Richard Mille RM 037 White Ceramic Automatic
Richard Mille RM 037 White Ceramic Automatic
Purity and warmth
January 17th, 2021
A symbol of purity. A perpetual pleasure to wear.
The suave successor in the RM 037 collection, this new interpretation in white ceramic is the latest addition to the Richard Mille women’s collection. This model combines white ceramic, mother-of-pearl and white gold for the very first time in a gently voluptuous combination.
A lengthy, delicate machining and diamond grinding process is required to create the complex shapes of the white ATZ ceramic bezel and caseback showcased by a matt finish. This ATZ ceramic is based on aluminium oxide powder tubes injected at a pressure of 2,000 bar. This high-pressure injection increases rigidity by 20-30% and reduces the material’s porosity to an absolute minimum. Hypo- allergenic and one of the hardest materials in the world after diamond, ATZ ceramic is valued for its remarkable resistance to scratches, shocks and abrasion, as well as for its eternal whiteness, making it the perfect material for a watch case.
The warm shine on the highly polished rim highlights the tonneau-shaped case. The pillars, which are also polished, accentuate the supreme elegance of the satin white gold caseband. The overall effect is further heightened by the mother-of-pearl and diamonds embellishing the dial.
This piece, whose whiteness is equalled only by its purity, has all the technical characteristics that ensure this collection is held in high regard, beginning with its skeletonised automatic-winding in-house movement.
With a baseplate and bridges in black PVD-treated grade 5 titanium, it has an oversize date display at 12 o’clock as well as a function selector at 4 o’clock, used to select between winding (W), neutral (N) and hand setting (H) actions without having to touch the crown. The two push-buttons in polished white gold are respectively attributed to setting the date and the above-listed functions.
The architecture of the crown, featuring a patented stem-crown assembly, guarantees complete protection; no longer connected to the watch movement, it is instead part of the case, removing all risk of snapping. The mechanism makes it possible to admire every detail of the Richard Mille CRMA1 calibre and its red gold variable-geometry rotor, visible through the sapphire glass.
In addition to its highly desirable, brand-speci c architecture and functionality, the unparalleled sophistication of the elegant and re ned RM 037 Automatic in white ceramic makes it an astute addition to the women’s watch range.
Richard Mille
RM 037 White Ceramic Automatic
In-house calibre CRMA1: Skeletonised automatic movement with hours, minutes, adjustable rotor geometry, oversize date and function selector.
Dimensions: 52.63 x 34.40 x 13.00 mm
Power reserve: Circa 50 hours (±10%)
Baseplate and bridges made of grade 5 titaniumMicroblasted grade 5 titanium with electroplasma treatment gives great rigidity to the baseplate, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train. Bridges are also in grade 5 titanium, microblasted and electroplasma treatment.
The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure optimal strength requirements.
Free-sprung balance with variable inertiaThis type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation. It guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shocks and during movement assembly or disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated, and a more accurate and repeatable calibration is possible thanks to 4 small, adjustable weights located directly on the balance.
Variable-geometry rotorThe RM 037 uses variable geometry to optimise the rotor’s winding motion.
Rotor specifications:- Heavy external outside edge and heavy edge ring in ARCAP
- Weight segment in heavy metal
- Ceramic ball bearings
- Automatic winding system OneWay® with ceramic ball bearings
- Bidirectional winding system
This variable-geometry rotor has been incorporated within the in-house CRMA1 calibre, making it possible to set the rotor according to the owner’s activity level.
The setting is modified by adjusting the two moveable weights into the correct position and fixing them in place with spline screws. The inertia of the movement is increased when the two weights are closer together; the barrel then rewinds more quickly. If the weights are positioned at the extremities of the rotor, the inertia is decreased and the barrel winds more slowly.
Oversize date displaySemi-instantaneous, horizontally placed under 12 o’clock, functioning via two skeletonised calendar discs over a white field. The date can be easily corrected via the pusher located at 10 o’clock.
Function selectorA push-button located at 4 o’clock allows one to select the winding, neutral and hand setting functions with a simple push in a manner similar to a car’s gearbox. An aperture located at 4 o’clock shows the function selected: W (Winding) - N (Neutral) - H (Hand Setting).
Fast-rotating barrel (5 hours per revolution instead of 7.5 hours)
This type of barrel provides the following advantages:
- The phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion is significantly diminished, thereby increasing performance,
- Provision of an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance and regularity ratio.
Gear teeth profileThe entire going train of the watch, the primary transmitter of power throughout the movement, utilises a special profile for the teeth of the wheels that ensures a 20° pressure angle. This system equalises any discrepancies that might arise among the centres of the various wheels, for instance due to thermal changes and normal use, and promotes the smooth transmission of torque to the balance wheel, thus supporting excellent chronometric results.
Spline screws in grade 5 titanium for the movement and caseThis 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.
- Movement dimensions: 28.00 x 22.90 mm
- Thickness: 4.82 mm
- Jewels: 25
- Balance: CuBe, 4 arms and 4 setting screws, moment of inertia 7.5 mg•cm², angle of lift 50°
- Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
- Balance spring: AK3
- Shock protection: INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 (transparent)
- Escapement wheel jewels: Rubifix (transparent)
CaseThe design and execution of the watch demonstrates a highly conceptual holistic approach to the movement, case and dial.
The CRMA1 in-house calibre is highlighted by the combination of white gold for the caseband and ATZ white ceramic for the bezel and caseback. It is made of aluminum oxide powder injected under a pressure of 2,000 bars. This high-pressure injection process increases the rigidity of the material by 20-30%, while reducing its porosity. ATZ ceramic, which is hypoallergenic, is one of the hardest materials in the world after diamond and it is known for its resistance to scratches (1,400 Vickers), shocks and friction. The ceramic is worked for a long time to give it a matt appearance.
The white gold caseband is satin finished with polished pillars.
The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 metres, ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
Patented stem-crown constructionThis designed crown allows the integrity of the movement to be fully guaranteed and protected from external influences, since it does not use a classical crown attachment going into the depth of the movement’s heart. The result is that the crown is virtually impossible to dislodge and yet it is easily inserted and removed under the skillful hands of the watchmaker when needed; a typical view towards longevity that typifies the brand’s philosophy. An ideal solution for the long-term protection of the movement.
Upper flangeIn carbon fibre; index points filled with approved luminous material.
CrystalBezel side
In sapphire (1,800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: 1.60 mm
Caseback
In sapphire with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: at the center 0.95 mm and outer edges 1.66 mm
Movement- Microblasted anglage
- Microblasted milled section
- Microblasted sinks
- Electroplasma treatment for the baseplate and the bridges
Steel parts- Satin finished surfaces
- Anglage hand polished
- Hand polished sinks
- Burnished sections
Profile-turning- Lapped and polished ends
- Burnished pivots
- Post faces polished
Wheels- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
- Diamond polished angles
- Circular finished faces
- Rhodium-plating (before cutting the teeth)