Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal

Advertising

Richard Mille RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal

RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal
News

The butterfly effect
La Cote des Montres - December 14th, 2021

 
 
  • All new, patented complication: the butterfly rotor
  • 3 years of development
  • Sports mode and function selector

Inspired by the tourbillon watches of the RM 027 collection that Rafa Nadal wears on the tennis court, the RM 035 “baby Nadal” collection is designed as a condensate of technology for anyone in thrall to performance. The new RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, fourth timepiece in the collection, is fully worthy of its place in this distinguished lineup, to which it brings a patented innovation, namely the butterfly rotor.

 
“In our respective domains, we both seek to achieve excellence. We speak the same language, Richard and I. We’re both passionate about our work. Keeping alive this flame of passion for what we do each day is essential to me. Even though I don’t wear the RM 035 models in competition, it is heart-warming to feel the confidence that he and the teams show in allowing me to participate in this singular adventure,” shares Rafa Nadal.


Following three full years of development, Richard Mille has coaxed from its chrysalis this new system for movement winding which spreads its wings in the RM 35-03. While the Calibre RMAL1 of the RM 35-02 already possessed a variable geometry rotor—a signature component of Richard Mille automatic movements—the new butterfly rotor of the RM 35-03 allows the wearer to directly interact with the rotor’s geometry, controlling the movement’s winding speed based on lifestyle and activity levels, for a complication that is playful and practical in equal measure.

 
“Previously, any modification of the rotor’s geometry needed to be done by one of our licensed watchmakers. We wanted to perfect this system and give wearers the possibility of directly acting on the watch’s winding speed,” explains Salvador Arbona, Technical Director for Movements. “It’s like a driver being able to adjust the transmission style from city use to racetrack by activating the sports mode.”

 
The butterfly rotor consists of two grade 5 titanium arms mounted with heavy metal weight segments, activated by a separate gear train via a dedicated push-piece. In their initial position, the weight segments create a radial displacement of the gravitational centre outward, converting the wearer’s every movement into the torque needed to rewind the barrel. Press the push-piece at 7 o’clock, however, and the rotor’s gears spread the two weights to a 180° angle. The gravitational centre is aligned and the rotor returns to a balanced position, suspending the winding process and thereby preventing excessive winding of the movement.

 
In shifting between modes—from the normal mode that winds the barrel spring to the ‘sports mode’ that suspends the rotor’s activity—pressure on the push-piece prompts the function to deliver haptic feedback, allowing the wearer to actually feel the weight segments springing apart on their wrist. A winding indicator at 6 o’clock on the dial, shows whether the oscillating weight is active (ON) or not (OFF). Rounding off the movement commands is a function selector. At a press of the push-piece at 2 o’clock, the user may shift between winding (W), neutral (N) and time-setting (H) activities.

 
Graceful and ergonomic in its lines, the RM 35-03 is available in two versions—blue Quartz TPT® with a white Quartz TPT® caseband and white Quartz TPT® and Carbon TPT® with a Carbon TPT® caseband—that display cut-outs inspired by the RM 27-04 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. Entirely skeletonised, the movement can be admired from both sides thanks to sapphire crystals on the front and back. The baseplate and bridges, crafted of grade 5 titanium with a grey electroplasma and PVD treatment, further accentuate the bold visual statement of this watch. The openwork hands sweep along the outer flange, also in mi-croblasted grade 5 titanium, punctuated with the numbers 3, 6, 9 and 12 and slanted inward towards the movement to enhance depth.


This elegant exterior visually highlights the technical prowess of the RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal. With this new model and its amazing “butterfly rotor” the wearer can now truly experience their watch as an extension of the body.

 

Rafa Nadal
 

Off court 
 


Rafa Nadal

A gentleman with heart to spare  


A spectacular career. Outstanding achievements. An exceptional culture of victory. No adjective in any language could suffice to describe the mark Rafa Nadal has made on the world of tennis, and beyond. But for all he is high-profile on court, the man with 20 Grand Slam titles to his name is by nature discreet in private life. From the player’s Majorcan roots, to his passions off the court or his commitments to his foundation and academy by way of his strong attachment to his family, we give you a glimpse, here, into another side of Rafa Nadal.

 
Thanks to his fiery temperament, fighting spirit and refusal to give up, the now 35-year-old tennis player has won almost everything on courts the world over. The Titan has certainly experienced periods of doubt — notably due to recalcitrant knee injuries — but every time, he has picked himself up to come back stronger and more forceful. An uncompromising warrior, he nonetheless commands respect for his fair play and the esteem of his peers. A gentleman on the court, Rafa Nadal is just as dignified in everyday life.

“ ‘I don’t know if it’s because I’m Majorcan, but I have a certain inner peace, and outside of sport I’m a quiet individual.”
Rafa Nadal



Family and Majorca
 

Rafa’s safe space  
 

A man with an enormous heart, praised for his kindness and humility, that would be Rafa. Neither victory, nor defeat, neither winning streaks nor injuries have changed Rafa Nadal one iota over the years. Picking up his first major trophies before the age of 20 could have jeopardized his path to glory. But that would have been discounting his protective cocoon, his entourage, his loving and devoted family with whom he takes refuge as soon as he returns to his native island of Majorca.


“Majorca is my home. It’s where I was born, where I have my family and friends, where I live. So, for me it remains the most special place on the planet. All my childhood memories are from there too. It’s the only place in the world where I feel truly at peace, where I can find peace and be with my family. It’s also the place where olives and bread, two of my favourite foods, taste the best!”


His uncle Toni Nadal, the man behind the legend, was his coach throughout 27 years of triumphant victories. This family circle naturally includes his parents, Ana Maria and Sebastián, his sister (and first supporter) María Isabel, and of course, his childhood sweetheart, Maria Francisca Perello, known as “Xisca”, who became his wife in 2019.


Rafa is chary when it comes to revelations about his private life, but respects his commitments and genuinely promotes his partnerships, most of which are long-standing, such as the relationship of trust he has maintained with Richard Mille for more than ten years now. He does not hesitate to share moments of relaxation either, such as a game golf or a poker tournament — two disciplines in which he also excels — or in front of a football match, as a Real Madrid supporter - his uncle Miguel Ángel is a former international player. At the slightest ray of sunshine, alone against the elements or together with friends and family, he enjoys going out to sea more than anything. “I love the sea and I think I could live on the water,” he has been known to say.

 

Giving back
 

And passing on to youth  
 

Rafa keeps his feet firmly on the ground, and they are planted most deeply in Majorca, where he did not await retirement to share his values by creating his foundation and academy. Launched in 2007 by the tennis player and his family, the Rafa Nadal Foundation, of which Richard Mille has been an official partner since 2013, helps underprivileged children and teenagers facing the risk of social exclusion. In 2020, more than 800 children from 3 continents (Europe, Asia and America) benefited from its academic, sports or social and educational support. “My family has always stayed close, they’ve always supported me and I’m aware of how lucky I’ve been,” says the Majorcan. “But that’s not true for everyone. For me, it’s important to give something back, to be an example for young people and for society in general.”

 
Separately, the Rafa Nadal Academy by Movistar opened its doors in 2016 in Manacor. It’s a tennis academy where effort, humility, respect, but also integrity, discipline and commitment are at the heart of the teaching dispensed by no less than Toni Nadal and the entire technical team that brought the Spanish champion to the very top of the professional circuit. Every year, the institution welcomes around 100 players aged between 10 and 18 years old — adult courses are also offered. “Our greatest satisfaction is that these youngsters will be able to perform not only in tennis, of course, but also on an educational and human level,” insisted Rafa at the inauguration.

 
By developing his philanthropic business skills, Rafa Nadal has already prepared for his post-tennis career, even if he has yet to say his last word on the courts.

Rafa Nadal
and Richard Mille
 

Much more than a partnership  
 

It was in 2010 that Rafa Nadal and Richard Mille began to write history together. When they first met two years earlier, Rafa would not even consider wearing a watch during his matches. A decade later, as each of them pushes the boundaries of his discipline ever further, this partnership has seen the birth of exceptional models.

