For more than one year Richard Mille supports the Alfa Romeo Racing Team. Since 2018 the Formula 1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen is also part of this team. In the occasion of the Singapore Grand Prix the brand now introduces the RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen.
Richard Mille RM50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen Ref. RM50-04
The 39-year-old Räikkönen has been vice world champion in 2003 and 2005. In 2007 he was even able to win the world championship. In the Formula 1 the Finn is known under the nickname ‘Iceman‘ and considered as the experienced veteran – especially because in Singapore he will be starting for the 307thtime. Regarding the new chronograph Räikkönen says: ‘I am more than happy to be at the wheel with the ground-breaking RM 50-04 on my wrist.`
The bezel and the case back are made of white Quartz TPT, which relate to the colour of Räikkonen‘s C38 single seater. This is achieved by interlaying 600 layers of silicon each 45 microns thick and impregnating them with a white matrix before heating them to 120°C in an autoclave. This process gives the material a very high resistance/weight ratio, non-allergenic properties, and high resistance to UV rays. This technique is also used for the middle part of the watch made of Carbon TPT, this time though with using carbon fibres. Aditionally the model is visually marked by red details – particularly on the Carbon TPT flange, the chronograph counters, and the power-reserve, torque and function indicators. The grade-5 titanium dial also includes the number 7, which is worn by Kimi in competition.
Richard Mille RM50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen Ref. RM50-04
The RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen is equipped with a technical calibre that is fitted with a split-seconds chronograph tourbillon and a grade-5 titanium and Carbon TPT movement that weighs just 7 grams. To combine these two complications, the Richard Mille research team improved the profile of the teeth on the barrel and the second wheel pinion. The split-seconds-system allows to read an intermediary time while the chronograph is still engaged with the help of the split seconds hand, which can be stopped with a pusher at 4 o‘clock. A pusher at 10 o‘clock resets the hands. The torque indicator supplies information about the mainspring’s tension, permitting an optimization of the movement’s chronometric functioning. The function indicator displays – similar to a car’s gearbox – the winding, neutral and hand-setting positions as the crown is pulled out.
The model is limited to 30 pieces and has a power reserve of 70 hours.
| BRAND: | Richard Mille |
| MODEL: | RM50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen |
| REFERENCE: | Ref. RM 50-04 |
| PRICE: | 1,120,570 Euro |
| CASE MATERIAL: | Quartz TPT and Carbon TPT |
| MEASUREMENTS: | 44,50 x 49,65 x 16,10 mm |
| DIAL: | Grade-5-titanium with black galvanic treatment and red details |
| STRAP: | Red textile strap |
| CALIBRE: | Calibre RM50-03 |
| MECHANISM: | Hand-winding |
| POWER RESERVE: | 70 hours |
| FUNCTIONS: | Hours, Minutes, Split-Seconds Chronograph, Torque indication, Function indication, Tourbillon; Water resistance: 50 m |
