Introducing Richard Mille Unveils The RM17-02 in White Quartz TPT

Richard Mille was established in 2001 by Richard Mille and Dominique Guenat. Although relatively young, with just over two decades in the industry, the brand has become synonymous with innovation, cutting-edge technology, and avant-garde design. Known for its ultra-light and durable watches, often incorporating advanced materials like carbon nanotubes and titanium, Richard Mille has captured the attention of watch enthusiasts and collectors worldwide. Its unique approach to watchmaking, characterized by bold aesthetics and technical precision, has cemented its reputation as one of the greatest success stories in the modern watch industry.

Representing the Haute Horlogerie principles of tradition and excellence, Richard Mille is unveiling the RM17-02, a tourbillon watch that showcases its dedication to mechanical innovation. The watch features White Quartz TPT, a composite material crafted from hundreds of layers of quartz fibers arranged in alternating directions.

The design and craftsmanship of this watch embody a thorough approach that integrates the movement, case, and dial into a seamless whole. Every element is engineered to meet exceptionally high standards, akin to the precision and harmony required in Formula 1 car design, where the chassis and engine are developed in tandem. For instance, the usual casing ring has been replaced with chassis-mounted rubbers (ISO SW) fastened with grade 5 titanium screws, ensuring the movement is secure while highlighting the brand's dedication to precision. 

The Tonneau case, measuring 49.80 x 38 mm in diameter, consists of three parts and is water-resistant to 50 meters, thanks to two Nitrile O-ring seals. It is held together with 12 spline screws made from grade 5 titanium. To prevent accidental overwinding that could damage the winding stem or exert excessive force on the barrel spring, the watch is equipped with a torque-limiting crown, providing additional safety and peace of mind.

The beauty and contrast of Richard Mille's openworked dial are captivating, revealing a complex mechanism crafted from advanced materials like blue grade 5 titanium. The power reserve is indicated by a scale located at 2 o'clock, showing how many hours of energy remain in the mainspring before the watch needs rewinding. Like a car's gearbox, the function indicator shows the winding, neutral, and hand-setting positions when the crown is pulled out, with a hand at 4 o'clock indicating the current setting. The most striking feature is the tourbillon, positioned at 6 o’clock, which counteracts the effects of gravity to ensure the watch's accuracy.

The watch is powered by caliber RM17-02, a manual winding movement that operates at 21,600 vph (3 Hz), and offers 70 hours of power reserve. The movement features a ‘fast rotating barrel’, which completes a full revolution in just 6 hours instead of the typical 7.5 hours. The New RM17-02 is limited to 30 pieces and comes with a black rubber strap. 

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