The RM 035 Rafael Nadal is the first Richard Mille watch Chronofiable® certified, which represents a new milestone in the conquest for long lasting performance in extreme conditions. The Chronofiable® test is devised by the Laboratoire Dubois (developed at the beginning of the 1980s by the CCF SA – centre de contrôle de la fiabilité de l’horlogerie Suisse –, taken over in 1985 by the Laboratoire Dubois SA) to expose timepieces to an accelerated ageing test simulating over 21 days, the equivalent of 6 months effective wear. This is achieved by the execution of a long series of tests such as the initial monitoring of the movement functions, an additional rate, the amplitude test taken at two temperature levels (0°C and 50°C), the monitoring of the power reserve and the winding velocity. Included in this artificial ageing cycle test are extensive linear and angular accelerations. The RM 035 is a by-product of the RM 027 tourbillon, with which tennis world number one Rafael Nadal won in 2010 the trio of Masters tournaments (Roland Garros, Wimbledon and Flushing Meadows) and Roland Garros in 2011. The skeletonization process of the RM 035 movement, which weighs in at a mere 4.3 grams, took one year to finalize, as there could be no compromise in the movement’s strength or ability to withstand shocks under the rigors of Chronofiable® certification. The PVD treated, skeletonized titanium baseplate, with combined bridges and balance-cock with Titalyt® treatment, ensures excellent rigidity and accurate surface flatness. Everything has been constructed according to an extremely rigorous specification, in the manner of the analytical engineering methods used in the design of Formula 1 racing cars where the chassis and the engine are developed in complete harmony. For example, a casing ring is no longer used and the movement is mounted on chassis mounting rubbers (ISO SW) fixed by 4 titanium screws. This shows the emphasis placed on no compromising regarding the high level of quality.
The RM 035 case is made of an extremely rugged and light alloy called magnesium WE 54 and Aluminum 2000. Magnesium WE 54, used for the caseband, is an alloy composed of 89 % magnesium, 6 % Yttrium and 5 % Rare Earths. Magnesium is one of the lightest metals used in construction and has excellent property retention capacities at elevated temperatures. The mechanical properties of magnesium WE 54 are more isotropic than conventional magnesium alloys. The bezel and back are made of Aluminum 2000, an aluminum and copper alloy. It is frequently used to machine F1 pistons because of its extreme resistance to mechanical pressure and high temperatures. After a long and delicate machining phase, theses alloys are given a new electro-plasma oxidation treatment called Miarox®. The resulting coating is a cristalline oxide ceramic with an exceptional resistance. The blackish color is due to light-resistant spinels that are chemically inert. This improves both the durability and scratch resistance of this alloy, as well as its wear and corrosion properties. This treatment applied to magnesium WE 54 and Aluminum 2000 is biocompatible and is used in aerospace, automotive industries and the medical sector.
With American golfer Bubba Watson joining Felipe Massa and Rafael Nadal as Richard Mille partner, the brand enters the world of professional golf, a domain that also portrays high performance and precision. Bubba Watson stands out from the crowd with his unique personality. The charismatic golfer from Florida has enjoyed repeated success since wearing the Richard Mille RM 038 at each tournament in 2011 (he won his third PGA Tour event in ten months, on Sunday May 1st at the Zurich Classic of New Orleans). The tourbillon RM 038 Bubba Watson has been especially created to be able to work in golf’s specific conditions with three objectives : lightness, extreme shock resistance and comfort. The RM 038 encloses a skeletonized caliber, with a manual-winding tourbillon. Its baseplate, bridges and balance cock are made of grade 5 titanium in order to provide a great rigidity to the whole assembly as well as a precise surface flatness. The fast rotating barrel ensures a significant reduction of periodic internal mainspring adhesion; which further increases performances. The RM 038 case is made of an extremely rugged and light alloy called magnesium WE 54. which is given a Miarox® treatment improving even more both hardness and resistance.
Gemsetting is a rare enough feature on Richard Mille watches to ensure it cannot be regarded as a mere cosmetic touch of added value. The origins of the inspiration behind this new tourbillon set with precious stones go back to the timeless themes of nature, the evolution of time, and the goddess Gaia. The serpent’s association with the realm of good or evil varies according to different beliefs and mythological interpretations. The positive properties of the pure black Onyx composing the baseplate of the RM 026 divert it from the dark side of the force and endow it with a protective mission. Coiled around the precious tourbillon, these two snakes – one set with diamonds and rubies; and the other adorned with diamonds, emeralds and a red coral tongue, symbolize the all-powerful guardians of a treasure to be protected and revered. Above and beyond such metaphors, the complexity of the case calls for 255 cutting operations; the torque limiting crown is associated with a safety system serving to avoid any forced winding; and this 15-unique model in white gold boasts a new power-reserve display using a differential system directly linked to the barrel featuring a red line indicating the available autonomy (between 10 and 11 o’clock). As on all Richard Mille watches, the sturdiest materials are given pride of place right through to the heart of the movement, including a ceramic endstone for the tourbillon carriage, grade 5 titanium bridges and interior flange in carbon fiber with diamond hour-markers. All the movement parts are enhanced with hand finishing. How can one resist biting into this particularly tempting fruit ?

