Swiss ultra-luxury watch maker Richard Mille launchesat the 2015 SIHH in Geneva three new exceptional model. The new Richard Mille RM 51-02 high jewelry tourbillon takes all of its cues from the swirling form of a twisting spiral, a shape expressed in many organic forms around us in the natural environment
The spray of diamonds emanating outwards in 14 rays from the tourbillon escapement at 6 o’clock can also be associated with the spiraling vortex one perceives in myriad galaxies of the Milky Way, an allusion to a whirlwind (the English translation of the French word tourbillon) or the spirally formed patterns of organic growth found within certain sea creatures, plants, trees and animals.
The baseplate of the manual winding tourbillon has been created of Black Onyx, a variety of cryptocrystalline quartz chalcedony composed of silicium dioxide, (SiO2). Onyx varieties with rectilinear black and white parallel stripes are actually a part of the agate family, whereas the fully black type is what one commonly calls true Black Onyx.
Keeping with the technical nature of all watches created by the brand, the RM 51-02 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. 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.
Each spiral ray of the RM 51-02 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 and with an eye for detail typical of Richard Mille’s fastidious approach, the crown has also been set with 3 rows of diamonds to complete the brilliant richness of this shimmering new timepiece. The RM 51-02 Diamond Twister will be available in an edition of 30 pieces.
The new RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur epitomizes these traditions of horological artistry in a vibrant expression of watchmaking distinctive to Richard Mille’s vision of timekeeping in the 21st century. For the creation of this timepiece a special flower, the Magnolia, was chosen as its existence marks millions of years on the earth even before the emergence of bees within the environment, flowering in an endless cycle of birth and regeneration. The Magnolia’s delicate appearance stands in sharp contrast to its strong organic structure and resilience in difficult environments.
At the lower left of the dial on the RM 19-02 we see the Magnolia surrounding a flying tourbillon escapement with five delicate, hand created and colored 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.
However, if you look very closely, you will see that Richard Mille chose to imitate nature in the most exquisitely extreme manner possible…..The Magnolia does not just open, the entire flying tourbillon with its stone set stamen actually moves upwards 1mm when fully opened, exactly copying the natural motion of the flower’s arching upwards of its stamen to increase its chances of pollination. Attention to details such as these exemplify the Richard Mille approach to watchmaking artistry on every level.
For those interested in the technical mastery behind this unique grade 5 titanium tourbillon caliber, a complex mechanism comprising 5 levers surrounds the underside of the petals, and yet another system combined with a long pinion is used to raise the flying tourbillon and stamen upwards within the flower’s circumference – all using energy supplied by a separate, second winding barrel. As an added attention to the tiniest details, it is even possible to adjust the opening and closing cycle. The RM 19-02 Fleur is limited to a production of 30 pieces worldwide
After introducing its very first gold bracelet for two ladies models, the RM 07-01 and the RM 037 to complement the large offerings of straps in all kinds of leather, silk, rubber and alligator, Richard Mille launches at the 2015 SIHH another precious metal bracelet, the ‘Open Link’.
Each piece of this new bracelet is hand-made and hand finished. Each link is micro-blasted, satinbrushed and polished. Comfort has always been one of the brand’s top priorities. The development and the testing concerning this strap have resulted in a very ergonomic bracelet that is a pleasure to wear. It is a combination of aesthetic appeal and perfect integration.
The Open link strap offers women a very light, airy and flexible type of bracelet with a more casual appearance. The Open Link strap is exclusively designed for the RM 07-01 and the RM 037, and fully fits with the goal of offering an exceptional variety of watches and accessories – created in the highest quality available in the world – to the customers.
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