Richard Mille RM70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost

Mark in Paris · 2017-10-08T11:05:38Z

First look at Richard Mille RM70-01 Tourbillon with Alain Prost. Discover its cycling odometer, NTPT case, and unique asymmetrical design. Limited to 30 pieces.

Mark in Paris

WPS member · Richard Mille forum

23 replies9891 views33 photos

Mark in Paris introduces the Richard Mille RM70-01 Tourbillon, a unique timepiece developed in partnership with F1 champion Alain Prost. This post details the watch's distinctive design, its cycling-inspired complication for tracking distance, and the innovative materials used. It offers an early look at a limited-edition piece that pushes the boundaries of horological functionality and aesthetics.

Nota: original post updated

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It seems that a new Richard Mille RM70-01 Tourbillon is on its way as the brand has announced a partnership with former F1 champion (4 titles) Alain Prost.

Indeed we learn now that it will be a 30-piece limited edition.

He is ambassador of Renault Sport and has founded with JP Driot the e.Dams Formula E team which has won its 3rd title this year.

Here are a few pictures of the watch, I know he is fan of cycling, thus the complication of the new RM70-01 Tourbillon. Indeed, the watch can display up to 99 999 kilometers.

The base motivation for this complication is that some cyclists didn't know what distance they made during a certain period of time, let's say a year for instance.

With the pusher on the crown side you can select the figure you want to set. Then, with the pusher at 10 o'clock, the owner sets the right figure.

In the end, after each session, the owner can add the distance made to keep track of the overall achivement.

That's not a necessary feature but that's the philosophy behind the significantly complicated mechanism.

Some RM complications (like the one used in the Erotique model) is much more complicated than its "usefulness" would let one think.

Here is what the press release says abot it:

"The first pusher activates selection of a roller, one of the five. Execution is confirmed by perfect alignment of the two yellow arrows. The second pusher incrementally rotates the roller, which automatically blocks, thanks to the carry mechanism. To avoid accidental manipulations, the complication has been fitted with a neutral position (N). Thanks to a spring-lock, the selection fork will be lined up straight, with an arrow at 2 o’clock pointing to N as visual confirmation that the mechanism is locked."

The crown looks like a wheel...

...and so does the tourbillon cage (the 70-hour power reserve is indicated on the bottom right hand corner)...

I wonder if it is not the first asymetrical case of the brand made in NTPT.

The baseplate and bridges are in grade 5 Titanium.

The barrel and tourbillon are placed along a single axis which helps gaining room, which is quite a nice feature:

And, cherry on the cake, a little gift with the watch, "each buyer will receive as a gift their very own bespoke road cycle. Developed by Alain Prost and Richard Mille in partnership with the prestigious Italian bikemaker Colnago, these individually numbered bicycles are made by hand and painted in the watchmaking brand’s colours."

By the way, the watch is said to be made for the right wrist, as on the picture below.

Nice

Best, Mark

Here are a few more pictures...

Key Points from the Discussion

The RM70-01 is primarily a 'showcase watch' emphasizing Alain Prost's ambassadorship, with its complex mechanism designed more as an 'exercise' in complication than for practical utility.
The asymmetrical case design, while not universally appealing, offers a fresh aesthetic departure from traditional Richard Mille shapes and can be appreciated for its distinctiveness.
Richard Mille often creates watches with highly complicated, non-essential features, highlighting the brand's philosophy of pushing technical boundaries and exploring unique concepts.
The cycling odometer complication, while conceptually interesting, is considered humorous for an F1 champion, as it doesn't directly relate to his primary sport but aligns with his personal cycling passion.
The RM70-01's unconventional design and complication demonstrate Richard Mille's commitment to innovation and 'thinking out of the box,' even if the watch isn't suited for every collector's taste.

The Discussion

texex91

Oct 8, 2017

I saw this on IG. I don't care for the shape, but RM is always thinking of new things. Let the money keep flowing. Congrats to any future buyers.

piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1)

Oct 8, 2017

I don't like the new shape, ergonomic is a RMs feature but it seems too much (like in other asymmetric case)

Mark in Paris

Oct 8, 2017

They kind of "play" in creating different shapes and complications, even if they are not that useful. I think a significant part of it is for the exercize of making something complicated and different, not in a serious way (like the Erotique or the 063). Thanks texex. Best, Mark

Mark in Paris

Oct 8, 2017

I think it is more of an "exercize" (like the Erotique with rotating barrels or the 63). I 'm not really a fan of the asymetrical shape either (like on the 061 Yohan Blake) but it changes from usual and, on the wrist, I imagine that it can have a different look that people may enjoy too. Question of taste I guess. Best, Mark

keks

Oct 8, 2017

I am a very intuitive and optimistic person... and my first impression is not great. I saw some videos of this and perhaps I will warm up to it but it does take some digesting for me at the very least.... is it supposed to be worn on the left or right wrist?

Mark in Paris

Oct 8, 2017

even if it is usually not our cup of tea. There are watches that you know you wouldn't buy but that you're happy it exists. Thanks Alkiro Best, Mark

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Richard Mille RM70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost

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