Introducing Richard Mille Lunches the RM 17-02 Tourbillon in Titanium

Richard Mille has long been renowned for its distinctive and innovative use of cutting-edge materials in watchmaking, continuously pushing the boundaries of what is possible in horological craftsmanship. Among these materials, titanium stands out as a revolutionary choice, ideally suited for a wide range of applications due to its incredible strength, lightweight properties, non-toxic nature, and corrosion resistance. In watchmaking, titanium offers a significant advantage—at only 60% the weight of stainless steel, it ensures comfort on the wrist without compromising the strength and durability of steel. This makes it an ideal material for luxury watches. Now, Richard Mille is introducing the RM 17-02 Tourbillon, featuring a new titanium case.

Every component of this watch has been meticulously engineered to meet extremely rigorous specifications, following the same analytical engineering principles applied in the design of Formula 1 racing cars, where the chassis and engine are developed in perfect harmony. For instance, instead of using a traditional casing ring, the movement is mounted on chassis rubbers and secured with grade 5 titanium screws.

The signature tonneau-shaped, tripartite case is crafted from grade 5 titanium, measuring 40.10mm in diameter, and is fitted with two Nitrile O-ring seals. Additionally, it features a torque-limiting crown, a safety system designed to prevent accidental overwinding that could potentially damage the winding stem.

The openworked dial reveals the ultra-thin calibre, measuring 4.65 mm in thickness and featuring a grade 5 titanium baseplate and bridges. Much like a car's gearbox, the function indicator displays the winding, neutral, and hand-setting positions as the crown is pulled out, with a hand at the 4 o'clock position showing the current mode. Additionally, a power reserve indicator is located at 2 o'clock, while the tourbillon is visible at 6 o'clock.

The manual winding movement features a free-sprung balance, enhancing reliability during shocks, movement assembly or disassembly, and ensuring improved chronometric performance over time. It also includes a fast-rotating barrel, completing one revolution every 6 hours instead of the usual 7.5 hours, and operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz). The watch comes with a black strap and the price is upon request. 

For more information you can visit Richard Mille’s official website.