Press release
The highly skeletonized RM 056 movement reproduces all the characteristics of the RMCC1 caliber, a manual winding Tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, chronograph split seconds, power reserve, torque and function indicators.
This new caliber is not a simple exercise of merely reviewing the existing RM008 movement; it utilizes the best design characteristics combined with further advances, bringing it to an unequaled level of performance for long-term timekeeping precision and durability.
The movement weight has been reduced by 20%, requiring the creation of more than 400 new parts. The skeletonized grade 5 titanium baseplate with its light weight/high strength ratio makes it an ideal choice as the foundation for perfect functionality of the going train as well as offering a great resistance to corrosion. A fast rotating winding barrel, balance with variable inertia, function indicator, torque indicator and split seconds mechanism with improved performance are only a small selection of what the Richard Mille engineers did to create this extraordinary watch, a cutting edge timepiece.
A unique evolution of this tourbillon split seconds Chrono Competition RM 056 Felipe Massa is that its entire case -front bezel, caseband and back bezel- is cut and milled from solid blocks of sapphire, a feat of engineering and a strong visual statement. The production of this sapphire structure took years of research and testing in order to ensure an adequate response to the demands of strength and comfort. This is the first time that such a complex case design has been realized in this material. Sapphire is known as a particularly scratch-resistant material and one of the hardest materials on Earth, with a Mohs rating of 9.0. Made of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) crystals, it is transparent thanks to its molecular composition. The machining of such components was the biggest challenge faced by Richard Mille, a challenge made all the more difficult as the sapphire machining process is exceptionally delicate. Although extremely tough, sapphire does not allow for even the slightest error during milling and cutting. Creating a case of this quality took over 1000 hours of machining, of which 430 hours were spent on pre-forming the case components and 350 hours on polishing the whole watch case. The cutting tools must be specially designed and tipped with diamond.
For excellent optical properties, bezel case parts have been treated with an anti-glare coating. The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 20 Spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
The RM 056 is a limited edition of just 5 pieces due to the extreme nature of their creation and development, a new frontier in the history of the watchmaking industry.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE TOURBILLON SPLIT SECONDS COMPETITION CHRONOGRAPH RM 056 FELIPE MASSA SAPPHIRE
Limited edition of 5 pieces in sapphire.
CALIBER RMCC1:
manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, split-seconds chronograph and power reserve, torque and function indicators.
Dimensions : 50.50 mm x 42.70 mm x 19.25 mm.
MAIN FEATURES
POWER RESERVE:
Circa 70 hours (displayed on a numeric scale to the left of the barrel).
SKELETONIZED TITANIUM BASEPLATE:
The baseplate has been finished in grade 5 titanium, a biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant and remarkably rigid alloy, which enables the gear train to function effortlessly. The alloy is 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases its mechanical properties, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautical and automobile industries. The baseplate of the caliber RMCC1 has been optimised to achieve an extreme weight/resistance ratio.
The skeletonized baseplate and the bridges have been subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimize their resistance capacities.
CHRONO COMPETITION MOVEMENT:
The RMCC1 movement is inspired by the tourbillon caliber with split-seconds chronograph from the RM008. Released in 2004, this caliber has established itself as one of the most complex in the world thanks to its tourbillon movement operating a split-seconds chronograph.
The caliber RMCC1 is not just a simple exercise based on the movement of the RM008. Richard Mille's engineers spent several months reducing the weight of the caliber. This is a delicate operation when you consider that the weight of the caliber RMCC1 has been cut by 20% compared with the RM 008 to bring it under 10 grams. This required the reworking and manufacture of over 400 parts in the movement. At the same time our engineers have optimized this movement to the maximum, particularly in terms of its time-measuring precision and long-term reliability.
