TheodoreD
430
RM 001- A look at the beginning
What better place for a new forum to start, than at the very beginning?
Here are three pictures of the RM 001, the watch that marked the launch of the RM brand. The basic traits are all here, which the later models would extend in different directions. To the left and right are the platinum version, with the characteristic red gold version in the middle, which in my opinion is the nicest RM combination, since it contrasts so dramatically with the dark movement color.
RM 001 has already acheived a collector's status, as only 17 pieces were manufactured. The 18th piece is the first RM 002, which will be covered later.
One of the first traits that people notice is the dark, flat 'platine' or baseplate on which everything is mounted. This dark color is created by a surface treatment technique called PVD or Physical Vapor Deposition which is normally used for tooling and cutting machines, and also Formula 1 racing engines, which is where Richard got the idea of trying it out on wristwatches. Through a process of heating the metal baseplates in a chamber, under influence of metal vapor (in this case carbide, which is carbon containing metallic elements) the molecules are able to tightly join up with the surface metal, creating an unbelievably tough surface (approximately 3,000HV) which is light and even self lubricating as well. The platine was the first to undergo this treatment, and other parts would follow. Since the resulting treatment is extremely smooth, even slippery as well as tough, you can imagine it was fun to try out on gears in the movement as well!
In the first 11 RM 001 pieces, baseplates of brass were used, number 12 was the first using a titanium baseplate, which would become the RM norm.
The case as you see it here, was also the result of many sketches and studies. The tonneau shaped RM case came out as an essential form, several years in advance of the time that tonneau shaped cases were making their comeback in the watch market. The broad bezel acts as a frame to the movement it encloses, but columns on the sides for carrying the screws through to the case back keep weight down as well as being technically and visually inspired by the design of engines used in racing cars. (Richard Mille is passionate about car racing and also owns an F1 from the 1970?s). The case contours are extremely complicated with several directions of curvature and tapering- and the specific shape, on the design of which much time was spent- means they fit virtually every wrist from large to small, becoming one with it visually and physically. (Even for me with my small wrists, the watch fits like a glove, which I still find unbelieveble, as almost no other medium to large shape fits me like that).
Richard is pretty clear on this shape: RM: ?Although I am always experimenting, this basic shape of the collection is certainly going to remain for a very long time. It just works very well, and it would be hard to find something that convinces me totally like this shape does?. This typifies another aspect of the RM philosophy: there is no discussion with a management team about which design to choose out of several; no marketing research results to make the choice for you. That's what I personally like so much about these pieces. Richard Mille?s watches seem to get their jolt of passion from those details he considers important and essential; and all those decisions together instill a clearly defined character on the final product. That's a result that is only acheived by working in small teams, with stubborn and single minded people!