 

 

RM 026 tourbillon  (right)
Case : 18k white gold gem-set case, sapphire case back, crown in ceramic Diameter : 45 mm x 39.70 mm x 12.60 mm. Movement : hand-wound mechanical movement (RM026 caliber with 48h power reserve), Black Onyx baseplate, bridges in grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment, free sprung balance with variable inertia, ceramic endstone for the tourbillon cage Functions : hours, minutes and power reserve Dial : ruby & diamond encrusted 18k white gold snake and emerald & diamond encrusted 18k white gold snake with red coral tongue  Water resistance : 50m

 

RM 033 extra flat automatic (left)
Case : titanium (also available in 18k white gold or red gold, see next page), sapphire case back, crown in ceramic Diameter : 45.70 mm x 6.30 mm. Movement : self-winding mechanical movement (RMXP1 caliber with 42h power reserve), monoblock micro rotor, free sprung balance with variable inertia, skeletonized baseplate, bridges and balance cock in titanium, sandblasted and rhodium-plating, beveled wheels (before cutting the teeth) Functions : hours, minutes Dial : sapphire, flange in carbon fiber. Water resistance : 30m

 

An extra flat movement is something most subtle and elegant in the world of horology since the expertise of the watchmaker resides in achieving something almost invisible. The constraints of producing this model are made even more challenging given the limited space available. In the case of the automatic extra flat wristwatch the RM 033, one of its characteristic lies in the placement of the RMXP1 caliber’s automatic micro rotor to the side rather than the center of the movement, thus saving precious millimeters in total height. As a result, this movement has a diameter of 33.00 mm while its thickness is only of 2.60 mm. To provide perfect weight distribution for this decentral rotor to function optimally, it has been designed to wind bi-directionally and is manufactured from solid Platinum, allowing for efficient winding as well as compact dimensions of the extra flat skeletonized movement. The caliber RMXP1 has a free sprung balance with variable inertia (the ultimate in innovation), guaranteeing greater reliability when subjected to shock and also during movement assembly and disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time.

 

Charged with positive feelings

As in Formula 1, tennis and golf, polo is an extreme sport requiring physical performance and endurance. Constantly in search for new testing grounds, Richard Mille decided to get involved in this sport to address new technical challenges and test innovative solutions in the world of Haute Horlogerie.
Pablo Mac Donough began playing polo at only 6 years old in the “Nueva Escocia Polo Ranch”, Buenos Aires, where Pablo’s father breads his own horses. He played as a pro soon after he finished high school and became at 23 years old part of «La Irenita» where the breeding program for polo horses is held. His career was kicked off in 2001 when he won the “Camara de Diputados Cup” in Buenos Aires. In 2003 he began playing for Ellerstina, one of the best Argentinean Polo teams of the last decade, where he played eight seasons and won the 2010 Argentinean Triple Crown. In 2010, Pablo Mac Donough was regarded as one of the best polo players in the world when he became Number One of the World Polo Tour Ranking. In May 2011, he joined the elite crowd of the Richard Mille Polo Team alongside Prince Bahar Jefri. He now stands alongside Felipe Massa, Rafael Nadal and Bubba Watson in wearing a Richard Mille watch during his tournaments, the RM 010 Black Night. From 2012, he will wear an exceptional timepiece, created specifically for him and designed to withstand extreme conditions which will be unveiled at the SIHH 2012.
It was through their mutual passion for watches that the movie star Michelle Yeoh and Richard Mille became closer, which led to a professional collaboration. Richard Mille was impressed by her artistic talents, her knowledge and understanding of women’s tastes and her natural sense of luxury. He, therefore, suggested to her that she create and design a specific women’s watch. Michelle Yeoh, enthusiastic about becoming involved in the project launched herself into the adventure about a year ago, alongside Mélanie Treton-Monceyron, Artistic Director of Richard Mille. The watch they had in mind had to be light, elegant, romantic and charged with positive feelings. Michelle Yeoh being Malaysian, it is therefore no surprise that they found inspiration in Asia and chose the phoenix as symbol, a legendary bird which always fascinated both of them. Projected into the world of haute horlogerie, the phoenix enters a timeless dimension. Positioned in the RM 051, the phoenix is adorned with diamonds and encapsulates the movement in harmony with the barrel, power reserve and tourbillon. Another attribute of the RM 051 is its baseplate made of black Onyx, a gemstone known for its properties in absorbing negative energy and producing emotional stability as well as inspiration. The RM 051 is a limited edition of 18 unique pieces, Michelle Yeoh’s favourite number.