The RM 50-03 Mclaren F1, world’s lightest tourbillon split-seconds chronograph
A technical masterpiece offering exceptional mechanical performance, such is the new Richard Mille calibre. Share
The RM 50-03 Tourbillon Split Seconds Chronograph Ultralight McLaren F1 weighs merely 38 grams, strap included, making it the world’s lightest split-seconds tourbillon chronograph. This achievement is attributable to the use of highly technical materials: not only do titanium and TPT™ Carbon make for an extremely open design, but an entirely new material has been introduced for the case, namely Graph TPT™.
A chronographic perfection brought to life: it combines a tourbillon escapement with a split seconds function. In order to perform without fail, the combination of these two complications within a single mechanism demands perfect transfers of energy. A technical masterpiece offering exceptional mechanical performance. Produced in a numbered limited edition of 75 pieces available only at Richard Mille boutiques.
Case in Graph TPT™ — Drawing on research by the National Graphene Institute of The University of Manchester, our engineers, together with North Thin Ply Technology, were able to sketch out the practical applications on paper and study how they could incorporate Graphene into TPT™ Carbon. Striking for the undulating striations of its surface, TPT™ Carbon is comprised of parallel filaments—600 layers of them.
These layers, whose maximum thickness is 30 microns, are impregnated with a supercharged resin containing graphene. They are then compiled by a CNC machine that shifts the orientation of the fibres by 45° between layers.
Torque Indicator — This function indicates the tension of the mainspring and makes it possible to optimise the winding of the watch. Under 53 dNmm, the spring is too slack. At over 65 dNmm, however, the excessive tension could affect the operation of the mechanism, or even damage it.
Torque-limiting Crown — This added security system prevents accidental overwinding of the watch, which could result in damage such as snapping the winding stem or putting too much pressure on the barrel spring.
Function Indicator — In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, the function indicator allows one to identify the winding, neutral and hand setting positions as the crown is pulled out.
Ultralight tourbillon calibre made of titanium and TPT™ carbon — The use of highly technical materials such as titanium and TPT™ Carbon combined with highly skeletonised components have resulted in the creation of a calibre weighing only 7 grams that is nonetheless resistant to shocks of up to 5,000 g.
A new split-seconds system — Studies focused on the work of the split-seconds clamp and the six-column wheel that controls the various rockers of the mechanism have perfected its simultaneity of movement —essential to absolute accuracy—, function lock, and the stability of its settings over time.
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