Article of the week
The New Patek Philippe Twenty~4 7340/1R Perpetual Calendar

Introduced in 1999, the Twenty~4 collection was Patek Philippe’s first dedicated line of feminine timepieces. The original model featured an Art Deco-inspired manchette (cuff) design, but in 2018, the brand unveiled the Twenty~4 Automatic, which is a round-cased iteration powered by an automatic movement. This year, Patek Philippe elevates the collection further by introducing a perpetual calendar complication, marking the collection's debut in the realm of Grand Complications.
Crafted entirely in 18K rose gold, the watch features a 36mm case with a slender profile of just 9.95mm, making it sit gracefully on the wrist. The case is meticulously finished with a combination of polished and brushed surfaces, enhancing its refined aesthetic. Two dial options are available. The Ref. 7340/1R-001 features a silvery opaline dial with a vertical satin finish, evoking the texture of shantung silk that feature irregular texture, while the Ref. 7340/1R-010 presents an olive green sunburst dial for a more contemporary appeal.

Introducing New Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal

Another edition for tennis champion Rafael Nadal, and two new records

Richard Mille is known for its innovative designs, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional performance, often pushing the boundaries of traditional watchmaking. Richard Mille watches are particularly known for their lightweight construction, achieved through the use of advanced materials and meticulous engineering. In 2010, the brand made a significant leap with the release of the RM 027 Tourbillon, which at the time became the lightest watch ever produced.

RM 027 Tourbillon

The RM 027 Tourbillon was created in collaboration with tennis champion Rafael Nadal, who rigorously tested the watch under real-world conditions. Nadal wore the RM 027 during his matches, where it endured the abrupt, extreme movements and shocks typical of high-level tennis matches. 

Despite these intense conditions, the RM 027 Tourbillon demonstrated outstanding durability, providing Nadal with complete freedom of movement and solidifying Richard Mille's reputation for excellence in watchmaking. Now, the brand is introducing the RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal, a new watch that weighs 11.5 grams excluding its strap and can endure a g-force of 14,000. This achievement sets two new records for a manual winding tourbillon watch.

The RM 27-05 measures 37.25 x 47.25 in diameter, and 7.20 mm in thickness and features Carbon TPT B.4, a new material developed by Richard Mille based on Carbon TPT. Carbon TPT B.4 is an optimized anisotropic composite that is 4% denser, has fibers that are 15% stiffer, and a resin that is 30% more resistant compared to standard Carbon TPT. These enhanced properties allow for the machining of thinner case components, reducing overall weight without compromising rigidity.

Instead of using a sapphire crystal, which was too heavy for this challenge, Richard Mille opted for a lighter alternative in PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate). This polymer features an anti-scratch treatment that ensures a high level of transparency, eliminating the need for an anti-glare coating.

The skeletonized dial features skeletonized hands, a barrel positioned between 10 and 12 o'clock, and a flying tourbillon at 5:30. The movement offers a power reserve of 55 hours and includes a flying tourbillon that operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The PVD-treated titanium baseplate is meticulously skeletonized and hand-finished, even on the hidden parts. The bridges are crafted from grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT to further reduce weight. 

The calibre measures 3.75 mm thick and weighs just 3.79 grams. Notably, there are no screws securing the movement to the case; instead, the entire mechanism is housed within a monobloc caseback, where the bezel and the flange firmly hold it against it. The watch comes with a black fabric strap, and it's limited to 80 pieces at a price of CHF 980,000, equivalent to AED 3,950,000.

For more information please visit Richard Mille’s official website. 

Technical specifications: Richard Mille RM 27-05 Flying Tourbillon Rafael Nadal
  1. Reference: RM 27-05
  2. Case: Carbon TPT B.4, polymer with anti-scratch treatment 
  3. Diameter: 37.25 x 47.25
  4. Thickness:7.20 mm
  5. Water resistance: 10 m
  6. Weight: 11.5 grams excluding its strap 
  7. Dial: skeletonized dial, skeletonized hands, barrel positioned between 10 and 12 o'clock, flying tourbillon at 5:30, grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT bridges
  8. Movement: caliber RM 27-05, manual winding, in-house
  9. Power reserve: 55 hours 
  10. Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
  11. Functions: Hours, minutes 
  12. Bracelet / Strap: black fabric strap
  13. Availability: Limited to 80 pieces 
  14. Price: CHF 980,000, equivalent to AED 3,950,000

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