 
“From the beginning, I fell in love with this brand and the people who represent it,” says Rafa. “We both strive for excellence in our respective fields. Richard has been very successful, but he has remained a humble, relaxed and approachable person.” And Richard Mille confirms: “Rafa and I are linked for life. We are together, rain or shine. It’s more than just watchmaking: it’s life!”

 
The fruit of this collaboration, which has developed into a solid friendship over the years, has grown into the RM 027 collection — watches that Rafa wears in play on the courts — and the RM 035 series. These timepieces symbolise the perpetual quest for innovation both men share. The latest model to be unveiled, the RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, once again offers proof by example of an eternal flame.

 
“We speak the same language with Richard. Both of us are equally passionate about our work. Keeping this passion for what we do every day intact is essential for me.
Even if I don’t wear the models from the RM 035 collection in competition, it’s always a pleasure to feel the trust that he and the teams show in me by allowing me to contribute to this adventure.”
Rafa Nadal


 

The butterfly
 

effect  
 

The RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, the fourth watch in the RM 035 Collection, inaugurates a new winding mechanism christened the “butterfly rotor”. This patented invention hands direct control over the automatic movement’s winding to the wearer. It is a brand new way to stay in touch with your watch under all circumstances.

 
At Richard Mille, the watch has always been considered a practical accessory that should be useful and totally reliable, whatever its owner may be doing. Inspired by the collection of RM 027 tourbillon watches worn by Rafa Nadal on the tennis courts, the RM 035 Collection of “baby Nadal” watches has been designed as a concentration of technology at the service of performance and those who deliver it. To be worn without moderation and without compromise.

 
The RM 35-03 demonstrates this same thirst for innovation, expressed as constant improvements to the horological “drive train”. This time, the technical team focused on the movement’s winding mechanism. The RM 35-02, with its RMAL1 calibre, already incorporated the Manufacture’s patented variable-geometry rotor, as much a signature feature of Richard Mille’s automatic movements. With the RM 35-03 Automatic Rafael Nadal, the firm’s engineers revolutionised the notion of variable geometry with a complication that is in equal measure playful and practical.

“The two weights that snap open to halt the winding of the ‘motor’ really bring out the sporty aspect of this watch.”
Salvador Arbona, movement technical Director


Long live
 

the barrel!  
 

The variable-geometry rotor makes it possible to adjust the calibre’s winding speed to a wearer’s level of activity. Positioning the rotor’s two vanes towards the periphery modifies the inertia of the oscillating weight by displacing its centre of gravity, which has the effect of speeding up the barrel’s winding, useful if the wearer is not very active. Conversely, winding is slowed when the two vanes are positioned near the rotor’s axis, in the event of intense sports activity. However, any modification to the rotor’s geometry must be made by an accredited watchmaker. “We wanted to optimise this system by giving the wearer the chance to directly control of the winding of their watch,” explains Salvador Arbona, technical Director for movements. “Just like a driver can adapt the responsiveness of their car to suit urban use or to boost performance on the track by deactivating or activating the sport mode.”

In automatic-winding movements, once the spring has been fully wound by the rotation of the oscillating weight, the bridle affixed to one end slides along the inside wall of the barrel in order to prevent harmful overwinding. “The less this bridle comes into play, the more we extend the life of the barrel and its spring”, adds Salvador Arbona. “Obviously, however, this principle is for naught if the rotor continues to turn at full speed when the watch is worn by someone practising a sport. Reflecting on this put us on the track that led to the butterfly rotor.”

 

Three years
 

of development  
 

Technically, the new butterfly rotor is an extension of the variable-geometry rotor. It consists of two arms in grade 5 titanium bearing weight segments made of heavy metal, activated by an independent gear train that is controlled by a push-piece. In their initial positions, the weights cause a radial displacement of the centre of gravity towards the periphery, which generates the torque required to wind the barrel from every movement. At a press of the push-piece at 7 o’clock, the gear train fans out the two weights to 180°, bringing the centre of gravity to the rotor’s axis. With the two weights cancelling each other out, the balanced rotor loses its power to wind the watch.

