Tonneau case – available in titanium, 18k white gold or red gold…
The new skeletonized caliber RMAS7 with oversize date forms the heart of the new automatic RM 029. The skeletonization process of this novel caliber took more than 10 months to finalize, as there could be no compromise in the movement’s strength or ability to withstand shocks.
This meant much attention was given to testing numerous versions of the skeletonized titanium baseplate before the final pattern of cutaways was chosen. Within its case dimensions of 48 mm x 39.70 mm x 12.60 mm beats an automatic movement with oversize date mechanism inspired by the RM 011 and a rotor with variable geometry.
This exclusive Richard Mille design allows the rewinding of the mainspring to be adapted most effectively to the user’s activity level within sports or leisure environments. The arms of the rotor are in grade 2 titanium with specific adjustable ribs made of 18k white gold; the weight segment along the outer edge is white gold, with the rotor’s ball bearings made from a special and highly durable ceramic material.
The baseplate, bridges and balance-cock are made of grade 5 titanium with Titalyt® 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. The power reserve bridge is black PVD treated. Special attention to the elimination of problems caused by external shock is accentuated by the balance wheel being given Incabloc protection on both dial and movement side. In its entirety, the caliber RMAS7, with 32 jewels and beating at 4Hz, was specially manufactured to offer exceptional timekeeping properties.
It 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 small adjustable weights located directly on the balance.
The design and execution of the entire watch bears witness to a complete conceptual approach regarding the movement, case and dial. As a result, everything has been constructed according to an extremely rigorous specification, in the manner of the analytical engineering methods used in the design of Formula 1 racing cars where the chassis and the engine are developed in complete harmony. For example, a casing ring is no longer used and the movement is mounted on chassis mounting rubbers (ISO SW) fixed by 4 titanium screws. Features such as these are evidence of uncompromising workmanship.
The case requires 47 stamping operations to obtain its final design. Machining takes more than 4 hours and 255 milling operations, the finishing work requires a full day. Then each case has to undergo an accurate quality control during 45 minutes.
The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by three Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
Cutting edge technology combined with elegance, exceptional lines, useful functionality and unmistakable personality: the RM 029 automatic typifies Richard Mille’s innovative design with the rotor and its variable inertia, whilst introducing new devices such as the oversize date.
(A technical data sheet is available for download in PDF format from here)
