Blue Caribbean Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT, and Titanium for the new Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne

The latest creation from Richard Mille is the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne in Blue Caribbean Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT and titanium.

The latest creation from luxury watchmaker Richard Mille is the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne in Blue Caribbean Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT and titanium. This model houses one of the most sophisticated movements of the brand in a tonneau-shaped case combining three high-tech materials.

Limited to 50 pieces, this edition follows the RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne in White Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT, and titanium presented in November 2023 and the version in Green Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT launched in December 2022.

Measuring 42.68 mm x 50.12 mm x 14.30 mm, the RM 21-02 case associates Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT with a titanium caseband, resulting in a visually captivating, exceptionally lightweight, and robust ensemble.

Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT are composed of hundreds of layers of quartz filaments piled on top of each other.

The surfaces of both materials display extremely regular undulations, as they are composed of multiple layers of parallel filaments obtained by dividing carbon fiber or silica threads. 

These layers, with a maximum thickness of 45 microns, are impregnated with matrices then woven on a special machine that modifies the direction of the weft by 45° between layers. Heated to 120°C at a pressure of 6 bars, these materials are then ready to be processed on a CNC machine in Richard Mille’s case factory.

Originally developed for racing yacht sails and later used in F1 car chassis and aeronautics, Carbon TPT is 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 used in high-stress turbine parts, such as honeycomb seals, and combustor splash plates.

The alloy’s honeycombed geometrical pattern was originally the subject of research by NASA for applications on supersonic aircraft wings. 

The winding barrel and tourbillon are centrally positioned within this aerodynamic structure, balanced 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 replaces the number at 11 o’clock, while the torque indicator is symmetrically positioned at 1 o’clock. This arrangement allows the wearer to monitor the barrel spring’s tension and optimize the movement’s performance. Below 5.3 N.mm, the spring is too slack, while above 6.5 N.mm, excessive tension may harm the movement and cause damage.

An additional layer of control is provided by the function selector. Similar to a car’s gearbox, a push-button at the center of the crown allows the wearer to choose between winding (W), neutral (N), and hand-setting (H) functions. A small hand at 4 o’clock displays the selected function.

Operating at a frequency of 4 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour), the hand-wound Calibre RM21-02 offers an autonomy of 70 hours.

The new Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne in Blue Caribbean Quartz TPT, Carbon TPT and titanium is water resistant to 50 metres / 165 feet. richardmille.com

Suggested reading:

- Richard Mille’s quest for innovation: hi-tech materials