Nobody expected this: Richard Mille is presenting the RM UP-01 Ferrari, the thinnest watch in the world. In March of this year, Bulgari claimed the title with the Octo Finissimo Ultra, but the Romans are now losing it to the high-powered competition. The RM UP-01 Ferrari measures 1.75 mm in height, undercutting Bulgari by 0.05 mm. The watch is housed in a titanium case that is even protected against splashing water. The watch is also the first product to emerge from the partnership with Ferrari. As a limited edition, the manufacture will produce 150 pieces.
The new world record holder measures only 1.75 mm in height. To achieve this, a horizontal tonneau shape is the choice here, measuring 51 mm in length and 39 mm in width. The case is of grade 5 titanium, which provides rigidity and corrosion resistance. Both the front and the back have a satin finish. There are also polished bevels on the edges. Elsewhere, 13 titanium spline screws and stainless steel washers hold the case together. The watchmakers also manage to guarantee water resistance up to 1 bar (10 m).
The time display is located on the centre axis of the front. Here you find numerals and indices around a recess. Two discs are located inside, which are directly connected to the gear train and display the hours and minutes. Above them is a protective sapphire crystal. Next to it is the balance wheel, which can be observed at work through a 0.2 mm thick glass. On the left side are the two crowns. Finally, the partner Ferrari places its dancing horse, which is engraved into the titanium plate by laser.
The movement of the RM UP-01 measures only 1.18 mm in height. To create such a flat movement, the watchmakers had to break with conventions. Richard Mille also collaborated with Audemars Piguet Renaud & Papi in Le Locle to gather additional expertise. The RM UP-01 calibre puts the wheels, which are normally stacked, on one level. The structure is of titanium, which provides the necessary stability. In contrast to the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra, Richard Mille takes a traditional approach in which the movement sits on its own base plate instead of being integrated into the case back.
To wind and set the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari, there are two crowns on the face. One is a function selector and the other allows the wearer to use the selected function. Both can be operated with the fingers or with a special tool. A ceramic ring protects each against wear and ensures water resistance. Despite the slim profile, the barrel offers a power reserve of approximately 45 hours when fully wound.
But that’s not all, because the escapement was also rethought and a patented elongated lever was installed, which combines critical functions at the lowest possible height. The balance works at a frequency of 4 hertz and can be regulated with six weights. However, the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari was not intended to be just a concept watch, but to actually meet the demands of everyday use. Accordingly, the watch was rigorously tested and given the same requirements as any other model from the house.
The watch appears on a black rubber strap that is screwed to the case. The manufacture will build 150 pieces of the Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari. The price is 1.7 million Swiss francs plus VAT.
