Richard Mille

NEW FOR 2010

RM 022 TOURBILLON "AERODYNE" DUAL TIME ZONE

 

In 2009, the RM 021 "Aérodyne" greatly impacted the industry on its launch as it encapsulated exemplary modern materials unique to horology and created the subsequent design path to the new RM 022 "Aérodyne" Dual Time zone.

As for the RM 021, the new RM 022 communicates space and supersonic speed that inspire the brand since 2001. However this Tourbillon has another attribute in that it is the first watch to combine a dual time zone with an external structure in titanium combined with orthorhombic* titanium aluminides and carbon nanofibres.

This dual time zone indicator is technically extremely complex but also very user-friendly. At the center of the dial a transparent sapphire crystal disc inscribed with hours permanently rotates through the movement. The digits on the disc are apparent only when transposed on a clear background situated at 03 hours. This dual time zone is easily and quickly adjusted through the finely finished pusher situated at 09 hours. Each impulse adds an extra hour to the time zone.

Combined with a tourbillon movement of exceptional chronometric characteristics the RM 022 proves once more that innovative design and the latest technology are perfectly compatible with values of exclusivity and tradition synonymous with horology in the 21st Century.

 

CALIBER RM 022: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, dual time zone, power reserve, torque indicator and function selector.

Dimensions: length 48 mm x 39.70 mm (widest point) x 13.85 mm (thickest area).

Available in titanium or 18 carat red or white gold, with alligator strap and matching buckle.

* Orthorhombic titanium aluminides are a new group of alloys, developed from the main class of titanium aluminides, which possess a specific crystalline molecular structure ordered on the orthorhombic phase of Ti2AlNb. Its use within a honeycombed geometrical pattern was originally the subject of research by NASA for application as a core material on supersonic aircraft wings, where resistance to extremely high temperatures and torsion is paramount. The alloy in this honeycombed form has unparalleled stiffness, a low thermal expansion coefficient and exceptional torsional resistance. The actual shape of the baseplate itself as seen from the dial side resembles the trench-like V- shaped profile of a flying wing aircraft where the wing tips are positioned higher than the central body of the aircraft itself. The winding barrel and the tourbillon are both placed in the center of this aerodynamic structure, balancing on light and airy bridges with four arms on both sides.

MAIN FEATURES

(MANY OF WHICH ARE MAJOR TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS)

MOVEMENT BASEPLATE OF TITANIUM & HONEYCOMBED ORTHORHOMBIC TITANIUM ALUMINIDE WITH CARBON NANOFIBER CORE

Orthorhombic titanium aluminides are new group of alloys, developed from the main class of titanium aluminides, which possess a specific crystalline molecular structure ordered on the orthorhombic phase of Ti2AlNb. Its use within a honeycombed geometrical pattern was originally the subject of research by NASA for application as a core material on supersonic aircraft wings, where resistance to extremely high temperatures and torsion is paramount. The alloy in this honeycombed form has unparalleled stiffness, a low thermal expansion coefficient and exceptional torsion resistance.

POWER RESERVE

Circa 70 hours, indicated on the power reserve barrel located between 11 and 12 o'clock.

TORQUE INDICATOR

Utilising a numeric scale located between 12 and 1 o'clock, the indicator provides visualisation of the mainspring's internal tension, allowing optimisation of the movement's timing. Below 53 dNmm, the spring is too slack; at the other extreme, above 65 dNmm, excessive tension can adversely affect the running of the movement and may even cause damage.

DUAL TIME ZONE INDICATOR

Indicates a dual time zone with hours on a transparent sapphire crystal disc. These come into view when suspended above the light colored field located near 3 o'clock. The dual time zone is simple to adjust via a pusher located at 9 o'clock.

VARIABLE INERTIA, FREE SPRUNG BALANCE

The free-sprung balancer gives better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly and disassembly, and also guarantees better chronometric results over an extended period of time.

FAST ROTATING BARREL (6 hours per revolution instead of 7, 5 hours)

This type of barrel provides the following advantages :

- The phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion is significantly diminished, thereby increasing performance,

- Provision of an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance and regularity ratio.

BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL

This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20 %), especially during start-up.

It also aids in the even distribution of the mainspring's internal tension.

FUNCTION SELECTOR

In a manner similar to a car's gearbox, a push-button located at the center of the crown allows one to select the winding, neutral and hand setting functions with a simple push. A hand at 4 o'clock displays the selected function: W (Winding) – N (Neutral) – H (Hands).

MODULAR TIME SETTING MECHANISM FITTED AGAINST THE CASE BACK

Provides the following advantages for longevity and maintenance:

- Since the component is mounted outside of the movement, the time setting assembly can be changed without affecting the integrity of the bottom plate in the event of a possible defect or during maintenance,

- The mounting and dismantling of this module from the back will not require the removal of the hands and the dial.

WHEEL BASED TIME SETTING SYSTEM (back of the movement)

Provides smooth time setting functions through the elimination of engaging friction by replacing it with rolling friction.

BARREL COVER CLOSURE THROUGH EXCENTRIC SCREWS

This development is part of a coherent and logical philosophy regarding longevity and the mechanical maintenance of ultra-high quality wristwatches and machines.

CERAMIC ENDSTONE FOR THE TOURBILLON CAGE

This reflects a technical and long-term view towards the elimination of wear phenomena, resulting in improved technical tribology.

CENTRAL BRIDGE IN RIGIDIFIED ARCAP

Ensures high rigidity of the bottom plate and the bridge assembly of the going train.

SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE

This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.

WINDING BARREL TEETH AND THIRD-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE

The central involute profile of the winding barrel teeth and pinion provides an optimal pressure angle of 20°. This promotes effective rotary motion and allows for compensation of possible variations in the engagement of the going train, thus insuring excellent torque transmission with a distinct improvement in performance.

OTHER FEATURES

- Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm

- Thickness: 7.14 mm

- Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm

- Balance wheel diameter: 10,00 mm

- Number of jewels: 28

- Balance: GLUCYDUR, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, inertia moment 10 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53º

- Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

- Balance spring: ELINVAR by NIVAROX

- Torque indicator with reference measurement in dNmm

- Shock protection: KIF ELASTOR KE 160 B28

- Stone setting in white gold

- Barrel shaft in nickel-free chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics:

stainless- antimagnetic- suitable for tempering

FINISHING

MOVEMENT

- Anglages polished by hand

- Locking sections hand polished

- Sapphire blasted milled sections

- Lapped and polished contact points

- Burnished pivots

STEEL PARTS

- Sapphire blasted surfaces

- Anglages polished by hand

GEAR WHEELS

- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool

- Circular finished faces

- Gilded (before cutting the teeth)

- Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance