AN EMBLEMATIC MODEL
RM 11-03 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH
Skeletonised, automatic winding movement with a variable-geometry rotor, offering hours, minutes, seconds, flyback chronograph, 60-minute countdown timer at 9 o’clock, 12-hour totaliser, oversize date and month indicator.
Circa 55 hours (± 10%), 45 hours with chronograph running. Actual power reserve results will depend on chronograph usage.
The guiding principle for Richard Mille was to imbue the new automatic RMAC3 calibre with a 3-D quality and to bring its complexity to the fore visually. The glossy bevelled rims marked with intermediate times that surround the coloured counters of the flyback chronograph and seconds window add depth. This sense of volume is further accentuated by an upper bridge in satin-brushed grade 5 titanium that contrasts with the movement, also crafted of titanium, but with a PVD coating. This creates a visual itinerary that sweeps around the annual calendar with its oversize date, as well as the 12-hour counter and countdown function of the flyback chronograph.
The baseplate and bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure optimal strength requirements.
Under the bonnet of the RM 11-03 beats a flyback chronograph ready to literally race on the track.
The instant return of the counter to zero makes it possible to quickly restart the stopwatch function.
OVERSIZE DATE DISPLAY
Semi-instantaneous, placed in a red 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
• 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
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.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 30.25 x 28.45 mm
Thickness: 9.00 mm
Number of jewels: 68
Barrel arbour: AP 20 steel
Balance: Glucydur®, 4 arms, moment of inertia 4.8 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53°
Frequency: 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
Balance spring: AK3
Shock protection: INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 (transparent)
Escapement wheel jewels: Rubifix (transparent)
Three-position stem: manual winding, date, hand setting
The three-part tonneau case was also reworked by the designers, who modernised its lines without stripping the watch of its identity, lending it a sportier, more dynamic character.
Skilled workmanship and protracted machining times scarcely to be believed are required to achieve the level of ergonomics and finishing —unique in the world of haute horlogerie— Chamfering, brushing and polishing the surfaces, which is completed entirely by hand, is a delicate and time-consuming task. This silhouette, which first appeared with the RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal, has become a distinguishing characteristic of all Richard Mille’s sports watches, differentiating them from lifestyle models while reinforcing their structural integrity.
Details recalling automobile racing abound in the RM 11-03. The grade 5 titanium crown borrows the design of competition wheel rims and tyre treads. The grooved pushers, machined of the same material, recall the surface of pedals, and have covers made of another material as ubiquitous as titanium in Formula 1: Carbon TPT®.
The tripartite case of the RM 11-03 is water resistant to 50 metres, ensured by two Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled using 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers made of 316L stainless steel.
Finishing
Other features