Hi RM Forum,
I recently acquired a pre-owned discontinued RM035 with Aluminum-Magnesium case. The decision was inspired by a few detailed and passionate reviews on this forum on the RM035 from a few years ago (thank you!).
I understand from an RM boutique in Asia that RM035 owners now have the option (at our own expense) to change the original Al-Mg case to a black carbon nanotube composite case, not the newer NTPT carbon but the uniformly black carbon polymer seen on the very first RM027 and several RM011-1 FM limited editions, as RM is no longer making Al-Mg replacement cases.
Putting aside the cost, the good condition case, and high likelihood that RM will retain / not return the Al-Mg case (so an irreversible change), do any forum members have any favorable experience with the older black carbon nanotube cases, how they age over time time terms of maintaining sharp angled edges, any changes in the overall appearance (does it turn glossy / wet appearance like the RM035 polyurethane strap), how it compares to the RM035 AlMg for those lucky enough to own both, or anyone who has made this case change?
The motivation to explore this is possible further weight reduction (light weight being one of RM035's selling points) given Al (9%)-Mg (91%) alloy eg AZ91 density of 1.8g / cubic cm vs. 1.3g / cubic cm of carbon nanotube polymers (from internet not necessarily the exact materials used by RM) e.g. potential 30% reduction in case weight.
Thanks!
GS