Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari: The World Has a New Thinnest Watch That Leaves Competitors in The Dust
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 Flattest Case in The World
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 Front of The Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari is Composed of Several Elements
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 Ultra-Flat Yet Practical Movement
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.
Price & Availability of The Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari
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.
Audemars Piguet is presenting the Royal Oak Offshore Automatic Music Edition consisting of five new Royal Oak Offshore models dedicated entirely to the world of music. The Tapisserie dials are emblazoned with a colourful equaliser motif, and the cases also feature a number of allusions to audio technology. In addition to two titanium variants, there…
After the success of the prototype’s sale at the Only Watch auction, F.P. Journe presents the final version: Astronomic Souveraine. It is a grand complication watch in a steel case, with 18 functions and complications, entirely devoted to the contemplation of the stars. From prototype to production – F.P. Journe Astronomic Souveraine The inspiration for…
At the watch fair SIHH in the beginning of this year, the Italian brand Panerai presented one of its most innovative new models. The Submersible BMG-TECH (Ref. PAM00799) is mainly characterized by its combination of the materials BMG-TECH and Carbotech. The case of the professional diving watch has a diameter of 47 mm. The new model’s case is entirely…
With the Pioneer Retrograde Seconds, H. Moser & Cie. presents a watch with an unusual and striking complication that nevertheless embodies the brand’s minimalist philosophy. The retrograde seconds is not only technically fascinating, but also puts in an impressive performance on the dial. Inspired by the world of motorsports, the watch is sporty and elegant…
With the RM 07-01 Racing Red, Richard Mille celebrates their eponymous racing team, which competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship in April 2021. The trio of female drivers of the Richard Mille Racing Team drive a fiery red Oreca Gibson there, which was the inspiration for the RM 07-01 Racing Red, a timepiece limited…
This November, Zenith is introducing its first ever automatic watch to feature an integrated carbon bracelet. The case of the Zenith DEFY Classic Carbon is made of the same material. The use of carbon makes the new, dark timepiece light, durable, and unique in its appearance. Aside from the much-discussed black bracelet, the watch is…
With its distinctly classic aesthetic, the new Captain Cook Over-Pole takes on a unique role within Rado’s otherwise futuristic design language. It brings back the charm of a bygone era. This reinterpretation of the original Rado Over-Pole world time watch, first launched in 1962, stays close to its historical roots – particularly in terms of…
On the watch fair SIHH 2019 the Swiss brand Vacheron Constantin introduces a new, very exclusive model. In 2006 the brand already presented a collection, called 'Excellence Platine', which is dedicated to the high-quality material platinum. This collection, composed of exceptional models only issued in limited editions, now welcomes a new version of the Traditionnelle Manual-Winding. Vacheron…
Swiss watchmaker Christophe Claret has added a sixth edition to its Poker collection. The new watch comes in a 45 mm black PVD-treated grade 5 titanium case. Aside from telling the time, the 2020 Poker watch's blue titanium dial allows three players to take part in a game of Texas Hold’em. Furthermore, the caseback features…
The watchmakers from Schaffhausen are presenting the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition "Lake Tahoe" and "Woodland". The two models appear in cases made of coloured ceramic, inspired by the surroundings of the famous US Navy flight school. Not only is the production of coloured ceramics notoriously difficult, but IWC also had to transfer…
In the late 1970s, Porsche Design developed the stainless steel military chronograph. The timepiece, which was characterised by reliability and optimal readability, attracted the interest of the aviation industry. Soon, international air forces, such as the pilots of the US Air Force, wore a Porsche Design chronograph on their wrist. Today, more than 40 years…
The Porsche Design Globetimer has been part of the brand's product range since 2019 and offers a unique take on the time zone function. Its pushers, which are in the style of a chronograph, can be used to move the hour hand forwards or backwards. The date follows along in both directions. Derived from the…
Florentine watchmaker Panerai used to supply precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy, which over time also gave rise to a passion for historic ships. One such vessel is the yacht Eilean, designed and built by boatbuilder William Fife and lavishly restored with Panerai's support. Shortly after the Eilean was completed in 1936, Panerai produced…