Restyling is a crucial element in the lifecycle of any product. A watch has to possess vitality and be integrated within the natural stylistic development of a brand. A fixture of the Richard Mille collection since 2007, the RM 011 took its bows. Retiring at the height of its glory, it made way for the RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph.
RM 11-03
Automatic Winding Flyback Chronograph
RM 11-03
AN EMBLEMATIC MODEL
Since the brand’s debut, Richard Mille watches have distilled performance in an unparalleled range of areas.
To appreciate this, one need look no further than the RM 011. In terms of design, of materials used, of its details, its movement and its extraordinary adaptability, this piece embodies everything the brand stands for.
The guiding principle for Richard Mille behind the RM 11-03 was to imbue the new automatic RMAC3 calibre with a 3D quality and to bring its complexity visually to the fore.
To appreciate this, one need look no further than the RM 011. In terms of design, of materials used, of its details, its movement and its extraordinary adaptability, this piece embodies everything the brand stands for.
The guiding principle for Richard Mille behind the RM 11-03 was to imbue the new automatic RMAC3 calibre with a 3D quality and to bring its complexity visually to the fore.
RM 11-03 AUTOMATIC CHRONOGRAPH
CALIBRE RMAC3
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.
POWER RESERVE
Circa 55 hours (± 10%), 45 hours with chronograph running. Actual power reserve results will depend on chronograph usage.
BASEPLATE AND BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
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.
FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH
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.
RM 11-03
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.
VARIABLE-GEOMETRY ROTOR
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
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
CASE
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
Movement
• Baseplate and bridges in titanium, wet sandblasted, PVD treated
• Chamfered and polished by hand
• Hand-polished locking sections
• Burnished pivots
• Diamond-polished sinks
• Pinions with undercuts
Steel parts
• Sapphire-blasted surfaces
• Chamfered and polished by hand
• Screw slot and screws bevelled and polished for a rounded, polished tip
Wheels
• Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
• Diamond-polished angles
• Circular-finished faces
• Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
Other features
DOUBLE-BARREL SYSTEM
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.
FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
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.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE
This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
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