Richard Mille RM 17-02 Tourbillon Titanium: A Triumph of Engineering

Richard Mille has unveiled the RM 17-02 Tourbillon in titanium. This watch embodies the brand’s philosophy, showcasing a balance between technical innovation and aesthetic appeal. From the robust case to the intricate movement and transparent dial, every aspect of this timepiece reflects Richard Mille’s commitment to quality and performance. Let’s take a closer look at the features and specifications of the RM 17-02 Tourbillon.

Case

The case of the RM 17-02 Tourbillon is constructed from satin-finished grade 5 titanium. This material is not only lightweight but also offers high resistance to wear and corrosion. The three-part case design features visible spline screws, enhancing the industrial aesthetic. Moreover, the absence of a casing ring and the use of chassis mounting rubbers indicate a meticulous engineering approach, similar to that in Formula 1. Water resistance is rated at 50 metres, achieved through Nitril O-ring seals. The torque-limiting crown prevents damage from over-winding, adding an extra layer of durability. The sapphire crystal on both the front and back provides a clear view of the movement, with anti-glare treatment ensuring optimal visibility.

Dial

The dial of the RM 17-02 Tourbillon is made of sapphire, measuring 0.30 mm thick. It showcases the intricate mechanics of the tourbillon movement while ensuring legibility of the time. The hour and minute hands glide over bold hour markers, with a laser-engraved cut-out base creating a sense of depth. The beige stencil adds a subtle contrast against the transparent backdrop. Despite its minimalist appearance, the dial reveals the complexity of the movement beneath, reflecting Richard Mille’s design philosophy that marries form and function.

Movement

At the heart of the RM 17-02 Tourbillon is the manual-winding Calibre RM17-02. This tourbillon movement features hours, minutes, power-reserve and function indicators. The baseplate and bridges, machined from grade 5 titanium and treated with black PVD, provide enhanced rigidity and precision. Notable features include a fast-rotating barrel, a free-sprung balance with variable inertia, and ceramic endstones for the tourbillon cage. These innovations improve performance and reliability, ensuring accurate timekeeping. The tourbillon cage rotates once per minute, compensating for gravitational variations and improving timekeeping stability. The movement operates at a frequency of 21,600 vph (3 Hz) and has a power reserve of around 70 hours. Intricate finishing such as hand-applied anglage and polishing underscore the haute horlogerie craftsmanship that goes into each Richard Mille timepiece.

Strap

The RM 17-02 Tourbillon comes with a black rubber strap. This choice of material ensures durability and comfort on the wrist. The strap is equipped with a titanium folding clasp, providing secure closure and ease of use. While a more luxurious leather option could have been considered, the rubber strap aligns with the watch’s sporty and technical character, complementing its overall design.

Price and Availability of the RM 17-02 Tourbillon

The RM 17-02 Tourbillon is a limited edition timepiece. As such, it will be available exclusively through authorised Richard Mille dealers worldwide. Potential buyers should inquire directly with these dealers for information on availability. The price of the RM 17-02 Tourbillon is not publicly disclosed – but you can expect several hundred thousand euros to acquire this unique timepiece.

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