Press release
The RM 032 offers hours, minutes, seconds, 60-minute countdown, 12-hour totalizer and flyback chronograph functions, combined with an annual calendar sporting an oversized date at 12 o'clock and a month indicator (with numbers from 1 to 12) between 4 and 5 o'clock. The power reserve is circa 50 hours, 45h with chronograph running. The digits for the date indicator are composed of two discs, with the digits cut out like positive stencils, offering great visual clarity combined with style. The annual calendar allows for the date change to be automatically calculated for months of 30 and 31 days; the only exception being the month of February.
The caliber RMAC2 is protected by a large case measuring 50.00 mm x 17.80 mm, with water resistance of 300 meters (30 atmospheres) and a unidirectional turning bezel following ISO 6425 norms that prevents miscalculations whilst diving.
Assembled by three layers connected with 22 screws, the bezel and system attaching it to the watch-case makes it totally stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen. The bezel rotates unidirectionaly in line with the norm ISO 6425, this avoids all mistakes when calculating diving time. For clearer visibility under murky conditions, at 12 o'clock onwards, the minute markers of the first quarter are highlighted in red. All of these details mark the RM 032 as a tool ready to confront the most extreme conditions.
The RM 032 also possesses a running indicator, located at 3 o'clock. Thanks to both its geometry and 2-rpm rotational frequency, it is possible to check the correct functioning of the running movement under stressful conditions. The running indicator disc is composed of successive Superluminova and black sectors; as a result it can be easily read during day or night.
The skeletonized automatic movement of the RM 032 utilizes Richard Mille's patented system of automatic rotor with variable geometry, a major innovation that allows the level of automatic winding to be adjusted to the user's lifestyle via the setting of two 18k white gold rotor ribs. The caliber RMAC2, with 62 jewels and beating at 4Hz, has a free sprung balance with variable inertia. This type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation. 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 adjustable small weights located directly on the balance.
In the world of horology, the case of the RM 032 is currently considered as one of the most difficult one to manufacture. After a 1h30-hour turning phase, this tripartite case has to undergo 830 operations planned during an 9-hour milling phase. At the end of a 11-hour machining phase, each RM 032 case has to pass a 1-hour quality control.
The pushers, their respective components and crown require a 10-day machining phase. During this period numerous water resistant tests and quality controls are carried out as well as the hand brushing and polishing of the case. All of these steps are paramount to obtain the specific ergonomic levels associated with Richard Mille watches.
The RM 032 is water resistant to 300 meters (30 atmospheres), following ISO 6425 diver's watch norms. This is achieved with a unique, curved, tripartite case design. It is complemented by a screwed crown construction and integration of the horns in the case. The horns of each RM 032 have screws designed to optimally fix the diver's rubber strap.
During deep sea dives, the water pressure on the pushers and crown is powerful enough to unintentionally operate one of the pushers, eg. the “start” pusher of the chronograph. In order to avoid any external pressure effect or accidental manipulation, Richard Mille has developed a locking crown for the RM 032 that locks the pushers and as a result ensures a perfect water resistance up to 300 meters. The crown and pushers of the RM 032 can be locked by simply rotating its ring (green index if unlocked, red index if locked). The movement is also protected from being damaged from overpressure or shocks on the crown. The water resistance is enhanced thanks to maximum seal pressure.
This innovative and extremely technical system is specific to the RM 032 and is patent pending.
The RM 032, with its chronograph and date functions enclosed in a highly water resistant and tough case/bezel design, is a new multi-talented horological realization.
Thanks to Richard Mille's innovative design and manufacturing, the RM 032 combines the practical features of timekeeping on land along with the exotic and harsh environmental conditions experienced by deep sea divers.
Technical specifications of the Richard Mille automatic chronograoh diver's watch RM 032
Round case - available in titanium, 18K white gold or red gold.
Caliber RMAC2: automatic winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds, oversize date, month, flyback chronograph with minutes and seconds counter, hour counter, running indicator and adjustable rotor geometry.
Diameter :50.00 mm x 17.80 mm.
Main features (many of which are major technical innovations)
Power reserve:
Circa 50 hours, 45h with chronograph running.
Actual power reserve results will depend on the period of time the chronograph is utilized.
Running indicator:
The running indicator is located at 3 o'clock. Thanks to both its geometry and 2-rpm rotational frequency, it is possible to check at a glance the correct functioning of the running movement.
The running indicator disc is composed of successive Superluminova and black sectors; as a result it can be easily seen during day or night.
Flyback chronograph:
By using the pusher between 4 and 5 o'clock, the running chronograph can be reset without first having to stop the mechanism. This was originally developed for pilots in order to not waste time (and therefore accuracy) from stopping, resetting and starting the chronograph whilst crossing a navigational point.
Function: the user can start or stop the chronograph function via the pusher located between 1 and 2 o'clock.