When passing from one mode to the other—from the normal mode that winds the mainspring to the ‘sport mode’ which suspends the rotor’s activity—the function responds to pressure applied to the push-piece with haptic feedback that lets the wearer feel the unfolding of the two weights in their wrist. In addition, a winding indicator located at 6 o’clock on the dial makes it possible to see whether the oscillating weight is active (ON) or not (OFF). A function selector, located at 2 o’clock, completes the movement’s control system. With a press of the pusher at 2 o’clock, the user passes from winding (W), to the neutral position (N) and to hand-setting (H).

 
It took three years of development to finalise the butterfly rotor mechanism. This includes the time required for purely technical development of the mechanism and overcoming the difficulty of incorporating an additional gear train into the movement, plus the time to ensure the reliability of a mechanism, including components that had become mobile, synonymous with new validations. Indeed, all these new developments, like the finished watch, undergo a battery of harsh tests: shocks, ageing, temperature changes, magnetic fields... A long and rigorous process, but absolutely necessary to ensure the quality of the product.

“Validation of Richard Mille watches comprises much more than simply measurements made on the watches in a static position; we also apply dynamic acceleration tests, in particular for the g-force.”
Salvador Arbona


Casing to
 

perfection  
 

The exterior of the RM 35-03 perfectly complements these technical criteria with its elegant and ergonomic aesthetic. Available in two versions – blue Quartz TPT® with a caseband in white Quartz TPT® or white Quartz TPT® and Carbon TPT® with caseband in Carbon TPT® – the model has recesses like those of the RM 27-04 Tourbillon Rafael Nadal. Fully skeletonised, the movement can be admired from both sides through its front and back sapphire crystals. The grade 5 titanium, baseplate and bridges, of highly stylised design, are grey electroplasma and PVD treated to accentuate the watch’s visual character. The open-worked hands point towards a flange also made of microblasted grade 5 titanium, punctuated with the numerals 3, 6, 9 and 12, which slant inwards to create even more depth. This elegant exterior forcefully highlights the technical aspect of the RM 35-03 Rafael Nadal.

 
“This new function, which you can actually feel in the wrist when the two weights instantly unfold on activation by means of the push-piece, has given rise to a truly innovative approach to the watch,” concludes Salvador Arbona. “The styling of the case, the transparency of the movement... in this RM 35-03, which, in technical terms, represents a major step forward in the RM 035 collection, all the characteristics typical of Richard Mille are to be found.”

CASE IN CARBON TPT® AND QUARTZ TPT®
The case is made of Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT®, materials that offer incomparable performance. Their impeccable surfaces bearing elegant streaks are composed of many layers of parallel filaments obtained by separating fibres of silica or carbon.

FUNCTION SELECTOR (2 O’CLOCK)
The function selector completes the movement’s control system. A simple press of the push-button located at 2 o’clock serves to toggle between the neutral (N), winding (W) or hand-setting (H) function. A hand on the dial at 2 o’clock displays the selected function.

SPORT MODE (7 O’CLOCK)
A press on the pusher located at 7 o’clock causes the butterfly rotor to unfold its vanes. This modifies the rotor’s inertia and suspends the winding process during exertion such as sport. A further press on the push-button re-engages the rotor and the movement’s winding. Correct energy input to the barrel is critical for the watch to function optimally.

ON/OFF INDICATOR (6 O’CLOCK)
The movement’s winding mechanism can be optimised on demand. An indicator located at 6 o’clock lets the user know whether the rotor is working (ON) or disengaged (OFF). In ON mode, the rotor is engaged with the mechanism and winds the barrel. In OFF mode, the two weights are uncoupled and the rotor is no longer active.

