RM 004-V3
A BROAD SPECTRUM OF DISCIPLINES
We have always believed that fine watchmaking should open itself up to the world and to a broad spectrum of disciplines. A watch should be both sophisticated and practical, easy to use, and comfortable on the wrist.
With the introduction of the RM 004 in 2004, after more than five years of development to perfect it, Richard Mille launched a new generation of split-seconds chronograph watches. For example, research was conducted into the geometric design of the column wheels that control the different levers, in order to ensure the perfect, long-term, stable and simultaneous functioning of the chronograph mechanism, a feature essential to any high-performance chronograph.
This column-wheel chronograph boasts an improved split-seconds mechanism that virtually eliminates the unpredictable jumping of the second seconds hand afflicting many split-seconds chronographs.
RM 004-V3 CHRONOGRAPH
CALIBRE RM004-V3
Manual winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds, split seconds chronograph, 30-minute totaliser, power-reserve, torque and function indicators.
POWER RESERVE
Circa 70 hours (± 10%), without chronograph running.
Actual power reserve results will depend on the period of time the chronograph is utilised.
CARBON NANOFIBRE BASEPLATE
This is an isotropic composite material created from carbon nanofibre moulded under a high pressure of 7,500 N/cm2 at a temperature of 2,000˚C, resulting in a material with high mechanical, physical and chemical stability in all directions. The ribbed edging of the movement’s baseplate ensures optimal rigidity of the baseplate and bridges.
BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
Grade 5 titanium is a biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant and remarkably rigid alloy composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases the material’s mechanical properties.
The baseplate and bridges have been subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimize their resistance capacities.
SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
The modern architecture of this movement allows a coherent and rational arrangement of each constituent part, avoiding unnecessary complexity and permitting the best possible use of the functions thanks to technical solutions.
For example, research was conducted into the geometric design of the column wheels that control the different levers, in order to ensure the perfect, long-term, stable and simultaneous functioning of the chronograph mechanism, a feature that is essential for a high-performance chronograph.
Furthermore, the development of a new generation of split-seconds components has lowered the energy consumption of this function by as much as 50% by reducing friction on the spindle. Like the prevention of jumping in the chronograph seconds hand, this was achieved by research focused on the working of the split-seconds arms.
FUNCTION INDICATOR
In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, the function indicator makes it possible to identify the winding, neutral and hand-setting positions as the crown is pulled out. The active position is indicated via a hand at 4 o’clock: W (Winding) – N (Neutral) – H (Hands).
TORQUE INDICATOR
This indicator supplies information about the mainspring’s tension, thus permitting optimisation of the movement’s chronometric functioning. Below 53 Nmm, the spring is considered too slack, while above 65 Nmm, excessive tension in the spring can adversely affect the mechanism’s operation, or actually endanger it.
POWER-RESERVE INDICATOR
Located on a scale at 11 o’clock, the power-reserve indicator shows the number of hours of energy left in the mainspring before the watch must be wound again.
FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
A free-sprung balance with variable inertia and a terminal-curve spring guarantees greater reliability in case of impact as well as providing superior long-term chronometric results.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm
Thickness: 7.87 mm
Number of jewels: 37
Balance wheel: Glucydur®, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, moment of inertia 11.50 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53°
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Balance spring: elinvar by Nivarox®
Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28
Barrel shaft: steel sandwich, 20 AP
CASE
The design and execution of the watch demonstrate a holistic approach to conception of the movement, case and dial. As a result, everything has been constructed according to extremely rigorous specifications, 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 grade 5 titanium screws. Features such as these are evidence of uncompromising workmanship.
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.
TORQUE-LIMITING CROWN
This additional security system prevents accidental overwinding, which could cause damage to the winding stem or put extreme pressure on the barrel spring.
Finishing
Movement
• Anglage and polishing by hand
• Hand-polished locking sections
• Sapphire-blasted milled sections
• Lapped and polished contact points
• Burnished pivots
Steel parts
• Sapphire-blasted surfaces
• Anglage polished by hand
Wheels
• Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
• Circular-finished faces
• Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance.
Other features
FAST-ROTATING BARREL (6 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.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE
This permits better control of the torque applied to screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
WINDING-BARREL TEETH AND THIRD-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE
The central involute profile of the winding-barrel teeth provides an optimal pressure angle of 20°, which promotes effective rotary motion and compensates for possible variations in the operation of the going train. This, in turn, ensures excellent torque transmission for a distinct improvement in performance.