From RM This newest Richard Mille creation is designed for the great depths of the oceans. The RM 032 offers a wide range of functions. The RM 032 offers hours, minutes, seconds, 60-minute countdown, 12-hour totalizer and flyback chronograph functions, combined with an annual calendar sporting an versized date at 12 o'clock and a month indicator (with numbers from 1 to 12) between 4 and 5 o'clock.
The power reserve is circa 50 hours, 45h with chronograph running. The digits for the date indicator are composed of two discs, with the digits cut out like positive stencils, offering great visual clarity combined with style. The annual calendar allows for the date change to be automatically calculated for months of 30 and 31 days; the only exception being the month of February.
The caliber RMAC2 is protected by a large case measuring 50.00 mm x 17.80 mm, with water resistance of 300 meters (30 atmospheres) and a unidirectional turning bezel following ISO 6425 norms that prevents miscalculations whilst diving. Assembled by three layers connected with 22 screws, the bezel and system attaching it to the watch-case makes it totally stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen. The bezel rotates unidirectionaly in line with the norm ISO 6425, this avoids all mistakes when calculating diving time. For clearer visibility under murky conditions, at 12 o’clock onwards, the minute markers of the first quarter are highlighted in red. All of these details mark the RM 032 as a tool ready to confront the most extreme conditions.
The RM 032 also possesses a running indicator, located at 3 o’clock. Thanks to both its geometry and 2-rpm rotational frequency, it is possible to check the correct functioning of the running movement under stressful conditions. The running indicator disc is composed of successive Superluminova and black sectors; as a result it can be easily read during day or night.
The skeletonized automatic movement of the RM 032 utilizes Richard Mille’s patented system of automatic rotor with variable geometry, a major innovation that allows the level of automatic winding to be adjusted to the user’s lifestyle via the setting of two 18k white gold rotor ribs. The caliber RMAC2, with 62 jewels and beating at 4Hz, has a free sprung balance with variable inertia. This type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation. It guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shock and also during movement assembly and disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated and a more accurate and repeatable adjustment is possible thanks to 4 adjustable small weights located directly on the balance.
In the world of horology, the case of the RM 032 is currently considered as one of the most difficult one to manufacture. After a 1h30-hour turning phase, this tripartite case has to undergo 830 operations planned during an 9-hour milling phase. At the end of a 11-hour machining phase, each RM 032 case has to pass a 1-hour quality control.
The pushers, their respective components and crown require a 10-day machining phase. During this period numerous water resistant tests and quality controls are carried out as well as the hand brushing and polishing of the case. All of these steps are paramount to obtain the specific ergonomic levels associated with Richard Mille watches.
The RM 032 is water resistant to 300 meters (30 atmospheres), following ISO 6425 diver’s watch norms. This is achieved with a unique, curved, tripartite case design. It is complemented by a screwed crown construction and integration of the horns in the case. The horns of each RM 032 have screws designed to optimally fix the diver's rubber strap.
During deep sea dives, the water pressure on the pushers and crown is powerful enough to unintentionally operate one of the pushers, eg. the 'start' pusher of the chronograph. In order to avoid any external pressure effect or accidental manipulation, Richard Mille has developed a locking crown for the RM 032 that locks the pushers and as a result ensures a perfect water resistance up to 300 meters. The crown and pushers of the RM 032 can be locked by simply rotating its ring (green index if unlocked, red index if locked). The movement is also protected from being damaged from overpressure or shocks on the crown. The water resistance is enhanced thanks to maximum seal pressure.
This innovative and extremely technical system is specific to the RM 032 and is patent pending. The RM 032, with its chronograph and date functions enclosed in a highly water resistant and tough case/bezel design, is a new multi-talented horological realization.
Thanks to Richard Mille's innovative design and manufacturing, the RM 032 combines the practical features of timekeeping on land along with the exotic and harsh environmental conditions experienced by deep sea divers.
Posts
