Limited edition of 20 pieces, 18K white or red gold gem-set case.
CALIBER RM19-01: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and power reserve indicator.
Dimensions: 46.40 x 38.30 x 12.45 mm.
MAIN FEATURES
POWER RESERVE Circa 48 hours (±10%). This function is displayed using a newly designed differential power reserve system, with a printed red line on a moving disc located between 10 and 11 o’clock.
BASEPLATE IN GEM-SET WHITE GOLD The whole baseplate of the RM 19-01 is machined from 18K white gold, polished by hand and then black rhodium-plated. Taking the spider web as its motif, the baseplate is then decorated and set with hundreds of black sapphires, an esthetic feat obtained through the long and delicate work of the gem-setter.
SPIDER IN GEM-SET WHITE GOLD For this first collaboration, Natalie Portman set her mind on an image combining strong associations and complex undertones expressed by a diamond studded and encrusted tracery based upon the image of a spider.
This predator insect fascinates us with its strong symbolic power as noted by the abundant myths and stories about spiders to be found in every civilization and across all continents, often in relation to feminine energy and creativity. A mistress of fate and weaver of reality, the spider is the symbol of the soul but also freedom.
For the Altaic peoples of Central Asia and Siberia, it represents the soul released from the body, and on the mystical level, the thread of the spider is a support in spiritual development. Among the peoples of West Africa, the spider, called Anansi is seen as the originator of the first humans and creator of the Sun, Moon and stars.
The rhodium-plated white gold spider, set with diamonds, forms an integral part of the movement. The opisthosoma, the abdominal part of the spider’s body, stiffens the tourbillon bridges and its legs support the two barrels.
BRIDGES IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM The manufacture of these components in grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment allows the whole assembly to be given great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train.
FREE SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA The free-sprung balance with variable inertia and a terminal-curve spring guarantees greater reliability in case of impacts and during movement assembly and disassembly, thus achieving better chronometric results over time.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL This device permits a profitable winding gain (circa 20%), especially during the winding start. It is also aids in the distribution of the mainspring' internal tension.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
OTHER FEATURES
- Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm
- Thickness: 4.97 mm
- Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
- Balance wheel diameter: 10 mm
- Jewels: 21, set in white gold chatons
- Balance: Glucydur, 2 arms and 4 setting screws, inertia moment 11.5 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53°
- Frequency: 21’600 vph (3 Hz)
- Balance spring: ELINVAR by Nivarox®
- Shock protection: KIF ELASTOR KE 160 B28
- Barrel shaft: in nickel-free Chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S), with the following characteristics: stainless - antimagnetic - suitable for tempering.
CASE
In the world of horology, the Richard Mille watchcase is considered as the most difficult to manufacture. This tripartite tonneau-shaped case is fully curved, which enables the watch to be ergonomic and comfortable but is time consuming during its production and requires a high level of quality control.
Both front and back curves are part of the Richard Mille watch case regard less of their shapes (tonneau, round, rectangular). These curving bezels with their characteristic shape demand ultimate precision with no stress in the metal. These manufacturing specifications required one year of research and development.
The specific tonneau shape of the RM 19-01 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 only for preparation. Tooling takes 4 hours and the RM 19-01 is obtained after 250 milling operations. The finishing process requires a full day for grinding, glazing and polishing.
The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE CASE This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
TORQUE LIMITING CROWN This additional security system prevents from accidental overwinding, which could cause damage to the winding stem or put extreme pressure on the mainspring barrel.
FINISHING
MOVEMENT
- Anglage and polishing by hand
- Locking sections hand polished
- Sapphire blasted milled sections
- Lapped and polished contact points
- Burnished pivots
- PVD treatment
STEEL PARTS
- Sapphire blasted surfaces
- Satin finished surfaces
- Anglage and polishing by hand
- Drawn outer faces
GEAR WHEEL
- Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
- Circular finished faces
- Surface treatment or rhodium-plating (before cutting the teeth)
- Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
Not Specified