Involved in creating the regatta in 2010 and its title partner since 2019, Richard Mille is once again present at the event, accompanied this year by the brand’s freediving partner Arnaud Jerald. The four-time world record holder and reigning world freediving champion is proud to be associated with this internationally renowned competition: “Our disciplines are synonymous with performance, humility, solidarity and surpassing oneself, and I am honoured to be a patron of this year’s Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille competition. I sailed when I was younger and I love the sensations, so I’m looking forward to picking up some valuable insights and talking to some true enthusiasts. Sailing and freediving are also sports in which experience is highly valued, so I expect to learn a lot from this event.”
RM 032 Automatic winding flyback chronograph Les Voiles de Saint Barth
Automatic winding movement with hours, minutes, oversize date, month, flyback chronograph with minutes and seconds counter, hour counter, running indicator and variable-geometry rotor.
Limited edition of 120 pieces.
Around 50 hours (± 10%), 45 hours with the chronograph running.
Actual power reserve results will depend on how long the chronograph is utilised.
These components in grade 5 titanium with black PVD coating confer great rigidity on the whole assembly, as well as the precise surface flatness essential for perfect functioning of the gear train.
The skeletonised baseplate and bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure they met rigorous strength requirements.
Using the pusher between 4 and 5 o’clock, the running chronograph can be reset without first having to stop the mechanism.
RUNNING INDICATOR
The running indicator is located at 3 o’clock. Thanks to both its geometry and a 2-rpm rotational frequency, it is possible to check at a glance the functioning of the running movement.
The running indicator disc is composed of successive SuperLumiNova® and black sectors; as a result, it can be easily seen, day or night.
OVERSIZED DATE DISPLAY
Semi-instantaneous, placed in a horizontal aperture below 12 o’clock, with automatic adjustment for months of 30 or 31 days.
MONTH DISPLAY
Semi-instantaneous indicator with Arabic numerals placed between 4 and 5 o’clock.
VARIABLE-GEOMETRY ROTOR
This exclusive Richard Mille design makes it possible to effectively adapt rewinding of the mainspring to the user’s activity level, in sporting or non-sporting environments. By adjusting the six-position rib, the rotor’s inertia is modified to either speed up the winding process in the case of leisurely arm movements, or to slow it down during sporting activities.
• Central flange in grade 5 titanium
• 18K white gold weight segment
• Weight segment with 6 possible positions adjusted
by screws in grade 5 titanium
• 18K white gold wings
• Ceramic ball bearings
• Unidirectional anti-clockwise winding
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement diameter: 39.15 mm
Thickness: 9.00 mm
Number of jewels: 62
Balance: Glucydur®, 4 arms, moment of inertia 4.8 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53°
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Balance spring: elinvar by Nivarox®
Shock protection: INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 (transparent)
Escapement wheel jewels: Rubifix (transparent)
Stem with three positions: Manual winding, date adjustment, time setting
CASE
The RM 032 Voiles de Saint Barth is characterised by its two-tone combination of Caribbean blue and white Quartz TPT®. The constant quest for optimal water-resistance and durability has led to the complete integration of these elements into a grade 5 titanium case middle. By contrast, the lugs, inserts and case back in Carbon TPT® are combined with grade 5 titanium pushers that operate the chronograph and lock the rotating bezel – a complex construction that bears the seal of Les Voiles de Saint Barth Richard Mille on the back.
LOCKING CROWN
The crown and pushers can be locked by simply rotating a ring on the crown (green index if unlocked, red index if locked). The movement is thus protected from damage due to excessive pressure or shocks to the crown. Water resistance is enhanced thanks to maximum pressure on the seals.
Finishing
• Baseplate and bridges in hand-ground grade 5 titanium, wet sandblasted, hand drawn, hand finished and PVD treated
• Burnished pivots
• Diamond-polished sinks on the bridge side
• Pinions with undercuts
Steel parts
• Sapphire-blasted and hand-drawn surfaces
• Screw slot and screws bevelled and polished with rounded and polished tip
• Sandblasted and rhodium-plated, bevelled wheels (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance.
Other features
This type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation.
It guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shocks and during movement assembly or disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated, and a more accurate and repeatable calibration is possible thanks to 4 small adjustable weights located directly on the balance.
The double-barrel system helps to improve torque stability over a longer period. This is achieved by distributing the stored energy across two winding barrels instead of one, which increases the number of rotations and reduces pressure on the teeth, bearings and pivots, resulting in better long-term performance.
These types of screws permit better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. They are unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.