AnthonyTsai
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SIHH 2015: Richard Mille RM51-02 Diamond Twister
Here's the new Richard Mille RM051-02 Diamond Twister. Below is the full press release
Cheers,
Anthony
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RM 51-02 TOURBILLON DIAMOND TWISTER
This new high jewelry tourbillon takes all of its cues from the swirling form of a twisting spiral, a shape expressed in many organic forms around us in the natural environment.
The spray of diamonds emanating outwards in 14 rays from the tourbillon escapement at 6 o’clock can also be associated with the spiraling vortex one perceives in myriad galaxies of the Milky Way, an allusion to a whirlwind (the English translation of the French word tourbillon) or the spirally formed patterns of organic growth found within certain sea creatures, plants, trees and animals.
The baseplate of the manual winding tourbillon has been created of Black Onyx, a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz chalcedony composed of silicium dioxide, (SiO2). Onyx varieties with rectilinear black and white parallel stripes are actually a part of the agate family, whereas the fully black type is what one commonly calls true Black Onyx.
Keeping with the technical nature of all watches created by the brand, the RM 51-02 has a free sprung balance and skeletonized bridges in PVD treated grade 5 titanium with various hand finishing techniques such as anglage and black polish used throughout the movement. An additional security system in the form of a torque limiting crown prevents any possibility of accidental overwinding that might damage to the winding stem or exert extreme pressure on the mainspring barrel.
Each spiral ray of the RM 51-02 is perfectly set with a single row of diamonds; the case is set with white diamonds, and black sapphires have been added to accentuate case details. As a final flourish and with an eye for detail typical of Richard Mille’s fastidious approach, the crown has also been set with 3 rows of diamonds to complete the brilliant richness of this shimmering new timepiece.
The RM 51-02 Diamond Twister will be available in an edition of 30 pieces.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RICHARD MILLE TOURBILLON RM 51-02 DIAMOND TWISTER
Limited edition of 30 pieces.
CALIBER RM51-02: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and power reserve.
Dimensions : 47.95 x 39.70 x 12.60 mm.
MAIN FEATURES
POWER RESERVE
Circa 48 hours (±10%). This function is displayed using a differential power reserve system with a printed red line on a moving disc located between 10 and 11 o’clock.
BLACK ONYX BASEPLATE
Onyx is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz chalcedony composed of silicium dioxide, (SiO2). The rectilinear black and white parallel stripes version is part of the agate types. The fully black type is called Black Onyx, and is said to be able to deflect harmful energy down to the earth, while providing stability. For this reason, Black Onyx is considered as a charm-stone against spells. Black Onyx also symbolizes equilibrium and inspiration.
BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
These components are in grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment. This provides the whole assembly great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train.
VARIABLE INERTIA, FREE SPRUNG BALANCE
The free-sprung balance provides better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly and disassembly. It 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, when the spring is not charged. It is also helpful in the distribution of the mainspring’s internal tension.
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.
OTHER FEATURES
- Movement dimensions: 30.20 mm x 28.60 mm
- Thickness: 4.97 mm
- Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
- Balance wheel diameter: 9.12 mm
- Number of jewels: 21
- Balance: Glucydur, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, inertia moment 10 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53º
- Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
- Balance spring: Elinvar by NIVAROX
- Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28
- Stone setting in white gold
- Barrel shaft in nickel-free Chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics:
stainless- antimagnetic- suitable for tempering
CASE
In the world of horology, the case of Richard Mille watches is considered as the most difficult to manufacture. This tripartite tonneau-shaped case is fully curved, which enables the watch to be ergonomic and comfortable but is time consuming during its production and requires a high level of quality control.
These front and back curves are part of the Richard Mille watch case regardless of their shapes (tonneau, round, rectangular). They demand ultimate precision and no stress in the metal.
The bezel side and the case back have to be perfectly assembled in the case middle with no constraints, to prevent the sapphires from any damage. These manufacturing specifications required one year of research and development. The tonneau shape of the RM 51-02 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 for the forming. Tooling takes 4 hours and the RM 51-02 is obtained after 255 milling operations.
The finishing process requires a full day for grinding, glazing and polishing. The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
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.
TORQUE LIMITING CROWN
This additional security system prevents from accidental overwinding, which could cause damage to the winding stem or putting extreme pressure on the mainspring barrel.
The crown is set with precious stones or semi-precious stones depending on the version.
DIAL
The central dial is made in 18K white gold and set with 270 precious stones.
INTERIOR FLANGES
Upper flange in black metal, with the hours index set with diamonds.
Lower flange in black metal, with the minutes index in white color.
CRYSTAL
Bezel side: In sapphire (hardness 1800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: 1.20 mm
Case back: In sapphire with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: at the center 1 mm and outer edges 1.73 mm
FINISHING
MOVEMENT
- Anglage and polishing by hand (excluding Onyx baseplate and PVD treated parts)
- Locking sections hand polished
- Sapphire blasted milled sections
- Lapped and polished contact points
- Burnished pivots
- PVD treatment (excluding the Onyx baseplate)
STEEL PARTS
- Sapphire blasted surfaces
- Satin finished surfaces
- Anglage and polishing by hand
- Burnished sections
GEAR WHEELS
- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
- Circular finished faces
- Surface treatment or rhodium-plating (before cutting the teeth)
- Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
This message has been edited by AnthonyTsai on 2015-01-19 10:36:02