The flyback function can be continuously reset by depressing the second pusher located between 4 and 5 o'clock.
Annual calendar: Automatic adjustment for months of 30 or 31 days.
Oversize date display: Semi-instantaneous, placed in a red outlined horizontal aperture under 12 o'clock.
Month display: Semi-instantaneous indicated by arabic numerals, placed between 4 and 5 o'clock.
Free sprung balance with variable inertia:
This type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation. 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.
Locking crown:
During deep sea dives, the water pressure on the pushers and crown is powerful enough to unintentionally operate one of the pushers, eg. the “start” pusher of the chronograph.
We also need to take into account that making a mistake with the crown is also a possibility. In order to avoid any external pressure effect or accidental manipulation, Richard Mille developed a locking crown for the RM 032 that is able to lock the pushers and ensure perfect water resistance to 300 meters.
The crown and pushers can be locked by simply rotating its ring (green index if unlocked, red index if
locked).
The movement is prevented from being damaged because of overpressure or shocks on the crown.
The water resistance is enhanced thanks to maximum pressure on the seals.
This innovative device is specific to the RM 032 and is patent pending.
Rotor with variable geometry:
- Arm in grade 2 titanium
- Flange in grade 2 titanium
- 6-positional adjustment via grade 5 titanium screws
- Ribs in 18k white gold, high palladium content
- Weight segment in white gold
- Ceramic ball bearings
- Unidirectional anti-clockwise winding direction
This exclusive Richard Mille design allows the rewinding of the mainspring to be adapted most effectively to the user's activity level.
By adjusting the setting of the rib's placement, the rotor's inertia is modified to either speed up the winding process in the case of leisurely arm movements, or slow it down when sporting activities are pursued. As a result, this invention allows the movement's winding mechanism to be optimized.
Double barrel system:
The double barrel system contributes to the torque stability over a longer period. This is achieved by using more rotations of the barrel, thereby reducing pressure and wear on the teeth, bearings and pivots, hence an improved long-term performance.
Bottom plate, bridges and balance cock made of titanium:
These components are in grade 5 titanium with black PVD coating. This provides the whole assembly great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness that is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train.
Spline screws in grade 5 titanium for the bridges and case:
Due their design, these screws offer better control of the torque applied during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
Other features
- Diameter of the movement: 39.15 mm
- Thickness: 9.00 mm
- Number of jewels: 62
- Balance: Glucydur, 4 arms, inertia moment 4.8 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53º
- Frequency: 28,800 vph (4Hz)
- Balance spring: Elinvar
- Shock protection: Incabloc 908.22.211.100 (transparent)
- Escapement wheel jewels: Rubifix (transparent)
- Stem with three positions: manual winding, date adjustment, time setting
Case:
The RM 032 is water resistant to 300 meters (30 atmospheres), following ISO 6425 diver's watch norms.
This is achieved with a unique, curved, tripartite case design. It is complementedwith a screwed crown construction and the integration of the horns in the case.
The horns of each RM 032 version have screws that optimally fix the diver's rubber strap. In the world of horology, the case of the RM 032 is one the most difficult to manufacture. After a 1h30- hour turning phase, this tripartite case has to undergo 830 operations planned during an 9-hour milling phase. After a 11-hour machining phase, each case has to pass a full day of quality control. The pushers and their respective components and the crown require a 10-day machining phase. Within this period, numerous water resistant tests and quality controls are carried out and also the hand brushing and polishing of the case. All of these steps are paramount to obtain ergonomic levels
specific to Richard Mille watches.
Unidirectionnal bezel:
Built up of three layers connected with 22 screws, turning unidirectionally following ISO 6425 norms in order to avoid timing miscalculations. The use of an additional screwed system attaching the bezel to the watchcase makes it totally stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen. In addition, the use of screws allows for perfect adjustment as the bezel is not tensioned into position. For clearer visibility under murky conditions, starting at 12 o'clock, the minute markers of the first
quarter are highlighted in red.
Interior flanges (upper and lower): In carbon fiber, with index points filled with approved luminous material.
Dial: In sapphire (thickness: 0.40 mm) with anti-glare treatment (2 sides), protected by 8 silicon braces inserted in the upper and lower grooves.
Crystal:
- Bezel side: in sapphire (1800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (2 sides).
- Thickness: 3.00 mm
- Case back: in sapphire with anti-glare treatment (2 sides)
- Thickness: at the center 1.40 mm and at outer edges 2.07 mm
Finishing
Movement:
- Bottom plate and bridges in hand-ground grade 5 titanium, wet sandblasted, top face polished by hand PVD treated
- Burnished pivots
- Diamond polished sinks on the bridge side
- Pinions with undercuts
- Sandblasted and rhodium-plating, beveled wheels (before cutting)
- Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
Steel parts:
- Sapphire blasted and hand-drawn surfaces
- Screw slot and screws beveled and polished with rounded and polished tip
