News SIHH 2013 Richard Mille RM 56-01 is a whirlwind which case entirely in sapphire crystal is inspired by the split-seconds chronograph RM 056 built in a limited edition of 5 copies and presented at the International Fine Watchmaking last year.
Thanks to the experience gained with the skeletonized RM 018 “Tribute to Boucheron” – equipped with a double sapphire plate – Richard Mille RM 56-01 again challenges the limits of watchmaking by offering a cash because of its purity reveals details the manufacture movement transparent.
The three elements of the case of RM-56-01, front bezel, case middle and back bezel, are made from a block of sapphire crystal. Using a plate of the same material – that supports the entire mechanical movement with manual winding tourbillon equipped with – Richard Mille has made sure that light penetrate as much as possible in the gauge which shows indications of hours and minutes, power reserve and torque – respectively 11 o’clock and 2 – and an indicator of the function selector at 4 o’clock.
The search of the extreme transparency in the central part of the movement titanium has led engineers of the mark to use a sapphire crystal also for the central bridge and for the third wheel.
Richard Mille Caliber declares that the RM56-01, made from sapphire crystal and titanium, is immune to temperature changes and wear, as well as excellent stability, provides excellent chronometric performance.
The processing of the case requires over 40 days – 24 hours 24 – care by a qualified technician to CNC (Computerized Numerical Control – Computerized Numerical Control). All components are made of sapphire by the Stettler base in Lyss in Switzerland. By means of two O-ring seals transparent Nitril the case is water-resistant to 30 meters and is mounted around the Caliber RM 56-01 through 24 spacers in grade 5 titanium.
The strap marks the search for transparency to unimaginable heights.
Richard Mille with the company Biwi SA has developed a material – Aerospace nano ® – that thanks to nanotechnology is able to obtain the values of transparency and strength like no other. Its elastic properties and waterproof are characterized by an extremely smooth surface and pleasant to the touch. It’s the first time that this material is used in watchmaking.
As the split-seconds chronograph which inspired Richard Mille Tourbillon RM 56-01 Sapphire will be made only 5 pieces. More news SIHH 2013 here.
Torque indicator
Provides guidance on the charging voltage of the main spring allowing to optimize the function of the gauge clockwork. Values below the 53 DNMM are considered too low, and over 65 DNMM excessive spring tension can cause adverse effects in the mechanism, or damaged.
These indications are shown on the right side of the barrel.