Complications
AnthonyTsai's 2012 post introduces the Richard Mille RM 050 Felipe Massa Tourbillon Split Seconds Competition Chronograph, a significant advancement in high-performance watchmaking. This article details the technical innovations that distinguish the RM 050, building upon the legacy of the RM 008. It highlights Richard Mille's relentless pursuit of extreme lightness and precision in its movements.
RICHARD MILLE TOURBILLON SPLIT SECONDS COMPETITION CHRONOGRAPH
RM 050 FELIPE MASSA
The newly designed manual winding tourbillon movement caliber RMCC1 with hours, minutes, chronograph, split seconds, power reserve, torque indicator and function indicator represents a new step at Richard Mille Watches.
The flagship RM 008 Tourbillon split seconds model has for some 8 years been a landmark in the world of watchmaking as the first new split seconds chronograph development of the 21st century. Now, the split seconds Competition Chronograph RM 050 Felipe Massa represents a new movement development that takes all the best characteristics of the original RM 008 but with new advancements, bringing it to an unequaled level of performance.
This new caliber launched in the RM 050 is not a simple exercise of merely reviewing the existing RM008 movement. The engineers at Richard Mille began by researching every possible manner to lower the movement weight by 20%, the equivalent of 10 grams, making the total movement weight a mere 9.5 grams.
The baseplate and bridges are created from grade 5 titanium, an alloy composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. Often used in the aeronautic, aerospace and automobile industries, it offers great resistance to corrosion combined with high rigidity. Its light weight/high strength ratio when used in the baseplate of the RM 050 make it an ideal choice as the foundation for perfect functionality of the going train. Further development of the caliber with its skeletonized baseplate and bridges as well as innovative movement designs meant the creation of more than 400 new parts for the caliber. A fast rotating winding barrel, balance with variable inertia, function indicator, torque indicator and split seconds mechanism with improved performance are only a small selection of what this extraordinary movement has to offer. In parallel to these aspects, the Richard Mille engineers have optimized the movement to the maximum, notably the precision and calculations of the long-term timekeeping aspects. The result is a beast of a watch at the cutting edge of what is possible.
A movement created at this level requires a fitting enclosure, and the case of the watch has also received the full attention of the engineers. It is composed of polymer composite injected with carbon nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes are extremely resistant to stress (200 times more than steel) and very light. These nanotubes have the ability to absorb violent shocks significantly higher than that of carbon fibers due to their structure and unique geometry and their higher surface/volume equilibrium.
The new split seconds Competition Chronograph RM 050 Felipe Massa represents the ultimate in split seconds timing for the 21st century and beyond.
Limited edition of 10 pieces in carbon nanotubes.
Press Release
The Richard Mille RM008 represents the brand's approach to high-complication watchmaking, featuring both a tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph function within a single timepiece. This reference combines two significant horological complications in Richard Mille's distinctive contemporary case architecture.
The 39mm titanium case houses the manual-winding RM008 caliber, providing a substantial 70-hour power reserve. The skeletonized dial construction reveals the movement's architecture, while sapphire crystal protects the face. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the watch is completed with a rubber strap. The fixed bezel maintains clean lines consistent with the overall design.
Produced between 2005 and 2010, the RM008 appeals to collectors seeking advanced complications in a modern presentation. The combination of tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph functionality positions this reference for enthusiasts focused on technical complexity rather than traditional dress watch aesthetics. The titanium construction and rubber strap reflect Richard Mille's contemporary material choices during this production period.
This thread is active on the Richard Mille forum with 0 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
