SIHH 2015: Richard Mille RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur.
The new Richard Mille RM 19-02 Tourbillon Fleur is an attempt to comprehend the mysterious inner workings of nature. The ladies’ Richard Mille tourbillon watch epitomizes these traditions of horological artistry. 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.
Limited to a production of 30 pieces worldwide, Richard Mille’s Tourbillon Fleur features a manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes and automaton mechanism.
At the lower left of the dial on the RM 19-02 the Magnolia is 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 the world of horology, the Richard Mille watch case is considered as the most difficult to manufacture. This tripartite tonneau-shaped 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 regard less 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 19-02 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 only for preparation. Tooling takes 4 hours and the RM 19-02 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 O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
Positioned at 7 o’clock, the flying tourbillon is a complex regulating mechanism. The distinctive feature of the so-called “flying” tourbillon is that its cage is assembled without an upper bridge, thus creating the impression of weightlessness, and offering perfect visibility. The center of the tourbillon gracing the RM 19-02 is set with precious stones to symbolize the stamens of the magnolia flower.
At this year’s SIHH, Richard Mille also presented another precious metal bracelet, the ‘Open Link‘ and Richard Mille RM51-02 Diamond Twister, a new high jewelry tourbillon inspired by organic forms found in the nature.
