RM 017
ABSOLUTE BEAUTY AND PURITY
The RM 017 Tourbillon is the first and only rectangular case shape in the tourbillon range, continuing the development of the rectangular case first launched with the RM 016.
Its profile is among the thinnest of the collection, representing a new visual incarnation suitable for all occasions with the same wrist-fitting curvature and taper typical of all Richard Mille creations.
RM 017 TOURBILLON EXTRA FLAT
CALIBRE RM017
Manual winding, extra-flat tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, power-reserve and function indicators.
POWER RESERVE
Circa 70 hours
(± 10%).
BASEPLATE AND BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
The baseplate and the bridges are crafted of grade 5 titanium, a biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant and remarkably rigid alloy, which enables the gear train to function effortlessly. The alloy is 90% grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases the material’s mechanical properties, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautics and automobile industries.
The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges were subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimise their resistance capacities.
POWER-RESERVE INDICATOR
Indicated by a scale located on a scale at 2 o’clock, the power-reserve indicator shows the number of hours of energy left in the mainspring before the watch must be wound again.
FUNCTION INDICATOR
In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, the function indicator identifies the winding, neutral and hand-setting positions as the crown is pulled out. A hand located at 4 o’clock indicates the current position.
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 an extended period.
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.
SAFETY SYSTEM WITH BLOCKING GEAR
This system protects the roller jewel of the balance as well as the winding barrel from possible overwinding.
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.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 31.20 x 29.45 mm
Thickness: 4.65 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
Balance wheel diameter: 10.00 mm
Number of jewels: 23, set in white gold chatons
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 RM 017’s sleek lines bear witness to Richard Mille’s extreme attention to the smallest details, reflecting an entire world of mechanical perfection.
The case exemplifies an uncompromising approach, with numerous stamping and machining operations required for the three main components (front bezel, back bezel and caseband). More than 18 days of machine adjustment are required as are more than 400 hours of technical research and drawing even before production can begin. Each case involves 202 separate machining operations. The case of the RM 017 requires 39 swaging operations, 16 striking and 270 milling operations. Machining lasts 4 hours and 15 minutes. To complete the finishing work, an entire day is devoted to grinding, glazing and polishing each watch.
The tripartite case is water resistant to 30 metres, ensured by two Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 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 excessive 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 and polishing by hand
• Burnished sections
• Satin-finished surfaces
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
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.
WINDING-BARREL TEETH AND THIRD-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE
The central involute profile of the winding-barrel teeth and pinion provides an optimal pressure angle of 20°. This promotes effective rotary motion and compensates for possible variations in the engagement of the going train, thus ensuring excellent torque transmission with a distinct improvement in performance.
CERAMIC ENDSTONE FOR THE TOURBILLON CAGE
This reflects a technical and long-term view towards reducing the phenomenon of wear, resulting in improved technical tribology.