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Richard Mille

Nanotubes...

 

...have incredible axial tensile strength. However, they do not react so well to compression, nor to radial (side) loads which compress their structure

(see image below - the round thing is a Buckyball, similar hexagonal carbon structure but spherical).

That is, they'd make a very, very strong rope, but like a rope, would be next to useless to push anything with....

(image from web....)

I am assuming that this watch case uses nanotubes as a filler within the resin - basically, the nanotubes are mixed with the resin prior to moulding. The nanotubes are in powder form (see image below), which is blended into the resin.

(photo from web....)

This process is used in tennis racquets, bicycle components (The Phonak team raced a 'nanotubed' BMC frames in the 05 TdF) and things like fishing rods.

Most of these products are already Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastic, and the nanotubes are mixed in the resin surrounding the fibres, improving the performance of the resin. The random distribution of the nanotubes means none are linked nor are they aligned to ensure tehy are in tension. So the result is usually a lighter resin for a similar or increased strength, but I haven't delved deeply into the details.

So while the use of nanotubes is cool. Their exceptional properties are yet to be exploited - I'm still waiting for that space elevator cable...

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22 Comments view entire thread 

Science as art! RM027 and RM050 carbon nanotube casing: science fiction or science fact!

 
By: 219 : February 14th, 2012-04:19
About a year and a half ago I was sitting with Richard in the lounge at the Le Mans Classic and noted a new watch on his wrist. Sure it was the RM011 movement, but this was a different case; something that I was later told was an experimental piece. One o...  

That is what so great about wearing a RM

 
By: Allen : February 14th, 2012-08:40
You can have cutting edge technology well as the best of what horology can offer packaged in a piece of art on your wrist. Thanks for the great article, Andrew!

To me, RM is conceptual

 
By: Mostel : February 15th, 2012-17:36
the watches are like looking at a bunch tiny, busy, criss-crossing architecture. As a watch, kind of absurd and extremely difficult to, um.... READ. But conceptually? Most of RM's stuff is a stimulant toa certain part of the wealthy brain that needs a ver... 

I disagree. I think RM watches are legible. Sometimes, I will

 
By: 219 : February 18th, 2012-01:50
admit that the photos do not do the watches justice - thats my fault - but they are very readable. But then I do wholeheartedly agree that they are cool and concept based. Andrew H

Thanks Allen. Sorry I did not see more of you at SIHH. Your RM

 
By: 219 : February 18th, 2012-01:49
is still such a fabulous watch to see and thanks for wearing it. Cheers Andrew H

Thanks Andrew!

 
By: RobCH : February 15th, 2012-03:36
...Nice article. People ask this often, the difference between 'forged carbon' and nanotube carbon, etc... Great to have some clear explanations and photos... Greetings to you and Allen (whom I owe an email!) Ciao, Rob

Thanks Rob - glad you liked the article - although see the response

 
By: 219 : February 18th, 2012-01:53
below that includes a more detailed (and excellent) explanation. Hope to see you soon. Andrew H

The 011 case was simply a prototype that Richard was wearing

 
By: 219 : February 18th, 2012-01:59
to try out the case. There had to be a movement in the case to see how it performed in housing the movement (with pushers) and the RM008/050 movements are so expensive that in this instance, they used the RM011 movement instead. Still a test for the case.... 

Apologies Andrew. My question was not clear

 
By: micro : February 22nd, 2012-16:54
I was trying to clarify for myself the range of high-tech case materials RM is now using. I understand the 011 Carbon case is not nano-tube carbon but it also seems not to be similar to the AP or Hublot woven carbon fibre cases. Can you shed any light on ... 

Thanks Andrew

 
By: cisco : February 16th, 2012-05:56
Best of Richard Mille the RM027 and this 050, and more accessible I would add the 035 too. True research watch, thought for technical excellence and everyday's use. -- I have a dream in the future for Richard Mille. To make things as light as possible fir... 

I know that Richard reads this forum, so you never know!

 
By: 219 : February 18th, 2012-02:00
There are a number of projects in the works - just takes a long time to bring them to market! Andrew H

And that is so much of what i wanted to know about the RM carbon series!

 
By: BluNotte : February 16th, 2012-07:53
I am glad for your research and for bringing us the links and scientific data to back up the watches! They are truly at the cutting edge of watch-making now! Cheers to you and Richard! Stephen

Nanotubes...

 
By: BDLJ : February 16th, 2012-16:45
...have incredible axial tensile strength. However, they do not react so well to compression, nor to radial (side) loads which compress their structure (see image below - the round thing is a Buckyball, similar hexagonal carbon structure but spherical). T...  

Brilliant! And great explanation - much appreciated.

 
By: 219 : February 18th, 2012-02:04
What I do like is how the theoretical tubes that you have shown resemble the tubes from the photo. All agreed on the rigidity concerns for the tubes is aligned in the structure. Could be 'bucky balls' are used randomly instead and simply classified as nan... 

Brilliant explanation as usual Ben!

 
By: BluNotte : February 19th, 2012-19:31
Love it when you step in with regards to such matters! Cheers mate! Stephen

I predicted years ago this brand would take off like a meteor.

 
By: BABKA : February 20th, 2012-12:07
I love the fact that he's so passionate about horology...just look as those waving hand gestures. I also like the fact that he doesn't need to push his brand by wearing RM clothing. They're close with AP. But, it's very nonchalant that he's wearing clothi... 

Thanks. RM and AP are long time co-habiting buddies!

 
By: 219 : February 22nd, 2012-07:57
There were some people from AP in the RM lounge at the LeMans Classic. And yes, Richard's enthusiasm is both evident and ever present. Cheers Andrew H