Richard Mille introduced the product of its brand partnership with McLaren-Honda F1 Team. The new model features a Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph movement.
RM 50-03, aka the world’s lightest Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph, is a special model which exceeds the limits of the brand itself and benefits its fund of technological knowledge. The new model weighs only 38 grams including the strap thanks to titanium and carbon TPT, as well as Graph TPT – a material used for the first time.
It is possible to see the Formula 1 inspired details throughout the watch’s design like the winding crown designed like rims and the chronograph pushers inspired by the air vents. The case is made of an alternative material called Graph TPT. In order to produce the case, 30 micron thick filaments of graphene arranged at an angle of 45 degrees for 600 times and molded under high pressure and temperature. Then the final shape of the case is given by the CNC machine. The material is 6 times lighter and 200 times more durable than stainless steel used for the same purpose.
The in-house hand-wind movement measures 31.1mm x 32.15mm and offers 70 hours of power reserve when fully wound. 43 jewels movement features the newly developed Split Seconds Chronograph module and Tourbillon escapement. The function selection hands and hair spring torque level indicator can be accessed through the dial.
Richard Mille RM 50-03 Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph Ultralight McLaren F1 is scheduled to be produced 75 pieces in total. This number is quite high compared to similar Haute Horlogerie models that the brand introduced in the past years. It is inevitable to increase the number of production in order to cater to the demand formed due to increasing popularity.
