The combination of bold design and excellent materials makes luxury Richard Mille timepieces truly unique. In the relentless pursuit of innovation, the Swiss brand designs watches that can withstand the most extreme conditions, thanks to advanced mechanical engineering solutions, as well as materials extracted from the aviation and Formula One world, providing lightness and durability.
The new RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne is the latest demonstration of this bold approach to watchmaking. The complex structure of the 5N red gold case is reinforced by carbon TPT exoskeleton for the bezel and pillars.
This composite material was originally developed for the sails of racing yachts, and later also used in F1 racing chassis and aviation. This composite material has excellent physical properties and a unique appearance. The undulating pattern is due to the fact that it is composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments, which are obtained by separating the carbon fibers.
These layers have a maximum thickness of 30 microns, are impregnated with resin, and then woven on a special machine that changes the direction of the weft between layers by 45°. After heating to 120°C at a pressure of 6 bar, NTPT then uses a special CNC machine for processing at Richard Mille’s ProArt enclosure factory.
The eye-catching appearance of the carbon TPT layer complements the warm golden color and the royal blue honeycomb pattern of the bottom plate. The orthogonal honeycomb structure is made of nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron alloy Haynes 214 and is treated with blue PVD. Due to its characteristics, the bottom plate of RM 21-01 can provide unparalleled stiffness, extremely low thermal expansion coefficient and excellent torque resistance.
For the bridge plate, swiss Richard Mille chose grade 5 titanium because of its excellent rigidity and excellent corrosion resistance. The barrel and the tourbillon bridge are composed of four arms. They are located on a hollow circular base with gold-inlaid edges and located in the central crucible of the splint, giving them mechanical properties that are very suitable for the rotation of these moving parts, while giving them the beauty of the tourbillon. To be displayed and appreciated.
The manual-winding RM21-01 movement is treated with 5N red gold PVD and hand-polished. It vibrates 21.600 times per hour and provides 70 hours of autonomous operation. The power reserve indicator is located at 11 o’clock instead of numbers, while the torque indicator is located symmetrically at 1 o’clock. This makes it possible to understand the tension of the barrel spring, thereby optimizing the function of the movement.
We find the function selector at 4 o’clock, operated by a button integrated in the center of the crown. A simple press is enough. By pressing it, you can switch from neutral (N) position to winding (W) or manual setting (H).
The three-sided case measures 42.68 x 50.12 x 14.30 mm, and is water-resistant to 50 meters/165 feet. It is sealed by 2 nitrile rubber O-rings. The case is assembled with 20 grade 5 titanium spline screws and 316L stainless steel wear-resistant washers. best replica watch site