerodyne”

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. Its use within a honeycombed geometrical pattern was originally the subject of research by NASA for application as a core material of supersonic aircraft wings, where resistance to extremely high temperatures and torsion is paramount. The alloy in this honeycombed form has unparalleled stiffness, a low thermal expansion coefficient and exceptional torsion resistance. 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.

Available in titanium and 18-carat red or white gold, with alligator strap and matching buckle.

• Richard Mille RM 023 Automatic

Whilst the case size (45.00 mm x 37.80 mm x 11.45 mm) of the RM 023 combined with the new dial and crown brings an air of elegance to the exterior, the interior- as can be expected from any Richard Mille creation- is focused solely on timekeeping and nothing else. Great attention to every detail is insured, in this case 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. This extreme care and attention to the rotor and winding aspects of the watch’s going train are directly connected with the necessity of an even energy supply as the essential basis for ensuring excellent chronometric results.

The PVD treated titanium baseplate, bridges and balance-cock 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. A casing ring is no longer used with the movement seated in the tripartite case using chassis mounting rubbers and fixed with 4 titanium screws, thereby insuring additional isolation from external shock and vibration. Problems caused by external shock are safeguarded by the balance wheel being given Incabloc protection on both dial and movement side. In its entirety, this tonneau shaped movement, with 31 jewels and beating at 4 Hz, is the flattest titanium based automatic caliber in use today. The creation of such a movement, in titanium having such minimalist dimensions, represents yet another highpoint of the watchmaker’s skill and patience, embodied in the RM

• RM 025 Tourbillon Chronograph Diver’s Watch

Richard Mille explores now the depths of the ocean with his introduction of the RM 025. This new creation is a watch suitable for the world of diving and the demands of the deep sea. At first glance, it is unlike any other Richard Mille creation in terms not only of its exterior appearance but also its ability to deal with one of the harshest environments on Earth without difficulty.

The case is round, for technical reasons. Water resistance of this kind, 30 atmospheres (300 meters) following ISO 6425 diver’s watch norms, is only possible at these depths with a round case shape.

The unique tripartite case is complemented by the additional integration of the lugs into the case’s torque screw system, as well as the dynamometric 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. This unique use of screws allows for perfect adjustment since the bezel is not tensioned into position. For clearer visibility under murky conditions, starting at 12 o’clock, the five-minute markers of the first quarter are highlighted red.

Within ticks the caliber RM 025, a carbon nanofiber tourbillon chronograph based upon the famed caliber RM 008, one of the major and uniquely new chronograph designs of the 21st century. The RM caliber 025 unites 2 extremes: the complication of a tourbillon with the notorious complexities of a chronograph movement. This led to a number of new impulses, such as creating and manufacturing a number of parts such as the column wheel and levers in titanium in order to reduce inertia and lower energy consumption circa 50%. This greatly reduces friction on the spindle and eliminates the jumps and shocks of the chronograph hand during stopping and starting, adding to the watch’s precision. The production and assembly of the RM 025 Tourbillon Diver’s watch takes many months, with only a select number of watchmakers able to cope with its complex assembly and testing. For this reason, it is only possible to produce a highly limited number of these watches per year.

Available in 18-carat red or white gold and titanium, all models are fitted with 18-carat red gold lugs with a screwed and a rubber diver’s strap.

• The All Gray New Collection:
  RM 002-V2 – RM 003-V2 – RM004-V2 – RM008-V2

The combination of titianium and carbon nanofiber have set a high challenge for watchmaking today, and have been proven more useful, more interesting and more beautiful than others might have dared imagine.

New for 2009, as a celebration of those new impulses started with experiments in 21st century watchmaking as well as the desire to create a new alternative, Richard Mille has created the ALL GRAY series: the RM 002-V2 ALL GRAY, the RM 003-V2 ALL GRAY, the RM 004-V2 ALL GRAY, and the RM 008-V2 ALL GRAY. Each watch in this series has a carbon nanofiber baseplate with a special grey PVD coating combined with a case of microblasted titanium.

• RM 018 Tourbillon Wristwatch “Hommage à Boucheron”

The RM018 tourbillon wristwatch represents a synthesis of Boucheron’s bejewelled savoir-faire and the innovation of Richard Mille in Fine Watchmaking

The production of this unique tourbillon wristwatch will be shared between both companies with the case and the movement by Richard Mille and the semi-precious and precious stones chosen by and embellished with Boucheron’s great expertise. Furthermore, each watch will be unique, with different combinations of stones in each. 

Limited series of 30 pieces in 18ct white gold.

• RM 020 Tourbillon Pocket Watch

The RM 020 is the first pocket watch ever created to make use of a baseplate made of carbon nanofiber, originally used in U.S. Air force jets. This is an isotropic composite material created from carbon nanofibers moulded under a high pressure of 7,500 N/cm2 and a temperature of 2,000˚C, resulting in a material with high mechanical, physical and chemical stability in all directions. It is ideally suited for guarantying the stability of the going train under varying conditions and temperatures.

The tourbillon escapement is driven by a double winding barrel. Both barrels are directly coupled and supply circa 10 days of power reserve.

• RM 007 Ladies’ Watch

Introduced only two years ago after a long period of expectation, the RM 007 Ladies' watch has found a strong resonance among women across the globe. First released in a full diamond set version in 2005, last year saw the introduction of the precious metal version with diamond markers for the hours. New for 2007 is the introduction of several new dials and dial colors, using different styles of numerals, colored fields or precious stone settings. Each of these, in combination with a large variety of diamond and precious stone settings for the case, accentuates new and subtle moods befitting every role a woman could desire. Although white diamonds still remain an essential, they are offered in combination with various colors and combinations including black diamonds, rubies and emeralds in several geometric patterns and sensually curving lines that accentuate the exceptional form of the visual statement made by the sensual lines of the case. All versions of the RM 007 pursue the same philosophy of technical perfection as the rest of the collection with hand ground and black PVD coated titanium baseplates and bridges, and the exceptional bi-directional gold rotor filled with more than 100 micro-balls, which provides efficient winding for excellent chronometric results. The RM 007 truly unites sensual contours, precious metals and jewels with the technical prowess of haute horlogerie in which only the exceptional can achieve perfection. Functions: hours, minutes, date at 6 o'clock Bracelet available in colored crocodile, satin, leather and metal

• RM 015 Perini Navi Cup dual time

Richard Mille Watches was proud to be named official timekeeper of the Perini Navi Cup Races in 2006, and the connection with Perini Navi is again strengthened with the introduction this year of the RM 015, which adds a second time zone function to the marine caliber tourbillon. The second time zone can be simply adjusted via a pushbutton at 9 o'clock, which advances the hour each time it is depressed. The time zone, with hours shown on a disc of sapphire, appears against a white field located at 10:30. The RM 015 Perini Navi Cup draws its inspiration closely from the most exceptional Perini Navi creation, the Maltese Falcon. The decks, hull shape, windlass, pulleys, screws and various marine details of that ship are reflected in numerous structures of this watch, reflected even in the shapes of the hands and parts of the movement such as the tourbillon and central bridges, as well as the tourbillon cage itself. Constructed upon a an extremely stable carbon nanofiber baseplate, the RM 015 has all the exceptional features typical for all the tourbillons from the collection. Functions: hours, minutes, second time zone, power reserve and torque indicators, function selector

Read about Richard Mille's new models for 2007 in HH Journal