Carbon TPT, or thin-ply technology, is a super-light yet tough composite that consists of 600 layers of carbon fibres, each measuring no more than 30 microns thick. The layers are stacked via a machine process, then heated in an autoclave similar to ones used to produce aeronautics parts.
The resulting material is then machined to form the bezels and pillars, providing armour-like protection for the case as well as random damascene patterns that make each RM 21-01 timepiece unique. The case components are assembled with 20 spline screws in Grade 5 titanium, along with two nitrile O-ring seals that ensure the watch is water-resistant up to 50 metres.
The construction of the RM 21-01 also includes a baseplate made of Haynes 214, an alloy composed of nickel, chromium, aluminium and iron. This material can withstand temperatures of 955 degrees Celsius, and is also highly resistant to oxidation.
Richard Mille is using Haynes 214 for the first time in a watch model, presenting it in a honeycomb structure coated with a PVD treatment in royal blue. Combined with a Carbon TPT core, this eye-catching baseplate assembly gives the timepiece exceptional rigidity and torsion resistance while also adding a pop of colour to the dial.
Set on the baseplate is the watchmaker’s own Calibre RM21-01, a manual-winding tourbillon movement with a power reserve of around 70 hours. It is framed by bridges made of Grade 5 titanium, a strong and corrosion-resistant alloy that is commonly used in the aeronautics and automotive industries.
The calibre also features a function selector as well as power reserve and torque indicators. It is finished with a PVD treatment in 5N red gold, highlighting the components that can be seen through the sapphire glass on both the front and back of the case.
On the dial, the power reserve indicator is positioned at 11 o’clock, and shows how many hours are left before the watch needs to be wound again. The torque indicator sits at 1 o’clock, and provides information about the mainspring’s tension to help optimise the functioning of the movement.
The function selector is displayed at 4 o’clock, and is operated by a push-button set in the centre of the watch crown. One press allows the wearer to switch between the neutral, winding and hand-setting modes, while a small hand on the dial points to the selected function – marked with N, W or H, respectively, in a manner similar to a car’s gearbox.
The crown is crafted in Carbon TPT and 5N red gold, and has a gasket made of the same material as the white rubber strap, which completes the timepiece with a sporty look.
Produced in a limited run of just 50 pieces, the RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne furthers Richard Mille’s mission to take haute horology to new horizons.
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