In 2023 Richard Mille released a new iteration of the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne in White Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT, and titanium. Price CHF796,000
Richard Mille released a new iteration of the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne characterised by the alternation of White Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT, and titanium for an eye-catching black and white appearance that highlights the cutting-edge design of this model.
Limited to 50 pieces, this edition follows the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne in Green Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT presented in 2022 (you can read about it here).
Used in aeronautics and Formula 1 for their exceptional physical properties, White Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT also offer unique aesthetics with their regular undulations.
These materials consist of multiple layers of parallel filaments derived from carbon fiber or silica threads. The layers, each with a maximum thickness of 45 microns, undergo impregnation with white or black matrices before being woven on a specialized machine. This machine alters the direction of the weft by 45° between layers. Subsequently, the materials are subjected to a heat treatment at 120°C under a pressure of 6 bars, preparing them for precision machining on a CNC machine within Richard Mille's dedicated case factory.
Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT are seamlessly associated with a titanium caseband. The resulting 42.68 x 50.12 x 14.30 mm case is not only visually captivating but also exceptionally lightweight yet robust.
Carbon TPT is also at the heart of the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne baseplate. It is combined with a honeycombed structure produced of black-PVD treated HAYNES 214, a nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron alloy applied in the demanding environment of specialized gas turbine parts, such as honeycomb seals, combustor splash plates and other static oxidation-limited parts. The alloy’s honeycombed geometrical pattern was originally the subject of research by NASA for applications on supersonic aircraft wings. Both materials definitely embody the concepts of air and speed.
For the bridges, Richard Mille opted for grade 5 titanium, due to its superior rigidity and excellent corrosion resistance.
Within this aerodynamic structure, the winding barrel and tourbillon are positioned centrally. They gracefully balance on lightweight titanium bridges with four arms on either side.
Surrounding these components are torque and power-reserve indicators, providing insights into the quantity and quality of energy stored within the barrel.
The power-reserve indicator is placed in lieu of the number at 11 o’clock, while the torque indicator is symmetrically positioned at 1 o’clock. This makes it possible to know the barrel-spring’s tension and thus optimise the movement’s functioning. Below 5.3 N.mm, the spring is too slack; at the other extreme, above 6.5 N.mm, excessive tension can adversely affect the running of the movement and may even cause damage.
An added layer of control is also granted by the function selector. In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, a push-button located at the centre of the crown allows one to select the winding (W), neutral (N) and hand-setting (H) functions with a simple push. A small hand at 4 o’clock displays the selected function.
Finished with a black and gray PVD treatment with hand-polished anglage, the hand-wound Calibre RM21-02 beats at 21.600 vibrations per hour and offers an autonomy of 70 hours.
Water resistant to 50 metres / 165 feet, the new Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne in White Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT is priced at CHF 796,000 excluding taxes. richardmille.com
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