Richard Mille - RM035 Alu Magnesium to Carbon Nanotube case change

RM035 Alu Magnesium to Carbon Nanotube case change

Sep 11, 2023,11:54 AM

Hi RM Forum,

I recently acquired a pre-owned discontinued RM035 with Aluminum-Magnesium case. The decision was inspired by a few detailed and passionate reviews on this forum on the RM035 from a few years ago (thank you!).

I understand from an RM boutique in Asia that RM035 owners now have the option (at our own expense) to change the original Al-Mg case to a black carbon nanotube composite case, not the newer NTPT carbon but the uniformly black carbon polymer seen on the very first RM027 and several RM011-1 FM limited editions, as RM is no longer making Al-Mg replacement cases.

Putting aside the cost, the good condition case, and high likelihood that RM will retain / not return the Al-Mg case (so an irreversible change), do any forum members have any favorable experience with the older black carbon nanotube cases, how they age over time time terms of maintaining sharp angled edges, any changes in the overall appearance (does it turn glossy / wet appearance like the RM035 polyurethane strap), how it compares to the RM035 AlMg for those lucky enough to own both, or anyone who has made this case change?

The motivation to explore this is possible further weight reduction (light weight being one of RM035's selling points) given Al (9%)-Mg (91%) alloy eg AZ91 density of 1.8g / cubic cm vs. 1.3g / cubic cm of carbon nanotube polymers (from internet not necessarily the exact materials used by RM) e.g. potential 30% reduction in case weight.

Thanks!
GS

I would not do it

By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : September 11th, 2023-13:39

First, because you won't be given the original case back. What are they afraid of, that you could sell it? Second, despite any declaration, an alloy is still better than glued/heated carbon (oversimplification) Just my 2 cents

Thanks - all fair points. I think you're right, Carbon nanotube polymer is likely being hyped up by RM and is just plastic at the end of the day. Thanks for your input. I'll have to reconsider my (crazy) idea. Best, GS

By: GS : September 11th, 2023-14:54

You lost me at...

By: fmc000 : September 11th, 2023-13:52

... (so an irreversible change)

Irreversible change because once RM switches out the case from Al-Mg to Carbon there is not way to swap it back. Best GS

By: GS : September 11th, 2023-14:43

Yes I got it.

By: fmc000 : September 11th, 2023-14:47

It was just a way to say that I'll never do it exactly because of this, sorry if I did not make myself clear.

No worries thanks for the feedback. This is why I post to get this forum's unvarnished feedback - thank you!!

By: GS : September 11th, 2023-14:49

Carbon Nanotubes are fantastic. I would do it without hesitation.

By: andrea~ : September 11th, 2023-15:42

Polymer nanocomposites have incredible mechanical properties with the added benefit of being extremely light. Metal cases are boring in comparison.

But at this level, is it worth it?

By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : September 11th, 2023-16:45

Let's forget the price, which i bet is close to insanely high😅 But it's a Richard Mille, It can't come cheap. The weight is the only feature perceivable, it's neither an airplane nor a race car where those properties might make the difference.

To me it's worth it based on coolness factor.

By: andrea~ : September 11th, 2023-18:36

I'm biased because nanotechnology is my field, but I think that owning such a high tech material can be interesting and different from the usual metal cases, if you have the budget for it.

Beat the hell out of the current case...

By: mdg : September 14th, 2023-23:52

...and then swap it out later : )

Update:

By: GS : September 15th, 2023-03:52

Apologies I should change the topic to "pros and cons of Al-Mg alloys vs carbon" topic. RM clarified that the carbon nano tube case (or case back) replacement is only available for early generation / prototype / initial batches of RM035 which had some iss...