RM 19-01
A SYMBOL OF PROTECTION
A dazzling expression of the Richard Mille style, this jewellery tourbillon combines a mastery of gem setting with horological precision.
While appearing somewhat worrying and sometimes terrifying at first glance, spiders are in fact a symbol of motherhood. Indeed, these insects are incredibly protective towards their offspring. The spider fascinates us with its strong symbolic power as noted by the abundant myths and stories about it to be found in every civilization and across all continents.
The RM 19-01 is combining a strong associations and complex undertones expressed by a diamond studded and encrusted tracery based upon the image of a spider.
CALIBRE RM19-01
Manual winding tourbillon caliber is assembled around a black rhodium-plated, 18K white gold black sapphire set baseplate.
Hours, minutes and power-reserve indicator
Power reserve : Circa 48 hours (± 10%)
Dimensions : 46.40 x 38.30 x 12.45 mm
SPIDER AND BASEPLATE IN GEM-SET GOLD
The rhodium-plated gold spider, set with precious stones, forms an integral part of the movement. The opisthosoma, the abdominal part of the spider’s body, stiffens the tourbillon bridges, and its legs support the two barrels.
The whole baseplate is machined from 18K white gold, polished by hand and then black rhodium-plated. Taking the spider web as its motif, the baseplate is then decorated and set with hundreds of black sapphires, an aesthetic tour-de-force.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm
Thickness: 4.97 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
Balance wheel diameter: 10.00 mm
Number of jewels: 21, set in white gold chatons
Balance: 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®
CASE
In the world of horology, the Richard Mille watchcase is considered among the most difficult to manufacture. This tripartite tonneau-shaped case is fully curved, which ensures the watch is ergonomic and comfortable.
The specific tonneau shape of the RM 19-01 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 for preparation alone. Tooling takes 4 hours, and the RM 19-01 is obtained after 250 milling operations. The finishing process requires a full day for grinding, glazing and polishing.
POWER-RESERVE INDICATOR
The power-reserve indicator is displayed using a differential power-reserve system with a printed red line on a moving disc located between 10 and 11 o’clock.
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 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.
TORQUE LIMITING CROWN
This additional security system prevents from accidental overwinding, which can 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
• PVD treatment
Steel parts
• Sapphire-blasted surfaces
• Satin-finished surfaces
• Anglage and polishing by hand
• Burnished sections
Wheels
• Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
• Circular-finished faces
• Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimal correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
Other features
FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
The free-sprung balance offers better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly and disassembly, and also guarantees better chronometric results over an extended period of time.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits a profitable winding gain (circa 20%), especially during the winding start. It is also helpful in evenly distributing the mainspring’s internal tension.
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