Richard Mille, the indispensable name of extraordinary designs and high-tech materials, redefines the limits of luxury watchmaking with its model RM 36-01 G-Sensor Sébastien Loeb Limited Edition, which takes the G-Sensor function to the next level.
When Richard Mille is mentioned, most of us think about the models that have become the symbol of the brand with the Tonneau style case timepieces. But the breathtaking models in the famous brand’s product line is not limited to those Tonneau case watches only. The brand, which brings the materials that we never heard before with features beyond our imagination, is under the spotlight today with another spectacular example that presents the Richard Mille philosophy.
The model, Richard Mille RM 36-01 G-Sensor Sébastien Loeb Limited Edition, which the brand had introduced to the likes of watch enthusiasts at the SIHH trade show in 2016, is limited to a span of 30 units. The model, which is actually the improved version of the RM 36 model issued in 2013 with a limited production of 15 pieces only, is dedicated to the successful rally pilot Sébastien Loeb, which is also one of the brand ambassadors.
The most important feature of the model, as mentioned in its name, G-Force Sensor function. The sensor, which was also present in the successor model RM 36, is upgraded to measure the G-Force level up to 6 G. The indicator located at the 12 o’clock position does not clearly indicate G power to the user, it is possible to say that a value of 6 G is close to the value a standard Formula 1 vehicle is subjected to when taking a very hard turn.
Again with the previous model, the reset button for the G-Sensor indicator is taken from the 9 o’clock position and placed in the middle of the dial. I can hear you saying “But, how?” Well, yes, the pusher is right in the middle of the front sapphire crystal. An upgrade about the functionality (!), I guess...
The sensor is designed in a diameter of 17mm and consists of 50 pieces in total. The sensor can be rotated with a bezel operated alignment which promises to aid more precise measurement of the device in different situations such as acceleration, under braking and when cornering.
Richard Mille RM 36-01 G-Sensor Sébastien Loeb Limited Edition comes in a round, three-part modular case measuring in at 47.7mm in diameter and 17.37mm in thickness. An extremely durable anthracite polymer injected with carbon nanotubes was used for the middle section of the case, while the fixed bezel and the case back are made from ultralight Grade 5 titanium alloy. It is water resistant to 30 meters, a limitation which is most possibly due to the push-button’s setting into the front sapphire crystal. The dial is a 0.40 millimeters thick sapphire disc, treated with anti-reflective coating on both sides.
The movement inside is a manual winding Tourbillon with 60 seconds full rotation. Beating at 3 Hz (or 21,600 vph) the movement is equipped with a balance wheel with weight screws set in its rim for variable moment of inertia. The gear train and other components are tacked in place with the baseplate and the bridges are made from a special alloy of 90% grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium, making them extremely rigid and resistant to corrosion. The function selector feature, as seen on the dial between the 3 and 4 o’clock indexes, is actuated by the pusher set in the center of the winding crown allowing the user to change between the winding (W), neutral (N) and the hand setting (H) functions by pressing the pusher. The time-setting mechanism has been fitted as a separate module, making repairs and removals of this part easier as the sensor and other sections of the movement remains un-touched.
Richard Mille RM 36-01 The G-Sensor Sébastien Loeb Limited Edition, offered on a black rubber strap secured by Richard Mille signed titanium buckle, is limited to 30 units only. MSRP for the model is US $ 625,000 (US list).
