Richard Mille RM 17-01 : Manual Winding Tourbillon

The distinctive tonneau-shaped casing of the RM 17-01 Tourbillon creates sleek, elegant lines that showcase the RM 017's exceptionally exquisite and technical calibre. The function and power reserve indications, as well as the quantity of titanium in its heart, demonstrate how the RM017 calibre combines all of our love for mechanical innovation with the Haute Horlogerie principles of history and quality.

History 

The original RM 017, one of the brand's few non-traditional timepieces, is where RM 17-01 got its start. unconventional in terms of Richard Mille's design language, with a distinct look from the distinctive tonneau-shaped curving casing with five-spline screws that we typically identify with the company.

 A skeletonised, hand-wound tourbillon movement is housed in the RM017, an older generation Richard Mille with an extra flat, rectangular case and a conical crown that protrudes somewhat from the case. The RM016 was the first to use the incredibly thin flat profile.

Design 

The casing, which is presented here in Carbon TPT, the carbon composite that Richard Mille has been favouring for the past few years, is what makes this limited edition unique. Its dark grey surface features grains and waves that give it a look halfway between Damascus steel and conventional carbon fibre. Carbon TPT is used to make the caseband, caseback, and bezel. You get some reflectiveness without the intense sheen of metal because, while being matte, it actually catches the light rather nicely because of all those surface differences.

The fact that Carbon TPT is extremely light is yet another significant benefit. Really light, like. Even with its 48.15 x 40.1 x 13.8 mm dimensions, this watch doesn't seem that large to me. Additionally, the caseback is curved, making it much easier to wear the watch on the wrist than you might think. It does not feel like an anchor, sits low, and hugs the wrist. Although it won't fit under a cuff very easily, you presumably don't want to hide it if you're purchasing a Richard Mille. I'm constantly amazed at how comfy RMs are when I put them on my wrist. This also applies to the most recent RM 17-01.

The manual winding tourbillon watch Richard Mille RM 17-01 is renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and distinctive characteristics. Here are a few of its salient characteristics:

Movement: Manual winding tourbillon movement with a power reserve of 70 hours.   

Case: Carbon TPT, a lightweight and robust carbon fibre composite, is used to make the tonneau-shaped case.

Dial: Skeletonized dial with a central tourbillon cage and a power reserve indicator at 2 o'clock.

Strap: Rubber strap with a titanium pin buckle.

Other features:

Ceramic endstone on the tourbillon cage.

Anti-shock protection for the balance wheel.

Variable-inertia balance wheel.

Free-sprung balance spring.

Only ten of the RM 17-01 watch were made, making it a limited edition. Because of its distinctive design, cutting-edge technology, and superb craftsmanship, it is a highly sought-after timepiece among collectors and aficionados.

MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS

Movement dimensions: 31.20 x 29.45 mm

Thickness: 4.65 mm

Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm

Balance wheel diameter: 10.00 mm

Number of jewels: 23, set in white gold chatonsBalance: Glucydur®, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, moment of inertia 10 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53°

Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)

Balance spring: elinvar by Nivarox®

Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28

Barrel shaft: nickel-free Chronifer® (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics: stainless – antimagnetic – suitable for tempering

Note : Because Richard Mille watches are extremely rare, detailed information regarding each model's availability may change. For the most recent information, it is advised to speak with an authorised Richard Mille dealer.