RM 033
SYNTHESIS OF THE ROUND SHAPE
'In creating the RM 025 diver’s watch, we took control of the round shape. The circle is omnipresent in mechanisms, where everything is in perpetual rotation: gear trains, wheels, pinions, rotors... We enjoyed focusing on this fundamental–the circular shape–to specify the volume of everything and define its encompassing form, thus achieving total synthesis between the whole and its parts.'
Richard Mille imagined this chic model using the beautiful, subdued aesthetic grammar of the circle. The ergonomic elegance of the RM 033 is based on the slim profile of the curved case that espouses the wrist, while the bezel is strictly horizontal, parallel to the skeletonised baseplate. As its movement is just 2.60 mm thick, Richard Mille was able to limit the thickness of the case to 6.30 mm.
RM 033 AUTOMATIC EXTRA FLAT
CALIBRE RMXP1
Skeletonised automatic-winding movement with hours, minutes and off-centre monoblock platinum rotor.
POWER RESERVE
Circa 45 hours (± 10%).
BASEPLATE AND BRIDGES IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM
The manufacturing of these components in grade 5 titanium with Titalyt® treatment for the baseplate and black PVD coating for the bridges endows the entire ultra-thin assembly with great rigidity and the precise surface flatness essential for perfect functioning of the gear train as well as stability of the movement.
The skeletonised baseplate and bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure they met rigorous strength requirements.
MONOBLOCK MICRO ROTOR
Following on from the variable-geometry rotor that contributed to the success of Richard Mille’s automatic calibres, a new winding device is introduced in the RM 033. One of the defining features of the automatic extra-flat calibre lies in the placement of the RMXP1 calibre’s automatic micro rotor to one side of the movement, rather than the centre, saving precious millimetres in total height. As a result, this movement has a diameter of 33.00 mm while its thickness is only 2.60 mm.
To ensure the decentralised rotor’s optimal winding efficiency, it has been designed to wind unidirectionally and manufactured from solid platinum, thus providing it with an optimal weight to volume ratio.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement diameter: 33.00 mm
Thickness: 2.60 mm
Number of jewels: 29
Barrel arbour: AP 20 steel
Balance: Glucydur®, 4 arms, moment of inertia 5.75 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53°
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Balance spring: Nivaflex®
Shock protection: INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 (transparent)
Escapement wheel jewels: Rubifix (transparent)
Two-position stem: Manual winding, hand setting
CASE
The case retains the same characteristic attention to detail found in all Richard Mille creations, with a vast number of stamping and machining operations required for this round case, which reaches a total thickness of merely 6.30 mm.
The design and execution of the watch demonstrate a holistic approach to conception of the movement, case and dial. For example, a casing ring is no longer used and the movement is mounted on chassis mounting rubbers (ISO SW), affixed by grade 5 titanium screws.
The tripartite case is assembled with 16 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel, further complemented by integration of the lugs into the case’s torque screw system. The tripartite case is water resistant to 30 metres, ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals.
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.
Finishing
Movement
• Baseplate in hand-ground grade 5 titanium, wet sandblasted, Titalyt® treated
• Bridges wet sandblasted, top surface hand polished, grade 5 titanium PVD treated
• Hand-polished locking sections
• Burnished pivots
• Diamond-polished sinks on the bridge side
• Pinions with undercuts
Steel parts
• Microblasted and hand-drawn surfaces
• Sapphire-blasted surfaces
• Anglage and polishing by hand
Wheels
• Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
• Circular-smoothed faces
• Polished angles
• Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
Profile-turning
Other features
FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
This type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation. It guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shocks and during movement assembly or disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated, and a more accurate and repeatable calibration is possible thanks to 4 adjustable small weights located directly on the balance.
INTERIOR FLANGES
In carbon fibre, with hour index points filled with approved luminous material.
Minute flange in carbon fibre.
DIAL
In sapphire (thickness: 0.30 mm) with anti-glare treatment (both sides).