Press release
Following the success of the RM 005 in 2006 and the RM 011 in 2007, the RM 004 is the latest model to carry the name of the Formula 1 driver, Felipe Massa, who test drives all Richard Mille watches. The RM 004 Felipe Massa has a baseplate in carbon nanofiber, split second chronograph and bears the colours of the Brazilian flag on its inner bezel and a red crown. This limited series of 40 exceptional pieces will be available as from this year, of which 25 will be in red gold, 10 in white gold and 5 in titanium. CALIBER RM 004-V2 FELIPE MASSA : Manual winding movement with hours, minutes, chronograph, split seconds, power reserve, torque indicator, function indicator. Dimensions: length 48 mm x 39.70 mm (widest point) x 14.95 mm (thickest area).
Main features
(Many of which are major technical innovations carbone nanofiber baseplate)
This is an isotropic composite material created from carbon nanofibers molded under a high pressure of 7,500 N/cm2 and a temperature of 2,000°C, resulting in a material with high mechanical, physical and chemical stability in all directions. The ribbed perimeter of the movement baseplate assures the highest rigidity between the plate and bridges. Carbon nanofiber composite structures such as this are amorphous, chemically neutral and dimensionally constant within a very wide range of operating temperatures, including those outside of normal ranges. This stability assures the highest integrity of the movement's going train under all conditions.
Power reserve
Circa 50 hours (numerical indications to the left of the barrel).
Chronograph (column wheel in titanium)
The modern architecture of this movement has allowed for the consistent and rational arrangement of its constituent parts, avoiding unnecessary superimpositions and permitting the best possible use of the functions with technical solutions. For example, research was conducted into the geometric design of the column wheel that controls the different levers to ensure perfect, long-term, stable and simultaneous functioning of the chronograph mechanism, a feature that is essential for a high performance chronometer. Operation: the chronograph function is stopped and started via the pusher located on the lower left at 8 o'clock. The hands are reset by pressing another pusher located on the upper left at 10 o'clock.
Split seconds mechanism with improved performance
One of the new characteristics developed for the RM 004-V2 Felipe Massa is the virtually complete elimination of initial jumping in the chronograph seconds hand. A great number of studies led to the design and manufacture of gear wheels and levers in titanium, thus reducing inertia. Moreover, the development of a new generation of split seconds components meant that energy consumption of this function could be lowered by approximately 50 % through the reduction of friction on the spindle, and the chronograph hands jumping when stopping is virtually eliminated. This was achieved by research that focused on the working of the split seconds' arms. Operation: By depressing the pusher on the right (at 4 o'clock), the user can stop the split seconds hand in order to read an intermediate time while the chronograph is engaged. Pressing the pusher again allows the split seconds hand to rejoin the chronograph, ready for the next measurement.
Torque indicator
Supplies information about the mainspring's tension, thus permitting the optimalization of the chronometric functioning of the movement. Below 53 dNmm, the spring is considered to be too slack, while above 65 dNmm, the excessive spring tension can adversely affect the mechanism's operation, or else actually endanger it. These indications appear on the numerical zone to the right of the barrel.
Function indicator
In a manner similar to a car's gearbox, the function selector allows one to see the winding, neutral and hand setting positions as the crown is pulled out. Each position is indicated via a hand at 4 o'clock displaying the following functions: W (Winding) – N (Neutral) – H (Hands).
Balance wheel with variable inertia
This type of balance wheel, which represents the ultimate in innovation, guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shock and also during assembly and dismantling of the movement, thus achieving better chronometric results over time. The index is eliminated, thereby allowing a more precise and repeatable adjustment.
Fast rotating barrel(6 hours per revolution instead of 7,5 hours)
This type of barrel provides the following advantages: - The phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion is significantly diminished, thereby increasing performance, - Provision of an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance and regularity ratio.
Barrel pawl with progressive recoil
This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20 %), especially during the start of winding. It also aids in the even distribution of the mainspring's internal tension.
Balance spring
In order to improve performance, lengthy research was carried out to determine a special curve of the hairspring, aimed at reducing the shifting of the centre of gravity during functioning.
Escapement
New in-line escapement design, aimed at reducing friction.
Modular time setting mechanism fitted against the case back
Provides the following advantages for longevity and maintenance: - Since the component is mounted outside of the movement, the time setting assembly can be changed without affecting the integrity of the bottom plate in the event of a possible defect or during maintenance, - The mounting and dismantling of this module from the back will not require the removal of the hands and the dial.
