Richard Mille RM 72-01 Flyback Chronograph

Watch manufacture Richard Mille is introducing a new flyback chronograph. The Richard Mille RM 72-01 replaces the previously discontinued RM 11 and is powered by the manufacture’s first in-house chronograph calibre. The new model retains the brand’s design aesthetics and, as usual, integrates a number of technical innovations.

The Case

The case of the Richard Mille RM 72-01 features the recognisable case shape that is typical of the brand. It measures 47.34 mm in length, 38.40 mm in width and 11.68 mm in height. Furthermore, the case is available in grade 5 titanium, 5N rose gold, black or white ceramic. The crown is made of rose gold and ceramic in all versions and is covered with a rubber ring. Additionally, sapphire crystal protects the front, and allows for a clear view of the mechanism visible via the caseback.

The dial is made of titanium and provides a glimpse into the calibre beneath. Only three Arabic numerals can be seen: 3, 8 and 11. However, the small, wedge-shaped indices are coated with luminous material. The three subdials are not placed at 3, 6 and 9 o’clock as one might expect, but alternatively sit at 1, 5 and 9 o’clock. The smallest dial at 9 o’clock shows the small running seconds of the main time. There is also a vertical date window at 7 o’clock.

The movement

In addition, the movement visually indicates the position of the crown on the dial. As with a car’s gearstick, the arrow at 3 o’clock points to one of the three positions. W stands for “Winding”, the D for date and H for “Hand Setting” – the setting of the time.

Inside the new Richard Mille RM 72-01 is the calibre CRMC1. This is the manufacture’s first completely in-house chronograph movement. The plate and bridges are made of titanium, while the winding rotor is made of platinum. The free-sprung balance oscillates at a frequency of 4 Hz. The movement has a power reserve of approximately 50 hours.

The patented chronograph mechanism of the Richard Mille RM 72-01 is implemented with a double horizontal clutch and “oscillating pinions”. These allow the subdial counters to be driven directly by the mainspring barrel and not, as is usually the case, by the fourth wheel. Therefore, using the chronograph has no influence on the main time and power reserve. The mechanism also offers a flyback function, meaning one can use the reset function without needing to stop the chronograph first.

The Richard Mille RM 72-01 is water-resistant to 30 m, and comes with a white or black rubber strap with a folding clasp. The price for the titanium version is 170,000 Swiss francs, while the gold model costs 215,00 Swiss francs.

www.richardmille.com

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