Press release
After launching eight new products, Richard Mille presents a new version of the extra-flat RM 016 caliber, a watch in grade 5 titanium having received Titalyt® treatment, a first in watch making. This titanium oxidation process using electro-plasma increases the hardness of the metal and therefore its capacity to withstand friction, wear and corrosion in accordance with AMS 2488D aerospace material norms. This biocompatible treatment is used in the aerospace, automobile and medical industries.
The Richard Mille collection has already established a strong identity and the RM 016, in this Titalyt® version, is given a prominent profile with its exclusively treated case. The case of the RM 016 Titalyt® is immediately recognizable thanks to its unique and extraordinary color.
The case is also shockproof and scratchproof. The strap harmonizes perfectly with the case. Richard Mille once more asserts his creativity with this new model, finding inspiration in the most innovative sectors such as aerospace and biomedicine.
RM 016 Titalyt® : an automatic winding skeleton movement with hours, minutes, date indicator and variable geometry rotor.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RICHARD MILLE AUTOMATIC CALIBER RM016 TITALYT®
CALIBER RM 005S: Skeletonized automatic winding movement with hours, minutes, date and adjustable rotor
geometry.
Dimensions: Length 49.80 mm x 38.00 mm (widest point) x 8.25 mm (thickest area)
MAIN FEATURES (MANY OF WHICH ARE MAJOR TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS)
ROTOR WITH VARIABLE GEOMETRY
Arm in grade 2 titanium Flange in grade 2 titanium 6positional adjustment via grade 5 titanium screws Wings in 18carat, high palladium content white gold Weight segment in tungsten/cobalt alloy Ceramic ball bearings Unidirectional; anticlockwise winding direction.
This exclusive RICHARD MILLE design allows the rewinding of the mainspring to be adapted most effectively to the user's activity level whether it be active or sedentary. By adjusting the wings, the rotor's inertia can be modified either by speeding up the winding process for those with sedentary lifestyle or by slowing it down for those with an active lifestyle. As a result, this invention allows the movement's winding mechanism to be optimized and personalized to the owner's activity level.
POWER RESERVE: Circa 55 hours.
WATCHCASE
The RM 016 is the first model in the Richard Mille range with its own particular identity. It is a counterpoint to the motor sport and sailing themes already represented in the collection and its discreet lines are the slimmest in the range. However, the model has the same wrist fitting curvature and taper as the rest of the range and is a departure from the iconic tonneau shape. It still retains however the same characteristics and attention to detail of case design and requires a large number of machining operations for the three main components (bezel, middle section and case back). More than 18 days of machine adjustment are required and more than 400 hours of technical research and drawing before production even can start. Each case involves 202 separate machining operations. The design and execution of this watchcase typifies the conceptual approach to all parts of the movement, case and dial. As a result, everything has been constructed according to an extremely rigorous specification. For example, a casing ring is no longer used and the movement is mounted on chassis mounting rubbers (ISO SW) fixed by 4 titanium screws. Features such as these are evidence of the uncompromising workmanship. The tripartite case is water resistant to 30 meters, ensured by three Nitril Oring seals. The case is assembled with 8 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in coppernickelzinc alloy. The case of the new RM 016 is Titalyt® treated. This titanium oxidation process by way of electro-plasma increases the hardness of the metal and therefore its capacity to withstand friction, wear and corrosion in accordance with AMS 2488D aerospace material norms. This biocompatible treatment is used in the aerospace, automobile and medical industries.
BOTTOM PLATE, BRIDGES AND BALANCE COCK MADE OF TITANIUM
The manufacture of these components in grade 2 titanium with black PVD coating allows the whole assembly to
be given great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear
train.
DOUBLE BARREL SYSTEM
The double barrel system helps to improve the torque stability over a longer period.
This is achieved by using more turns, thereby reducing pressure and friction on the teeth, the bearings and the pivots, resulting in improved long-term performance.
DATE DISPLAY
Semi instantaneous, placed in a vertical aperture at 7 o'clock. The calendar disc of sapphire crystal is treated with
nonreflective coating on both sides.
Spline screws in grade 5 titanium for the bridges and 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.
INTERIOR FLANGE (upper and lower)
In black carbon fiber, index points filled with approved luminous material.
CROWN
In grade 5 titanium, with double seal Oring and detailing in either 18carat red or white gold.
DIAL
In sapphire (thickness: 0.40 mm) with antiglare treatment (2 sides), protected by 8 silicon braces inserted in the
upper and lower grooves.
CRYSTAL
Bezel side: in sapphire (1800 Vickers) with antiglare treatment (2 sides).
Thickness: 1.20 mm
Case back: in sapphire with antiglare treatment (2 sides)
Thickness: at the center 1 mm and outer edges 1.73 mm
OTHER FEATURES
Dimensions of movement: 30.20 x 28.45 mm
Thickness: 4. 33 mm
Number of jewels: 38
Barrel arbor: in AP 20 steel
Balance: GLUCYDUR, 3 arms, inertia moment 4.8 mg cm2, angle of lift 53º
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Balance spring: ELINVAR NIVAROX
Index assembly: Triovis N°2
Shock protection: INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 (transparent)
Escapement wheel jewels: Rubifix (transparent)
Stem with three positions: manual winding, date, hand setting
FINISHING
MOVEMENT
Bottom plate and bridges in titanium, wet sandblasted, PVD treated
Burnished pivots
Diamond polished sinks on the bridge side
Sandblasted and rhodium plated, beveled wheels
STEEL PARTS
Sapphire blasted surfaces
Anglage and polishing by hand
Screw slot and screws beveled and polished with rounded and polished tip.
