Post on 09-Aug-2020
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RICHARD MILLE TOURBILLON
RM 051 PHOENIX-MICHELLE YEOH
Tonneau case - Limited edition of 18 unique pieces in 18k white gold, 18K red gold and titanium gem-set
case.
CALIBER RM051: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and power reserve,
inspired by the RM 026.
Dimensions : 48 mm x 39.70 mm x 12.80 mm.
MAIN FEATURES(MANY OF WHICH ARE MAJOR TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS)
POWER RESERVE
Circa 48 hours. This function is displayed using a newly designed differential power reserve system
with a printed red line on a moving disc located between 10 and 11 o’clock.
BLACK ONYX BASEPLATE
Onyx is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz chalcedony composed of silicium dioxide, (SiO2). The
rectilinear black and white parallel stripes version is part of the agate types. The fully black type is
called Black Onyx, and is said to be able to deflect harmful energy down to the earth, while providing
stability. For this reason, Black Onyx is considered as a charm-stone against spells. Black Onyx also
symbolizes equilibrium and inspiration.
BRIDGES MADE OF TITANIUM
These components are in grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment. This provides the whole assembly
great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the
gear train.
VARIABLE INERTIA, FREE SPRUNG BALANCE
The free-sprung balance provides better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly and
disassembly. It also guarantees better chronometric results over an extended period of time.
TORQUE LIMITING CROWN
This additional security system prevents from accidental overwinding, which could cause damage to
the winding stem or putting extreme pressure on the mainspring barrel.
The crown is set with precious stones or semi-precious stones depending on the version.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits a profitable winding gain (circa 20 %), especially during the winding start, when
the spring is not charged. It is also helpful in the distribution of the mainspring’s internal tension.
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RM 051 PHOENIX-MICHELLE YEOH
OTHER FEATURES
- Movement dimensions: 30.20 mm x 28.60 mm
- Thickness: 4.97 mm
- Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
- Balance wheel diameter: 9.12 mm
- Number of jewels: 21
- Balance: Glucydur, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, inertia moment 10 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53º
- Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
- Balance spring: Elinvar by NIVAROX
- Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28
- Stone setting in white gold
- Barrel shaft in nickel-free Chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics:
stainless- antimagnetic- suitable for tempering
CASE
In the world of horology, the case of Richard Mille watches is currently considered as the most difficult
to manufacture. This tripartite tonneau-shaped case is fully curved, which enables the watch to be
ergonomic and comfortable but is time consuming during its production and requires a high level of
quality control. These front and back curves are part of the Richard Mille watch case regardless of
their shapes (tonneau, round, rectangular). They demand ultimate precision and no stress in the metal.
The bezel side and the case back have to be perfectly assembled in the case middle with no constraints,
to prevent the sapphires from any damage. These manufacturing specifications required one year of
research and development.
The tonneau shape of the RM 051 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 for the forming. Tooling
takes 4 hours and the RM 051 is obtained after 255 milling operations.
The finishing process requires a full day for grinding, glazing and polishing. The tripartite case is water
resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 spline screws
in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
INTERIOR FLANGES
Upper flange in black carbon fiber, with the hours index set with diamonds.
Lower flange in black carbon fiber. with the minutes index in white color.
CRYSTAL
Bezel side: In sapphire (hardness 1800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: 1.20 mm
Case back: In sapphire with anti-glare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: at the center 1 mm and outer edges 1.73 mm
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RM 051 PHOENIX-MICHELLE YEOH
FINISHING
MOVEMENT
- Anglage and polishing by hand (excluding Onyx baseplate and PVD treated parts)
- Locking sections hand polished
- Sapphire blasted milled sections
- Lapped and polished contact points
- Burnished pivots
- PVD treatment (excluding the Onyx baseplate)
STEEL PARTS
- Sapphire blasted surfaces
- Satin finished surfaces
- Anglage and polishing by hand
- Burnished sections
GEAR WHEELS
- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
- Circular finished faces
- Surface treatment or rhodium-plating (before cutting the teeth)
- Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
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