Complex and beautiful mechanical art is not limited to horology. The Age of Reason gave rise to myriad efforts to understand nature’s inner workings, and this in turn motivated the mechanically and artistically inclined to devise and create miniature automata in the form of animals, insects and flowers. Richard Mille’s new RM 1902 Tourbillon Fleur continues these traditions of horological artistry and distinctive expression of watchmaking.
The RM 1902 presents a flying tourbillon escapement surrounded five delicate, handcrafted and colored Magnolia petals. Working either in passing, or on demand using the pusher at 9 o’clock, the Magnolia opens and closes with rhythmic regularity in a delicate kinetic ballet.
If you look closely, the Magnolia does not simply open. Instead, the entire flying tourbillon actually rises one millimeter while the flower is opening, exactly copying the flower’s natural motion. This is accomplished by a complex mechanism comprising five levers surrounding the underside of the petals, and another system combined with a long pinion raising the flying tourbillon – all using energy supplied by a second winding barrel. Ever attentive to even the tiniest details, it is even possible to adjust the flower’s opening and closing cycle.
The RM 1902 Tourbillon Fleur is limited to a production of 30 pieces worldwide. Complete technical specifications appear below.
The RM 5102 takes its natural inspiration from the swirling form of a twisting spiral, a shape expressed throughout nature, from organic forms that surround us every day to the Milky Way galaxy itself. The shape is also an allusion to a whirlwind, the English translation of the French word tourbillon. A spray of diamonds emanates outwards in 14 rays from the tourbillon at 6 o’clock, placing the very special escapement at the heart of the vortex, drawing the eye in.
Each spiral ray of the RM 5102 is perfectly set with a single row of diamonds; the case is set with white diamonds, and black sapphires have been added to accentuate case details. As a final flourish, the crown has also been set with 3 rows of diamonds to complete the brilliant richness of this shimmering new timepiece.
The baseplate has been carved from Black Onyx. Keeping with the technical nature of all watches created by the brand, the RM 5102 has a free sprung balance and skeletonized bridges in PVD treated grade 5 titanium with various hand finishing techniques such as anglage and black polish used throughout the movement. The PVD treatment is applied to the bridges prior to the application of the anglage, requiring the craftsmen to exercise the utmost care so as not to leave any trace of their handwork on the black surface.
An additional security system in the form of a torque limiting crown prevents any possibility of accidental overwinding that might damage to the winding stem or exert extreme pressure on the mainspring barrel.
The RM 5102 Diamond Twister will be available in an edition of 30 pieces. Complete technical specifications appear below.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RICHARD MILLE RM 1902 TOURBILLON FLEUR
Limited edition of 30 pieces.
CALIBER RM1902: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and automaton mechanism.
Dimensions: 45.4 x 38.3 x 12.55 mm
MAIN FEATURES
POWER RESERVE
Circa 36 hours (±10%)
BASEPLATE AND BRIDGES IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM
Grade 5 titanium is a biocompatible, highly corrosionresistant and remarkably rigid alloy, which enables the gear train to function effortlessly. The alloy is 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases its mechanical properties, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautical and automobile industries.
The skeletonized baseplate, entirely handengraved with a floral pattern, has been subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimize its resistance capacities.
FLYING TOURBILLON
Positioned at 7 o’clock, the flying tourbillon is a complex regulating mechanism. The distinctive feature of the socalled “flying” tourbillon is that its cage is assembled without an upper bridge, thus creating the impression of weightlessness, and offering improved visibility. The center of the tourbillon gracing the RM 1902 is set with precious stones to symbolize the stamens of the magnolia flower.
VARIABLE INERTIA, FREE SPRUNG BALANCE
The freesprung balance gives better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly and disassembly, and also guarantees better chronometric results over an extended period of time.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20%), especially during the start of winding. It also aids in the even distribution of the mainspring’s internal tension.
AUTOMATON MECHANISM
The RM 1902 features an automaton mechanism at 7 o’clock. Evoking a magnolia, the five petals in 18K white gold open every five minutes to reveal the flying tourbillon. When the petals open, the flying tourbillon rises slightly to showcase all of its components. Pressing the pusher at 9 o’clock also enables the opening of the flower to be controlled manually.
The automaton is powered independently from the watch by an auxiliary gear train linked to a second barrel dedicated exclusively to this complication.
