Richard Mille

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On to my favourite marque for timepieces - Richard Mille

Racing machines for the wrist. That was the tagline used by Richard Mille in an advertisement for their first timepiece. I couldn't agree more. And that's the reason why I become really fond of Richard Mille timepieces.

Richard Mille's journey in watchmaking began in 1974 when he started work at Finhor, a local watchmaking company. Eight years later, Finhor was acquired by Matra and Richard was promoted to manage Matra's watchmaking business. In 1992, he left Matra after it was sold to Seiko and helped jewelery firm Mauboussin start a watchmaking business. Richard eventually went on to start his own watchmaking company, Richard Mille SA, in 1999. Two years later, he launched his first product, the RM001, in collaboration with Audemars Piguet.

Because to Richard Mille, the perfect timepiece is created when the exterior and interior is unified with tremendous attention given to every detail and component. And easy solutions are not part of his vocabulary. Hence, the company strives for each timepiece to be the best in technical innovation, the best of artistry and architecture and the best of heritage and culture of fine watchmaking with hand finishing.

Many may wonder why racing machines? And why the expensive price tag? Like in the racing world, Richard Mille invests millions to experiment with exotic cutting-edge materials to incorporate in their timepieces. Materials that are rarely, if not never used in anywhere else let alone watchmaking. But above it all, it is the craftsmanship and dedication to make every timepiece a piece of "mechanical art".

The timepiece I have here is the RM-021 Tourbillon Aerodyne. As expected of RM, there are many technical innovations incorporated into this timpiece as well:

1. Movement base plate made of titanium and honeycombed orthorhombic titanium aluminide with carbon nanofiber core (this material was researched by NASA for application as the core material of supersonic aircraft wings)

 

2. Torque Indicator scale located between 12 and 1 o'clock to indicate the internal tension of the mainspring. It can't be too slack but if the tension is too high, it may damage the movement.

 

3. Function Selector, in a manner similar to a car's gearbox. (H for hands, N for neutral and W for winding) Spline Screws in Grade 5 titanium for the bridges and case which allows better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly

 

4. Manual winding Tourbillon with 70 hours of power reserve.

Thanks to the professional and friendly sales executives at Richard Mille Boutique Hyatt, I was lucky enough to be allowed to try it on. My first RM experience! And more to come I hope!

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