Watchmaker Richard Mille is introducing a brand new model in the form of the RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne. As its name suggests, the watch draws on the influence of aeronautics. Featuring a 5N red-gold and Carbon TPT case, the watch integrates a tourbillon and is a limited edition of only 50 pieces.
Case & Materials
The new model’s case measures 42.68 (width) x 50.12 (length) x 14.30 mm (height). It is made of 5N red-gold as well as Carbon TPT. The latter material is highly technical, consisting of 600 layers of parallel filaments obtained by separating out carbon fibres.
These layers, which are no more than 30 microns thick, are stacked in layers and saturated with a black matrix. The composite is then heated to 120°C in a kiln similar to those used for the production of aeronautics parts. Interestingly, during this phase, the layers of Carbon TPT create random patterns that make each piece unique.
The Dial
Likewise, the dial of the RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne features a baseplate with a Carbon TPT core. However, the defining feature is the baseplate’s use of HAYNES 214. In combination with Carbon TPT, this nickel-chromium-aluminium-iron alloy is notably stiff and provides exceptional torsion resistance. Additionally, the alloy, with its honeycombed geometrical pattern, benefits from blue PVD treatment to highlight its construction. Additionally, a third material is also on show; the bridges, as well as the interior flange, are titanium.
The Richard Mille watch displays the time with central hour and minute hands. At 1 o’clock, the RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne displays a torque indicator. This provides a visualisation of the mainspring’s internal tension, allowing optimisation of the movement’s timing. Meanwhile, a power reserve indicator lies at 11 o’ clock. Interestingly, the watch also integrates a function selector, which is visible at 4 o’clock. This allows the wearer to differentiate between the winding, neutral and hand-setting functions. These functions switch via a push-button located at the centre of the crown. Last but not least, the dial exposes the timepiece’s tourbillon on the lower half of the dial.
Movement
Powering the RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne is the calibre RM21-01. The manual winding tourbillon movement offers hours, minutes, a function selector, a power-reserve display, and torque indicator. As well as having an approximate 70-hour power reserve, the watch has a frequency of 3 Hz. The sapphire crystal caseback also allows for a view of the movement. This includes impressive finishing, such as hand-polished anglage and locking sections, as well as lapped and polished contact points.
The movement also includes several other notable qualities. To name but a couple, the free-sprung balance offers greater reliability in the event of shocks or movement assembly and disassembly, and also guarantees better chronometric results over time. Elsewhere, the caseback displays the watch’s wheel-based time-setting system, which provides smooth time-setting functions by eliminating engaging friction and replacing it with rolling friction.
Price and availability
Finally, the RM 21-01 Tourbillon Aerodyne comes with a white rubber strap with a matching red-gold clasp, and is priced at 750,000 Swiss francs. As mentioned, it is a limited edition of only 50 pieces.
Salmon are impressive fish, facing a substantial amount of danger throughout their lives. This "danger" applies primarily to the fact that they are on the menu for a broad variety of animals along the food chain. After all, salmon aren't just nutritional (not to mention delicious) for humans alone. Whether salmon qualifies as a delicacy…
Hublot has unveiled the Big Bang Unico Novak Djokovic, a limited edition timepiece that embodies the watchmaker's commitment to sustainable innovation. Made from the tennis star's HEAD rackets and Lacoste polo shirts, the watch is a tangible representation of Djokovic's achievements and Hublot's craftsmanship. Case: Recycled Materials and Gorilla Glass The case and bezel of…
As the leaves turn brown and fall from the trees, many are bidding summer goodbye – but Richard Mille's new 07-01 Coloured Ceramics models are not amongst them. Under the vibrant parasol of its 'Endless Summer' campaign, the brand is introducing three dreamy new pastel-coloured watches for women. The watches draw inspiration from 1980s style,…
Cartier has introduced a quartet of engraved Santos-Dumont limited editions. The watch is best known for being the first pilot's watch in the world. The new models are now powered by a mechanical movement. Furthermore, they feature engravings with the original plans of Santos-Dumont, as the famous pilot – and Parisian fashion icon – worked…
The Glashütte manufacture is presenting a new generation of the A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk. The watch with mechanical digital display was launched in 2009 and is, 13 years later, receiving its first update. The timepiece is now available in either a red gold case with a black dial or a platinum case with a…
With the new Zenith Chronomaster Sport Green, the manufacture is presenting a new, striking model in lush green. Not only is this the first time a green ceramic bezel appears in the core collection, but the manufacture is also presenting a completely new rubber strap. Inside is the high-frequency El Primero 3600 calibre, which enables…
Montblanc has added three new pieces to its Heritage collection, including the 18-carat rose-gold Heritage Manufacture Pulsograph Limited Edition 100 with a 'smoked-tobacco' brown dial. The vintage-looking wristwatch evokes the brand’s Minerva watches that were produced in the 1940s and 1950s, featuring a domed box-shaped sapphire crystal. Initially launched showcasing a salmon-coloured dial and stainless-steel…
The Breitling Navitimer B02 Chronograph 41 Cosmonaute Limited Edition celebrates the Manufacture's connection with space flight. Today, Breitling is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Mercury Atlas 7 mission, during which astronaut Scott Carpenter wore a special Navitimer on his wrist as he circumnavigated the Earth three times. In fact, Breitling has therefore officially claimed…
At the Maison Vacheron Constantin, the Les Cabinotiers represent a department dedicated to the personalization of pieces and unique creations. This tradition dates back to the 18th century, a time when master watchmakers were called ‘cabinotiers’ and worked in ateliers bathed in natural light, known as cabinets and located on the top floor of Geneva’s…
In 2010 already the Geneva watch manufacture Patek Philippe united sports and technique with the ‘Nautlilus’ collection. Now the brand presented a new model (Ref. 5726/1A-014) of this line on the watch fair Baselworld 2019: A version with stainless steel strap, like the first Nautilus from 1976, and a blue dial with a subtle shading from…
Audemars Piguet announces the launch of a total of 30 updated variants of the Royal Oak. This is on the occasion of the Royal Oak's 50th anniversary, and the Manufacture has also introduced new models from the "Jumbo" series at the same time. However, these 30 new references can be found in the Royal Oak…
A long power reserve of eight days, with an indicator of power remaining on the dial or back, enhances three new creations of the Panerai manufacture in Neuchâtel, available in titanium or steel, and also as the “historic“ left-handed version. The Luminor 8 Days Power Reserve Acciaio (PAM00795) uses the new P.5002 hand-wound calibre with a power reserve…
Hublot is presenting the Big Bang Tourbillon Samuel Ross, the result of a collaboration with the latter brand ambassador. Samuel Ross is an artist and fashion designer, and has incorporated his signature design language into this special model. The watch is characterised by an unconventional shape with a honeycomb structure. It also features the orange…