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: 31.5 x 29.62 mm
– Thickness: 5.72 mm
– Tourbillon diameter: 11.1 mm
– Balance wheel diameter: 10 mm
– Number of jewels: 40
– Balance: Glucydur, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, inertia moment 10 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53o
– Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
– Balance spring: Elinvar by Nivarox
– Shock protection: KIF Elastore KE 160 B28
– Jewels set in whitegold chatons
– Barrel shaft in nickelfree chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics: stainless; antimagnetic; suitable for tempering
CASE
The tripartite tonneaushaped 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 regardless 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 1902 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 only for preparation. Tooling takes four hours, and the RM 1902 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 Oring 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.
CRYSTAL
Bezel side: in sapphire (1,800 Vickers) with antiglare treatment (both sides).
Thickness: 1.20 mm
Caseback: in sapphire with antiglare treatment (both sides).
Thickness: at the center 1.00 mm and outer edges 1.73 mm
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
– Burnished sections
GEAR WHEELS
– Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
– Circular finished faces
– Gilded (before cutting the teeth)
– Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RICHARD MILLE TOURBILLON RM 5102 DIAMOND TWISTER
Limited edition of 30 pieces.
CALIBER RM5102: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and power reserve.
Dimensions: 47.95 x 39.7 x 12.6 mm
MAIN FEATURES
POWER RESERVE
Circa 48 hours (±10%). This function is displayed using a differential power reserve system with a printed red line on a moving disc located between 10 and 11 o’clock.
BLACK ONYX BASEPLATE
Onyx is a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz chalcedony composed of silicium dioxide, (SiO2). The rectilinear black and white parallel stripes version is part of the agate types. The fully black type is called Black Onyx, and is said to be able to deflect harmful energy down to the earth, while providing stability. For this reason, Black Onyx is considered as a charmstone against spells. Black Onyx also symbolizes equilibrium and inspiration.
BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
These components are in grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment. This provides the whole assembly great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train.
VARIABLE INERTIA, FREE SPRUNG BALANCE
The freesprung balance provides better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly and disassembly. It also guarantees better chronometric results over an extended period of time.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits a profitable winding gain (circa 20 %), especially during the winding start, when the spring is not charged. It is also helpful in the distribution of the mainspring’s 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: 30.2 mm x 28.6 mm
– Thickness: 4.97 mm
– Tourbillon diameter: 12.3 mm
– Balance wheel diameter: 9.12 mm
– Number of jewels: 21
– Balance: Glucydur, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, inertia moment 10 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53o
– Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
– Balance spring: Elinvar by Nivaron
– Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28
– Stone setting in white gold
– Barrel shaft in nickelfree Chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics: stainless; antimagnetic; suitable for tempering
CASE
This tripartite tonneaushaped case is fully curved, which enables the watch to be ergonomic and comfortable but is timeconsuming during its production and requires a high level of quality control. These front and back curves are part of the Richard Mille watch case regardless of their shapes (tonneau, round, rectangular). They demand ultimate precision and no stress in the metal.
The bezel side and the case back have to be perfectly assembled in the case middle with no constraints, to prevent the sapphires from any damage. These manufacturing specifications required one year of research and development. The tonneau shape of the RM 5102 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 for the forming. Tooling takes four hours and the RM 5102 is obtained after 255 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 Oring 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 putting extreme pressure on the mainspring barrel. The crown is set with precious stones or semiprecious stones depending on the version.
DIAL
The central dial is made in 18K white gold and set with 270 precious stones.
INTERIOR FLANGES
Upper flange in black metal, with the hours index set with diamonds. Lower flange in black metal, with the minutes index in white color.
CRYSTAL
Bezel side: In sapphire (hardness 1800 Vickers) with antiglare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: 1.20 mm
Case back: In sapphire with antiglare treatment (both sides)
Thickness: at the center 1 mm and outer edges 1.73 mm
FINISHING
MOVEMENT
– Anglage and polishing by hand (excluding Onyx baseplate and PVD treated parts)
– Locking sections hand polished
– Sapphire blasted milled sections
– Lapped and polished contact points
– Burnished pivots
– PVD treatment (excluding the Onyx baseplate)
STEEL PARTS
– Sapphire blasted surfaces
– Satin finished surfaces
– Anglage and polishing by hand
– Burnished sections
GEAR WHEELS
– Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
– Circular finished faces
– Surface treatment or rhodiumplating (before cutting the teeth)
– Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance