Richard Mille introduced the new RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari, the second RM collection in collaboration with Ferrari.
Richard Mille, the racing machine on the wrist, announced two new models in collaboration with Ferrari on March 21. The day before, journalists from all around the world had the opportunity to discover new timepieces at Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Richard Mille directors from different departments introduced the watches to the press groups, on the other hand, we met with legendary Ferrari drivers like Felipe Massa.
The partnership between Richard Mille and Ferrari dates back five years. The duo signed their for the first collection in 2020, and they introduced their first watch in 2021. The ultra-flat watch RM UP-01 Ferrari, limited to 150 pieces, broke the record for world’s thinnest watch that time.
The New RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari
The new RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph is presented in carbon or titanium cases, both are limited to 75 models. The designs of the timepieces are inspired by Ferrari’s legacy. For instance, just like every Ferrari chassis is numbered, the movements of the watches are engraved with “RM43-01”. The bridges are inspired by engine oil pans, and the shape of the screws is reminiscent of those used in engines. The watches take inspiration from legendary Ferrari cars like the 488 Challenge Evo and SF90 Stradale.
During our press visit at Palais de Tokyo, we were briefed by the design and mechanism teams, and towards the end, we had the chance to try the watches on. The case sizes are 42.9 mm wide and 51.2 mm lug to lug. Richard Mille case technical director Julien Boillat mentioned that the two cases are designed to different personalities; the titanium case is for gentlemen, while the carbon case version is more sporty.
The RM 43-01, designed with a carbon case, features yellow accents on the dial and mechanism, while the titanium model has red and gold accents. Ferrari’s iconic “prancing horse” logo is placed on a titanium plate at the bottom left corner of the dial. The mechanism is visible both through the case back and the dial.
The timepieces house the new caliber RM43-01. Developing this complicated chronograph took three years, with a team of about 40 people working on it. The hand-wound mechanism has a 70-hour power reserve and features functions for hours, minutes, seconds, a split-second chronograph, and a power reserve indicator. The skeletonized mechanism is mounted on a base made of Grade 5 titanium, with other components like bridges made from both carbon TPT and titanium. The materials used in the mechanism design also carefully reflect Ferrari’s color choices, materials, and even fabrics.
Salvador Arbona, the technical director from the mechanism department, shared that Ferrari is in a place where it offers significant inspiration both in mechanical engineering and design.
As for the complex mechanisms we are used to in the watch world, Ferrari’s design team member, Flavio Manzoni, expressed how surprising it is to work on the incredibly tiny components of the mechanism. According to Manzoni, working on mechanisms is one of the best ways to showcase creative talent.
At the final stop of the Richard Mille experience, where we discovered the new RM 43-01 watches, we were joined by legendary Ferrari drivers and Amanda Mille, who is the brand and partnership director. I have a chance to ask her thoughts about the new collection. She was really proud of the new collection. She said that everyone in the team comes from different backgrounds, and that’s the beauty of thing, make the new collection more interesting.
Please visit the Richard Mille web site for more information.
