eric.vonschonberg
403
if only it had 22 more parts ...
... for then it would have as many parts as the Lange Datograph.
Seriously though, a part count alone cannot relate the complexity
of the movement, since without a doubt the RM004 is much more
complicated than the Lange Datograph. The other points you mention
do help to demonstrate the complexity and significance of the
RM004.
Much has been wondered about the rattrapante mechanism itself
and possible innovation behind the means of isolation. Patek has
noted a significant amount of innovation went into the design of
the isolation mechanism of the 5004. The only point ever mentioned
about the RM004 is that inertia was decreased by using titanium
parts. Should I infer by the lack of mention of the isolation
mechanism that RM004 does not actually have any isolation mechanism
and instead depends upon the lower inertia of titanium partially
ameriorating, but not really solving completely, the problem of
drag when the split hand has been stopped, while the chronograph
is running? I've seen the lower inertia of titanium mentioned
numerous times in the various marketing literature, but have never
seen any mention of an isolation mechanism. Without an isolation
mechanism, it's hard to admire the design of the RM004, and the
part count in no way makes up for any potential inadequacy here.
Eric von Schonberg
Understanding the RM 004
A question
