The case of this new model represents the first time that the tonneau shape has been created in an extra flat form, making it the most sleek model of the tonneau shaped Richard Mille timepieces. Its refined dimensions require more time to create than other similar cases in the collection, adding up to almost 6 hours of pure machining time, not counting weeks of preliminary preparation such as the 68 different stamping operations required for the bezel, caseband and back bezel. The machine tooling process requires 8 days of adjusting the machines for the bezel, 5 days for the caseband and 5 days for the back bezel. Prior to this process, developing a methodology for carrying out this series of operations took 145 hours, the drawings for the tools 130 hours, and implementation 180 hours.
Dimensions : 38.7mm x 47.52mm x 7.75mm
Each case represents more than 215 separate machining operations. After completion of this machining phase, the watch case will undergo brushing and polishing, all executed by hand,
then assembly with sapphire glass and sealants to undergo a preliminary water resistance testing, before being disassembled and undergoing a final quality control. Only then will the movement be mounted within its subtle lines. All of these operations represent a total of another 8 hours of work, making the Richard Mille tonneau case one of the most time consuming and complex cases created in Switzerland today.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE CASE
This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
UPPER FLANGE
In carbon; index points filled with approved luminous material.
CRYSTAL
Bezel side: in sapphire (1,800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (2 sides). Thickness: 1.00 mm
Case back: in sapphire with anti-glare treatment (2 sides)
Thickness: at the center 1.00 mm and outer edges 2.37 mm
Movement is the Swiss automatic Richard Mille in-house caliber CRMA6 which is skeletonised, has 25 jewels, 28,800 vph and a power reserve of 50 hours.
The automatic movement CRMA6 created for the RM 67-01 is a new caliber of only 3.6mm thickness, designed in house by the engineers in Les Breuleux. The baseplate and bridges have been created from grade 5 titanium and finished with a combination of gray and black electroplasma treatment, with a winding rotor weight in platinum. The back of the movement continues the extra attention to creating a sense of depth with extensive skeletonisation visible everywhere, including the large open worked winding barrel, rotor, going train and automatic winding mechanism bridges. The modern architecture of the movement bares itself in a mechanical story; even the 3 slotted screws on the dial side signal to the watchmaker that they turn in opposite directions to the standard direction and the extensive use of custom made torque screws seen throughout the movement ensure exact and codified application of their correct tensioning according to function and use.
BASEPLATE AND BRIDGES IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM
Microblasted grade 5 titanium with gray electroplasma treatment gives great rigidity to the baseplate, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train. Bridges are also in grade 5 titanium, microblasted and for the first time at Richard Mille, black electroplasma treated. The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure optimal strength requirements.
FUNCTION INDICATOR
In a manner similar to a car's gearbox, the function indicator allows one to see the winding, date setting and hand setting positions as the crown is pulled out. Each position is indicated via a hand at 2 o'clock displaying the following functions: W (Winding) D (Date) H (Hand setting).
FREE SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
It guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shock and also during movement assembly and disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated and a more accurate and repeatable adjustment is possible thanks to 4 small adjustable weights located directly on the balance.
ROTOR IN PLATINUM
By using a platinum rotor with the winding system OneWay® with ball bearings in ceramic, the barrel can be efficiently wound while maintaining compact dimensions of the extra flat skeletonised movement.
FAST ROTATING BARREL (5 hours per revolution instead of 7.5 hours)
This type of barrel has 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.
DEVELOPED GEAR TEETH PROFILE
The entire going train of the watch, the primary transmitter of power throughout the movement, utilizes a special profile for the teeth of the wheels. Developed specifically for the calibre CRMA6, the wheels use a 20° pressure angle. This system equalizes any discrepancies that might arise between the centers of each wheel, for instance during thermal changes and normal use, and promotes an excellent transmission of torque to the balance wheel, thus supporting
excellent chronometric characteristics.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES
This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
MOVEMENT FINISHING
- Microblasted anglage
- Microblasted milled section
- Microblasted sinks
- Grey and black electroplasma treatment for the baseplate and the bridges
STEEL PARTS
- Satin finished surfaces
- Anglage hand polished
- Hand polished sinks
- Burnished sections
PROFILE-TURNING
- Lapped and polished ends
- Burnished pivots
- Post faces polished
WHEELS
- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
- Diamond polished angles
- Circular finished faces
- Rhodium-plating (before cutting the teeth)
Thanks.