 

The RM 035 collection
 

A concentrate of creativity  
 

The RM 035 collection revolves around a big “C” for Creativity, but also “C” for the Chronofiable® certification of the RM 035, for the Carbon TPT® that houses the RM 35-01 and for the automatic Calibre that drives the RM 35-02.

 

C for
Chronofiable®
 

RM 035
2011 
 

 
With its case made of an extremely robust and light alu-magnesium alloy, the RM 035 immediately set out a distinct style for the collection, typified by its highly architectural, skeletonised movement in titanium weighing a mere 4.3 grams. A sure sign of its sporty character, this RM 035 is the first and only Richard Mille watch to be certified Chronofiable®. This test, developed by the Reliability Test Centre of the Swiss Watchmaking Industry consists in subjecting a watch to accelerated ageing cycles reproducing effects equivalent to six months of wear in 21 days.

On the programme: initial checks on functions, running, amplitude and autonomy, tests at temperatures ranging from 0° to 50°C, water-resistance tests, an ageing cycle consisting of linear and angular accelerations in the form of 20,000 shocks, and a final inspection. With this certification, Richard Mille has proven that the performance of its RMUL1 calibre can remain intact under the most extreme conditions.

 

C for
Carbone TPT®
 

RM 35-01
2014 
 

 
It was the watches developed in honour of Rafa Nadal that premiered a new material for Richard Mille and the watchmaking world, Carbon TPT®, used for the first time in the RM 35-01. A material exclusive to Richard Mille in the realm of watchmaking, Carbon TPT® has a moiré visual aspect and consists of innumerable layers of parallel filaments, impregnated with resin then superimposed at an angle of 45° between layers before being heated to 120 °C in an autoclave.

The result is a material of exceptional properties in terms of lightness, rigidity and resistance to physical and thermal shocks. The skeletonised RMUL3 calibre of the RM 35-01, beating at 4 Hz, provides similarly exceptional robustness, with bridges and baseplate in PVD-treated, grade 5 titanium. Tested under extreme conditions, notably with impacts in excess of 5,000 g, it meets the standards of a collection designed to take the harshest sports situations in stride.

 

C for a calibre
that is automatic
 

RM 35-02
2016 
 

 
The RM 35-02 is the first Rafa watch to receive an automatic movement, the RMAL1 hours, minutes and seconds calibre, equipped with the patented Richard Mille variable-geometry rotor. Its special feature? You can adjust the position of the rotor’s vanes to alter the inertia, making it possible to accelerate the winding process if the wearer remains relatively static or, on the contrary, to slow it down in the event of intense sports activity.

 
The skeletonised movement’s baseplate and bridges are made of microblasted PVD/Titalyt®-coated grade 5 titanium, ensuring a high degree of rigidity. Thanks to exhaustive validation tests to optimise their resistance, they can withstand accelerations of up to 5,000 g, a shock equivalent to a one metre fall onto a hard surface. In another first in this collection, the caseback is protected by a sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment, to contemplate the calibre from all angles.

 

Richard Mille
 

A world of innovations  
 

From its beginnings in 2001, Richard Mille has presented a great number of inventions several of which have been patented. Combining their technical complexity with appreciable comfort and ease of use is a constant focus of these developments. This creative spirit, placed at the service of technical and high-performance watchmaking has made it possible to add new chapters to the history of watchmaking.

 

Patented
 

Inventions  
 

THE DECLUTCHABLE ROTOR
In an automatic watch, the mainspring is attached to the barrel shaft at one end. Once the spring is at maximum tension, the bridle affixed at the other end slides along the inside wall of the barrel, generating friction and harmful micro-debris. To avoid these inconveniences, which only increase if the wearer is active, Richard Mille spent four years developing a rotor capable of uncoupling automatically. The mechanism detaches itself from the winding mechanism when the mainspring is optimally wound and the power reserve indicator displays 50 hours. Conversely, when the power reserve reads 40 hours, the rotor re-engages and the watch enters its winding phase.