CHRONOGRAPH (column wheels in titanium):
The modern architecture of this movement has allowed for a coherent and rational arrangement of each constituent part, avoiding unnecessary complexity and permitting the best possible use of functions with technical solutions. For example, research was conducted into the geometric design of the column wheels that control the different levers in order to ensure the perfect, long-term, stable and simultaneous functioning of the chronograph mechanism, a feature that is essential for a high performance chronograph.
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 split seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire is the virtually complete elimination of initial jumping in the chronograph seconds hand. 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 indicator 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 using 4 setting screws.
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.
WINDING BARREL TEETH AND THIRD-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE:
The wheel with a central developing profile and a pressure angle of 20° promotes rolling movement more effectively, compensates differences between centers, ensures excellent torque transmission and a distinct improvement in performance.
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 baseplate 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.
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.
EXTREME FINISHING FOR THE MOVEMENT:
Watchmaking expertise can be found throughout the caliber RMCC1, with drawn, polished, satin finished and soft polished surfaces all created by hand. For example, take the complex shape of the tourbillon and barrel bridges in microblasted stainless steel with their visible and non-visible areas that are completely soft polished. Other parts, such as the barrel drum, the minute wheel and the small and large medium wheel are circular grained above and below, then hand-beveled and rhodium plated before the teeth are cut. The various yokes of the caliber RMCC1 are straight-grained, sanded on both sides and soft polished. This range of finishes also provides technical solutions to optimize the Chrono Competition movement.
OTHER FEATURES
- Movement dimensions: 32.00 mm x 36.70 mm
- Thickness: 7.53 mm
- Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
- Balance wheel diameter: 10 mm
- Number of jewels: 35
- Balance wheel: GLUCYDUR, with 2 arms and 4 setting screws
- Moment of inertia 10 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53°
- Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
- Central bridge in aluminium
- Balance spring: ELINVAR, by NIVAROX
- Shock protection: KIF ELASTOR KE 160 B28
- Barrel shaft in nickel-free Chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S), with the following characteristics: stainless – non-magnetic – tempered
CASE:
The entire case - front bezel, caseband, back bezel - of the split seconds Competition Chronograph RM 056 Felipe Massa Sapphire are cut and milled from solid blocks of sapphire. The production of this sapphire structure took years of research and testing in order to ensure an adequate response to the demands of strength and comfort.
Sapphire is known as a particularly scratch-resistant material with a hardness of 1,800 Vickers. Made of aluminium oxide (Al2O3) crystals, it is transparent thanks to its molecular composition. The machining of such components was the biggest challenge faced by Richard Mille Watches, a challenge made all the more difficult as the sapphire machining process is exceptionally delicate.
Although extremely tough, sapphire does not allow for even the slightest error during milling and cutting. Creating a case of this quality took over 1000 hours of machining, of which 430 hours were spent on pre-forming the case components and 350 hours on polishing the whole watch case. For excellent optical properties, the front bezel and the back bezel have been treated with an anti-glare coating.
The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 20 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 added security system prevents accidental overwinding of the watch, the result of which can cause damage such as breaking the winding stem or putting too much pressure on the barrel spring.
INTERIOR FLANGES (outer and inner):
In DLC-coated titanium with hour index points filled with an approved luminescent material.
DIAL:
In sapphire (thickness: 0.40 mm) with anti-glare coating (both sides), protected by 8 silicon clamps inserted in the outer and inner grooves.
BEZEL AND CASE BACK:
Bezel side: in sapphire (1,800 Vickers) with anti-glare coating (on both sides).
Thickness: 2.50 mm
Case back: in sapphire with anti-glare coating (on both sides)
Thickness: 2.50 mm
FINISHING
MOVEMENT:
- Hand-polished bevelling
- Hand-polished locking-sections
- Microblasted milled sections
- Lapped and polished contact points
- Burnished pivots
STEEL PARTS:
- Wire-drawn and microblasted surfaces
- Hand-polished bevelling
WHEELS:
- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
- Circular-decorated faces
- Gilding (before cutting the teeth)
- Minimal corrections to preserve the geometry of the wheels and their performance
