Pioneering the use of exotic materials in new ways has become standard practice for Richard Mille, including both full sapphire and carbon nanotube cases. Here we have a new configuration of Richard Mille’s extremely successful RM 011 flyback chronograph with components rendered in brown silicon nitride, a material never before used in horology.
The basics of this RM 011 are right in line with those of previous renditions – RMAC1 flyback chronograph movement, 60-minute countdown function, large tonneau shape, and variable geometry winding rotor. The real innovation in this edition is the case material, brown silicon nitride.
You might not be surprised to learn that silicon nitride comes to Richard Mille from the world of Formula One racing, where it is used for valves, rotors, and other components. A combination of powdered elements are combined, put under 2,000 Bars of pressure, and then heated to 1,500 degrees Celsius (over 2,700 degrees Fahrenheit) to obtain a component blank.
With a hardness rating of 1,500 Vickers (ceramic is approximately 3,000 Vickers and natural diamond is 10,000 Vickers), http://www.hmmauto.com/breitling-chronomat-44-replica-australia-for-sale.html silicon nitride offers a great strength to weight ratio. But, most importantly, the material is nonporous and resistant to extreme breitling replica changes in temperature.
Both the bezel and caseback on this RM 011 are made entirely from brown silicon nitride and feature the same brushed and beveled finishing you find on metallic watch components. Accents of rose gold and titanium round out the RM 011, and look great with the brown silicon nitride.
For more information, please visit Richard Mille’s website.
Hands-On With The $620,000 Asymmetrical, Beast Bridged, Nano-Tube Composite Cased Richard Mille RM59-01 Tourbillon for Yohan Blake
Last week, we introduced you to this absolute monster of a watch. The Richard Mille RM59-01 was designed specifically for Olympic sprinter Yohan Blake, and features a few traits inspired by his atypical running style. Blake is known for wearing his watch on his right hand, and so the case is slightly thinner on the left side, so that when it’s on his wrist, it is slightly more aerodynamic. You might be scoffing, but consider the fact that last year’s Olympic 200m final was decided by .12 seconds, and you tell us if every little bit counts. Breitling Super Avenger II Replica
Blake is also known for running with his hands spread wide open, giving him the nickname “the beast”. Here, Richard Mille has incorporated this spread-finger look into the bridges, dubbing them “beast bridges.” Say what you will, but nobody else on the planet would even consider doing something like this, or have the know-how to pull it off.
The RM59-01 of course houses a tourbillon specifically engineered for the G-forces found in Blake’s typical running patterns, and it is visible through the bottom two bridges.
The carbon nano tube composite case might be the most controversial thing about this watch C aesthetically. The speckling gives the watch a bit of a toyish look, though, let’s be honest, Richard Mille tourbillons are nothing if not toys C just for really, really wealthy children that spend their winters in St. Barths.
So, the RM59-01 Yohan Blake might not be the best looking RM in the world, but it’s one of those watches that when you see in the metal (or carbon nano tube composite, in this case), you can’t help but appreciate. Richard Mille is doing stuff that few else would dare to even attempt, and doing it well. He’s making limited editions specifically designed for individuals and this might be his most personal watch yet C this watch IS Yohan Blake. So, all we can say at the end of this post is, if you have any opportunity to see this watch in person, we highly recommend it, and we’d venture to bet you might change your mind about it. The RM59-01 will be made in just 50 pieces at a price of $620,000 each.