THE DOUBLE OSCILLATING PINIONS
A traditional chronograph draws its energy from that of the gear train via a clutch mechanism. This reliable and rapid system, which has amply proved itself, drew its energy from the seconds wheel until the inventive curiosity of the Richard Mille technical department succeeded in reinventing it by disconnecting the chronograph completely from the time-display clockwork via a double clutch mechanism with oscillating pinions, patented by the firm. This pinion, which engages with or disengages from the gear teeth, has been twinned, with one for the minutes and another for the seconds. Torque transfers to the minutes and hours counters respectively take place directly on the barrel, a much more productive source. The new coupling takes up less space and is both more robust and more logical with regard to energy transfers...

RAPID WINDING
The Richard Mille rapid-winding mechanism complements both the movement’s automatic winding and manual winding using the crown. In the event that the watch stops, 125 presses on the dedicated push-piece suffice to fully wind the watch. This function is ideal for getting a watch up and running again if it has not been worn for a long time.

THE g SENSOR
The scientific unit of acceleration (weight due to gravity) is designated “g” and serves, for example, to measure forces endured by the watches worn by sports players in disciplines like automobile racing or golf, for instance. Richard Mille has integrated this information into its watches via a g sensor. This patented 17 mm device, comprising about fifty components and mounted directly on the baseplate, provides a visual display of the number of g experienced by the watch’s wearer at a given moment through a principle of mass in translation.

THE LOCKING CROWN
For diving watches, safety is of paramount importance. Even without errors in manipulation, the pressure exerted on the push-pieces in deep waters is so great that it can activate them, not to mention the possibility of manipulation errors. The locking crown developed by Richard Mille to avoid these potentially dangerous mishaps ensures perfect water-resistance to a depth of 300 metres. Not only does its coloured index make it possible to identify the crown’s position a simple twist of the ring suffices to disable the crown and push-pieces.

 

Innovations
 

 
 

FUNCTION SELECTOR
Designed to resemble a gear lever, the function selector makes it possible to shift from the neutral position to winding, date-setting, time-adjusting or, depending on the models, to other functions such as an alarm, all at the press of a button. The push-piece may be located on the crown or the caseband. The selected function is indicated by means of a hand on the dial. This mechanism eliminates the need to tug on the crown to access various functions, bearing in mind that excessive handling can damage the winding stem.

VIBRATING ALARM
A development five years in the making, the Richard Mille vibrating alarm can trigger a vibrating signal at a programmed time. This is achieved by causing an oscillating weight to turn at the considerable speed of 5,400 rpm. The brand’s engineers made sure that this frequency causes no interference with the movement’s other components. The maximum duration of the vibration, which draws its energy from a dedicated barrel, is 12 seconds.

MULTIPLE TIME ZONE ADJUSTMENT MECHANISM
The universal time (UTC) function on Mille watches is controlled by a rotating bezel that has a gear dedicated to engaging with the movement’s hours wheel. The time zone required is thus selected by turning the bezel. When the wearer positions the name of the city they are located near at at 12 o’clock, the mechanism automatically sets the local time, while simultaneously displaying the time in each of the other 23 time zones, represented by the city names inscribed on the 24-hour graduated flange that bears a coloured day/night indication.

 

Richard Mille
RM 35-03 Automatic
Rafael Nadal

Technical specifications


Two models:
  • In white Quartz TPT® and Carbon TPT® with the caseband in Carbon TPT®
  • In blue Quartz TPT® with the caseband in white Quartz TPT®
Calibre RMAL2: Skeletonised automatic-winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds, patented butterfly rotor, sport mode and function selector.

Case dimensions: 43.15 x 49.95 x 13.15 mm


Main features

 


Power reserve: Circa 55 hours (±10%).

Baseplate and bridges in grade 5 titanium
Manufacturing these components in grade 5 titanium with black PVD and electroplasma treatments confers great rigidity on the entire assembly, as well as precise surface flatness, essential for perfect functioning of the gear train. The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges were subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimise their stress resistance.

Function selector
In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, a push-button located at 2 o’clock allows one to select the winding, neutral and hand-setting functions with a simple push. A hand at 2 o’clock displays the selected function.

