Description

Richard Mille watches are an embodiment of aerospace and Formula 1 technology – not just in terms of design, but also in the use of cutting edge technology and innovative materials. The unique combination of technical watchmaking, case technology, and movement suspension puts the brand in a class of its own.

And when it comes to the functions of the watch, chronograph has been an essential complication for RM, keeping up with the brand’s association with motorsports.

The brand introduced its first flyback chronograph, the RM011, back in 2007, which was discontinued to make way for the RM11-03. The reference has seen a few variations such as the Filipe Massa (which also featured a titanium bracelet), the extremely popular McLaren edition, and the RM11-05 featuring the Cermet – combining the lightness of titanium and the hardness of a high-performance ceramic. Each reference of this flyback chrono has had a technical upgrade in regards to the case / movement materials, but the movement itself did not change much.

Until the present watch, the RM72-01 ‘Lifestyle’ Flyback Chronograph arrived. Packed in a unisex size, is the all new and Richard Mille’s first IN-HOUSE chronograph, the CRMC-1.

Aesthetically it is a classic Richard Mille, with the signature tonneau-shaped case, and completing the look are the iconic five-spline bezel screws. The three-part case measures 38.40 x 47.34 x 11.68 mm and is made in 18K rosegold and the sapphire crystal lies flush with the curved upper surface of the case, without adding to the overall thickness.

The tripartite case is water resistant to 30 metres, ensured by three Nitrile O-ring seals. It is assembled using 20 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.

The dial displays the hours, minutes and small seconds, the function indicator, a semi-instantaneous date displayed in a vertical aperture at 7 o’clock and a flyback chronograph with seconds, minutes, and 24-hour counters.

The movement is mounted on the elastomeric shock blocks, which are the interface between case and movement.
The innovative movement uses two separate tilting pinions, for the chronograph seconds and minutes, which in the new caliber draw energy from different parts of the movement, dividing the load.

The free-sprung adjustable mass balance is made of cupro-beryllium; the fast-rotating mainspring barrel provides a 50 hours power reserve. The automatic winding system has a skeleton platinum rotor running on ceramic bearings. The base plate and bridges are crafted from grade 5 titanium, this technical marvel can be admired through the sapphire caseback.

Full complete set is available with a 5 year international “RM” warranty.

 Richard Mille – bio

Richard Mille (born 13 February 1951, in France) started work at Finhor, a local watchmaking company in 1974. The company was bought by Matra in 1981 and Richard Mille rose to manage Matra’s watchmaking business, which then included the brands Yema and Cupillard Rième. Matra’s watchmaking activities were sold to Seiko, who Mille left in 1992 to start a watchmaking business for jewellery firm Mauboussin. In 1999 he founded the company Richard Mille SA in collaboration with Audemars Piguet. Its first product, the RM001 went on sale in 2001