RM 014
A REINTERPRETATION OF THE FORMAL CODES OF SEAFARING
We wanted this model to evoke the beauty of ocean racing and seafaring. A world where performance reigns supreme together with consideration for comfort, where uncompromising technical efficiency, the beauty of materials, and the sensuality and splendour of finishes are paramount.
As this watch benefitted from the technical prowess of the RM 002 and its performance, Richard Mille was free to dedicate its aesthetics to a reinterpretation of the formal codes of seafaring: the navy-blue colour, the engraved case reminiscent of wooden decks, the winding crown in the shape of a winch, and the outline of the forward and rear decks. All this is assembled in a structure of such visual and mechanical complexity that it never ceases to provide pleasure to the viewer.
RM 014 TOUBILLON MARINE
CALIBRE RM014
Manual-winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, function selector, power-reserve and torque indicators.
RM 014 TOUBILLON MARINE
POWER RESERVE
Circa 75 hours (± 10%).
CARBON NANOFIBRE BASEPLATE
This is an isotropic composite material created from carbon nanofibres moulded under a 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 perimeter of the movement baseplate ensures optimal rigidity of the baseplate and bridges.
Carbon nanofibre composite structures such as this are amorphous, chemically neutral and dimensionally constant within a very wide range of operating temperatures, including those outside of normal experience. This stability assures the highest integrity of the movement’s going train under all conditions.
BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
These components, crafted in grade 5 titanium, confer great rigidity on the whole assembly, as well as the precise surface flatness essential for perfect functioning of the gear train.
CENTRAL BRIDGE IN STAINLESS STEEL
This provides optimised stiffness and corrosion resistance.
FUNCTION SELECTOR
In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, a push-button located at the centre of the crown allows one to select the winding, neutral and hand-setting functions with a simple push. A hand at 4 o’clock displays the selected function.
TORQUE INDICATOR
This indicator supplies information about 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, excess tension in the spring can adversely affect the mechanism’s operation, or actually endanger it.
POWER-RESERVE INDICATOR
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
The free-sprung balance offers better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly or disassembly, and also guarantees 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.
MODULAR TIME-SETTING MECHANISM FITTED AGAINST THE CASE BACK
This mechanism provides the following advantages for longevity and maintenance:
• Since the component is mounted outside of the movement, the time-setting assembly can be changed without affecting the integrity of the baseplate in the event of a possible defect or during maintenance.
• The mounting and dismantling of this module from the back does not require the removal of the hands or dial.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm
Thickness: 6.35 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
Balance wheel diameter: 10.00 mm
Number of jewels: 23
Balance: Glucydur®, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, moment of inertia 10 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: nickel-free Chronifer® (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics: stainless – antimagnetic – suitable for tempering
CASE
The case 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 4 titanium screws. Features such as these are evidence of uncompromising workmanship.
The case requires more than 47 preliminary operation followed by 255 milling operations before completion. Machining lasts 4 hours. Finishing work requires an entire day for each watch.
The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 metres, ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
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 and polishing 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.
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 and a distinct improvement in performance.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20%), especially during the start of winding. It is also helpful in evenly distributing the mainspring’s internal tension.