Butterfly rotor
Patented by Richard Mille, the butterfly rotor offers the wearer the possibility of varying the rotor geometry by themselves, controlling the winding of the movement according to their lifestyle and sporting activities.

Rotor specifications
  • Arm in grade 5 titanium
  • Metal weight segment
  • Ceramic ball bearings
  • Unidirectional; anti-clockwise winding direction
The butterfly rotor is made up of two weights in grade 5 titanium and metal. In their initial position, the weights cause a radial displacement of the center of gravity, generating the necessary torque to wind the barrel. With a simple pressure on the pusher at 7 o’clock, a gear train dedicated to the rotor deploys the two weights at 180°. The center of gravity is then brought back to the center, bringing the rotor into balance, canceling its winding power and thus any excessive winding of the calibre.

Sport mode
This invention allows the movement’s winding mechanism to be optimised on demand. An ON/OFF indicator located at 6 o’clock allows the owner to see the status of the rotor, if it is activated or not.

By pressing the pusher at 7 o’clock, the butterfly rotor in grade 5 titanium spreads its wings. Once deployed, the rotor’s inertia is modified and stops the winding process in the case of sporting activities. By applying pressure once again to the pusher, the rotor will be functional and wind the movement.

Automatic watches self-wind from wrist movements; too much activity or a lack of activity can have detrimental effects on the power held within the winding barrel. A correct power supply in the barrel is essential for a watch’s optimal functioning.

Functioning
ON mode
The rotor is joined and winds the barrel.
OFF mode
Both weights are deployed. The rotor is no longer functional.

Free-sprung balance with variable inertia
This type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation. It guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shocks and during movement assembly and disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time.
The regulator index is eliminated and a more accurate and repeatable adjustment is possible, thanks to 4 small, adjustable weights located directly on the balance.

Double-barrel system
The double-barrel system contributes to torque stability over a longer period. This is achieved by dispersing the stored energy across two winding barrels, equalising torque as well as reducing friction on the bearings and pivots, resulting in improved long-term performance.

Spline screws in grade 5 titanium for the bridges and case
This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.



Other features

 

  • Movement dimensions: 31.25 x 29.45 mm
  • Thickness: 5.92 mm
  • Jewels: 38
  • Barrel arbour: in AP 20 steel
  • Balance: Glucydur®, 2 arms and 4 setting weights, moment of inertia 4.8 mg•cm², angle of lift 53°
  • Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
  • Balance spring: Elinvar
  • Shock protection: INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 (transparent)

Case in quartz TPT® and carbon TPT®
Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT® are exclusive materials with a unique appearance. Their remarkable surface displays elegant striations, as they are composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by dividing carbon fibres or silica threads.

These layers, with a maximum thickness of 45 microns, are impregnated with resin then woven on a special machine that modifies the direction of the weft by 45° between layers. Heated to 120°C at a pressure of 6 bars, these materials are then ready to be processed on a CNC machine at Richard Mille’s case factory.

The case is water resistant to 50 metres, ensured by two Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.

Crown
In grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT® with O-ring seal in rubber.

Interior flanges
Upper flange: the hours index points filled with approved luminous material
Lower flange: in microblasted grade 5 titanium black treated

Crystal
  • Bezel side: In sapphire (1,800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
    Thickness: 1.50 mm
  • Back side: In sapphire (1,800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
    Thickness: 1.20 mm

Finishing

 

Movement
  • Baseplate in wet-sandblasted grade 5 titanium, grey electroplasma treated
  • Bridges in hand-ground grade 5 titanium, wet-sandblasted and Titalyt® or PVD treated
  • Locking sections hand polished
  • Burnished pivots
  • Pinions with undercuts
Steel parts
  • Screw slot and screw bevelled and polished with rounded and polished tip
  • Straight line grain finish of the upper surface
  • Lower surfaces microblasted
Wheels
  • Circular-grained, diamond-cut angles and rhodium-plated wheels bevelled (before cutting the teeth)
  • Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
EN FR
Manufactures