Let it be Light! Manufacturing the Richard Mille RM010.

Feb 21, 2007,20:59 PM
 



Introduced last year in Geneva, and with design cues from its illustrious predecessor the RM009 Felipe Massa with its skeletonized aluminum lithium movement structure, the RM010 is the next in line within the Richard Mille collection to further extend the use of skeletonization. This time, the movement, dubbed 005-S, is an updated form of the one found in the RM005. As before, Vaucher, a specialist high quality movement manufacturer was tasked with job of producing the new movement and heavily modifying one of their base calibre’s – to the point where all new base plates are machined and the only remnants of the original calibre lie in the gear train and the escapement.

A great deal of attention (perhaps rightly so) is lavished on the higher complication Richard Mille pieces. Admittedly, the higher end pieces are stunning watches and their design and execution invites interest as watch Purists. However, I wanted to show that the owners of the more basic Richard Mille watches still have a watch that has been given the same attention to design and detail in their manufacture as their lauded siblings. In the same way as every component of the RM002 is thought through, the same applies to the RM005 and the RM010. As such, this is not simply taking a base calibre and PVD coating it. This is re-thinking the movement and its construction so that the end product is far removed from the original ebauche that it is using merely the going train drawings as a starting point for further development, rather than an actual caliber en zich.



Vaucher, formerly part of the Parmigiani Fleurier, was split off into a separate entity, and now manufactures high quality movements for a host of high end watch firms, whilst still keeping closely involved with Parmigiani. The base movements for the RM005 and RM010 are a highly modified form of the Vaucher 4000 automatic calibre. The same calibre finds its way into a number of high end watches. However, the greatest modifications are for the Richard Mille watches.

In total, Vaucher manufactures about 5000 movements a year in a variety of forms (base automatic, perpetual calendar, tourbillon) for a long list of clients. Consequently, the number of movements that are produced for Richard Mille in any one year is on the low side (a high three-figure number). I was lucky enough to visit Vaucher at a time when both the RM010 and the RM005 movements were under construction. So what started out as a look at the RM010 construction turned into a comparison of the movements, a detailed look at both movements and how they differ, and how they are manufactured.


More posts: Felipe MassaRM002RM005RM009RM010RM011

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Designing the Movement.

 
 By: 219 : February 21st, 2007-21:01
...  

Manufacturing the Movement Parts

 
 By: 219 : February 21st, 2007-21:03
...  

Putting the Pieces Together: Making the Movement.

 
 By: 219 : February 21st, 2007-21:05
The parts are delivered to the watch maker’s room at Vaucher dedicated to the RM005 and RM010 movements. A line of about 8 watchmakers work in silence at their bench, concentrating on each intricate task required in constructing the movement. New approach...  

Very interesting post

 
 By: Geo : February 23rd, 2007-06:08
and great shots. Thanks! Geo

Thanks ks. nt.

 
 By: 219 : February 26th, 2007-13:12

The Finished Movements.

 
 By: 219 : February 21st, 2007-21:06
g Once constructed, the movements are sent for testing and timekeeping. For each movement the read-out of the timing is kept below the plastic case in the tray....  

After trying on the RM010, I have to say that..

 
 By: Allen : February 21st, 2007-21:30
the size does fit me very very well. I thought that the RM005 was the perfect fit for me, but now I'm not that sure any more. I guess the large watch trend is rubbing off on me Thanks so much for the article and wonderful pics. I especially apprecate the ... 

The Completed Watch.

 
 By: 219 : February 21st, 2007-21:07
...  

On the wrist?

 
 By: 219 : February 21st, 2007-21:10
I’ll admit, I probably have above average wrist size, but even so, the RM010 looks just fine – thank you very much! Judge for yourselves: Thanks for reading. I hope all RM005 and RM010 owners can now see the degree to which design and crafts(wo)manship ma...  

Thanks for the great writeup . Must admit the size and the skeletonised dial of the 010

 
 By: GH1 : February 21st, 2007-22:36
makes it the more appealing watch . Appreciate the indepth study into the design n manufacture of both the 005 n 010. Time to save up !

Thanks Andrew for the enlightening post.

 
 By: SJX : February 22nd, 2007-00:36
The main draw of the RM010 for me is the well proportioned case. Looking forward to more of your reports. - SJX

Thank you for the insite.....

 
 By: Andy : February 22nd, 2007-01:51
I have to say the skeletonisation is a big draw for me to the RM010, a trip to London will be in order to see some..!! Yours, Andy.

Many Thanks and a Question

 
 By: Douglas : February 22nd, 2007-08:01
Fabulous, Andrew. Many thanks. Once again, you bring to life the unique quality and design of this brand—beyond the genealogy, and beyond the craft and work-(wo)manship of the movement and case. I continue to think that RM pieces are addictive: I return t... 

Thanks andrew, its a great one! (nt)

 
 By: Xian Yang, XY : February 23rd, 2007-02:51
.

rm010

 
 By: vc : February 22nd, 2007-02:43
Excellent Andrew...Thanks very much fo for this.

Absolutely wonderful, thanks! nt

 
 By: Chris Meisenzahl : February 22nd, 2007-15:23
nt

You understand that

 
 By: peter3002 : February 23rd, 2007-05:25
this fantistic post has cost me thousands ! I want one more than ever. thanks