Three new limited-edition models in technically advanced ceramic, with radiant multi-material guilloché dials embody the RM 07-01 collection’s no-compromise approach to aesthetics and performance, combining the very highest levels of mechanical watchmaking, movement engineering and decorative finish.

Each of the three models in the new RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection, set apart by brand new case colour and graphic dial elements, is limited to an edition of 50 timepieces. The RM 07-01 Pastel Blue, RM 07-01 Pastel Pink and RM 07-01 Pastel Lavender are shots of sheer summer delight, housed in cases of ceramic and animated by the automatic CRMA2 in-house movement.

The segmented central dial plates are assembled from inserts of ceramic, geometrically patterned rubber and — a first for Richard Mille hand-crafted guillochage.

Guillochage is a decorative craft that has its origins in the 16^th century. In its most authentic form, dial guillochage consists of individual repeating lines, cut by a hand-turned lathe, that intersect and overlap to create a graphic motif. Practitioners of this art, known as guillocheurs, can train for decades before they are considered masters of their craft.

Seen today in watches of classical style, Director of Creation and Development Cécile Guenat, considered incorporating this within a Richard Mille watch but with a unique fresh pop of energy. Therefore, in typical Richard Mille fashion, the RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramic models have taken this centuries-old technique and applied it in creative ways that demonstrate the brand’s ability to subvert established ideas.

The rhodium-plated red-gold dial element at the center of each RM 07-01 is a segment of a larger pattern, a motif that is part botanical with six lobbed, part sunburst, part Art Deco and all Richard Mille. Their lines subtly align with the floating hour markers on the microblasted titanium flange.

Surrounding the guilloché dial segment and reinforcing the theme of modernity blended with tradition, are geometrically shaped elements of ceramic and rubber, in perfect complement with the ceramic case and bi-colour rubber straps.

There are three colour variations within the RM 07-01 Coloured Ceramics collection — TZP pink ceramic with cerulean-lilac rubber strap, TZP lavender ceramic with coral-tangerine rubber strap, and TZP blue ceramic with olive-aqua rubber strap.

In deciding on the colours and textures of these new models, Cécile Guenat and her team worked through multiple versions before arriving at these final configurations. “I was inspired by the Art Deco architecture you see in Miami, these pastel colours and bold patterns that are so distinctive and convey such an amazing vibe and attitude.”

 

The use of new coloured ceramic in the larger family of RM 07-01 watches is above all playful and energetic but is anchored by its exceptional performance as a case material. TZP ceramic is light, hypoallergenic, durable and virtually scratch-proof, thanks to its zirconium oxide composition and sintering manufacture process.

 

This level of performance is perfectly matched with the automatic in-house calibre CRMA2, made of microblasted and electroplasma treated titanium and capturing its power from a 5N red gold variable-geometry rotor that maintains the watch optimally wound at all times.

 

Together with the bright energy of the bi-colour rubber straps and the hand-finished sheen of the gold guilloché dial, the ceramic cases of the new RM 07-01 make for three of the most enjoyable Richard Mille watches.

Collection of 3 watches, each limited at 50 pieces

Calibre CRMA2: Skeletonised automatic winding movement with hours, minutes and variable-geometry rotor.

Case dimensions: 31.40 x 45.23 x 11.85 mm



Power Reserve: Circa 50 hours (±10%)

Baseplate and bridges made of grade 5 titanium
Microblasted 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 treated. The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure optimal strength requirements.

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 also 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.

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.

Variable-geometry rotor
The RM 07-01 uses variable geometry to optimize the rotor’s winding motion.
Rotor specifications:

• Heavy external outside edge and heavy edge ring in 5N red gold
  
• Weight segment in heavy metal
  
• Ceramic ball bearings
  
• Automatic winding system OneWay® with ball bearings
  
• Bidirectional winding system

This rotor with variable inertia has been incorporated into the CRMA2 calibre as it allows the rotor to be set according to the owner’s activity level. The setting is modified by adjusting the 2 weights which can be moved into the correct position and fixed in place by spline screws.

Gear teeth profile

The entire going train of the watch, the primary transmitter of power throughout the movement, utilises a pressure angle of 20 ̊ for the teeth of the wheel. This system equalises any discrepancies that might arise between the centre of each wheel, for instance during thermal changes and normal use, and promotes an excellent transmission of torque to the balance wheel, thus supporting excellent chronometric characteristics.

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.

• Movement dimensions: 29.90 x 22.00 mm
  
• Thickness: 4.92 mm
  
• Jewels: 25
  
• Balance: CuBe, 4 arms, 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)

Case
The design and execution of the watch demonstrates a complete conceptual approach to the movement, case and dial. As a result, everything has been constructed according to extremely rigorous specifications and in complete harmony.

Richard Mille has turned to new coloured ceramics for these RM 07-01 bezels: Blush pink TZP ceramic for the RM 07-01 Pastel Pink, lavender pink TZP ceramic for the RM 07-01 Pastel Lavender and powder blue TZP ceramic for the RM 07-01 Pastel Blue.

Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal is a biocompatible ceramic constituted of over 95% zirconia (ZrO2). Its properties include remarkable corrosion resistance, a hardness providing scratch resistance (1,400 Vickers) and toughness superior to that of sapphire, associated with a desirably low density of around 6 g/cm³. The submicron grain size furthermore permits excellent surface finish for a stunning matt effect.

A long and difficult machining and grinding process using diamond tools is necessary to create the complex forms of the bezels. The casebands are made of microblasted white gold with hand-polished pillars.

The three-part case is water resistant to 50 metres ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.

Dial
In rhodium plated 5N red gold with a guilloché center surrounded by microblasted ceramic and colored rubber appliqués. Thickness: 1.00 mm

Crystal

• Bezel 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: 0.95 mm at the centre; outer edges 1.62 mm

Interior flange
In microblasted grade 5 titanium, index points filled with approved luminous material.


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)