Richard Mille

A while ago I posed the question, but nobody has answered it:

richardmille.watchprosite.com

Now that I'm seriously considering getting a RM004, I'd first like to know the answer. Is anyone familiar enough with the RM004 movement to be able to answer this question? If not, maybe someone can contact Richard Mille to get the answer.

If there is no isolation mechanism, can Richard Mille please explain why? While it is my understanding that lack of an isolation mechanism in a split second chronograph is a major shortcoming, perhaps the RM004 design made an isolation mechanism unnecessary.

The isolation/disengagement mechanisms of other split second chronographs are easy to find on the internet. The lack of any information on the RM004's isolation mechanism makes me suspect it doesn't exist. The isolation/disengagement mechanism used in the Patek 5004 is mentioned here:

patek.watchprosite.com

and the isolation/disengagement mechanism of the Lange double split is discussed here:

www.worldtempus.com

www.europastar.com

Eric von Schonberg

Here is my attempt at the answer although there are far more knowledgeable people out there. 

http://www.network54.com/Forum/296218/message/1090505821/The+RM+004+up+close-+Giulio+Papi+unveils+some+construction+details+%28LONG%29

http://www.network54.com/Forum/296218/message/1155056420/Great+News+for+All+Potential+RM004-V2+Owners%21++The+first+shots+of+the+new+RM004-V2%92s

http://www.network54.com/Forum/296218/message/1159897505/Progress+Report+on+the+RM004-V2-+First+Pictures+of+the+New+Production%21

From the posts above and the discussion contained beneath them, I think (as I am not 100 percent sure what your question refers to) is that yes it does.  Only the RM004 movement is 'different' in design and that the pincers that isolate are 'flat-on' and 'grab' rather than stop.

Great to hear you are thinking of a RM004.  Love the watch a great deal but because of the new approach to the same problem (isolation and disengagement), it has had to be re-thought on at least one occasion and is basically being re-thought continuously.

Allen (Purist member) has had the longest experience with the RM004 - he owns an ultra rare RM004-V1 - and is probably the best placed person to talk about the watch.  Otherwise, I know a number of Purists that own RM004's and hopefully they can chime in.

Thanks

Andrew

(nt)

The RM004 does not have a rattrapante isolation mechanism.
Even though it doesn't have one, I still love mine better than the Patek 5004, Breguet Rattrapante or Lange DoubleSplit (all of which have the isolation mechanism)