Richard Mille presents two limited editions for the 10th anniversary of their partnership with Felipe Massa- RM056 and RM011.
Brazilian Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa is the first sporting figure to have joined the Richard Mille family. Their collaboration has led to several notable developments for Richard Mille. This includes the manufacture of a carbon nanofiber baseplate, first tested with the RM 006 FM, as well as the processing of new materials such the Alusic cases on the RM 009 FM. To commemorate the 10th anniversary of their collaboration, Richard Mille has dedicated a special collection of RM 056 and RM 011 timepieces to Felipe Massa, appropriately named ‘10th Anniversary’.
The RM056
RM 056 contains more than 500 individual components, and houses a split-seconds chronograph and a tourbillon with indicators for the power reserve and torque.
RM 056 tourbillon caliber shows off some of the brand’s best complications. Comprised of more than 500 individual components, the grade 5 titanium RMCC1 caliber houses a split seconds chronograph as well as a tourbillon. Not just a plain tourbillon, the tourbillon movement also boasts indicators for the power reserve and torque, and a function selector.
Caseback RM056
These mechanics are presented in the most transparent fashion, through a sapphire case, produced using sapphire cut from a single block. The tedious process required several years of research and testing in order to meet the highest standards of comfort and resistance. It is therefore a given that the difficulties in creating a sapphire case were unparalleled. Machining sapphire is an exceedingly complex procedure, requiring a minimum of 1000 hours of work for each case. This includes 430 hours of filing and 350 hours of polishing for the bezel, case middle and case-back ensemble.
The RM011
RM011 Lotus is crafted entirely in grade 5 titanium and hand finished, the caliber features an annual calendar, a 60-minute flyback chronograph and a countdown function, assembled for this anniversary edition inside an NTPT® Carbon case.
The RM 011, the second timepiece in the ‘10th Anniversary’ collection houses a RMAC1, an automatic winding movement; the brand’s first flyback chronograph. Crafted entirely in grade 5 titanium and hand finished, the caliber features an annual calendar, a 60-minute flyback chronograph and a countdown function, assembled for this anniversary edition inside an NTPT® Carbon case, a material unique to Richard Mille, offering remarkable resistance and a unique appearance.
RM011 case back
Slightly different from its predecessors, the RM 056 and RM 011 pieces from the ‘10th Anniversary’ collection include elements inspired by the driver’s racing colors. For instance, the flanges, transfers, pushers, and crowns are coloured in blue and yellow, while Felipe’s logo is subtly placed at 1 o’clock. On the RM 011, the number 19, Felipe’s race number, has been cleverly reworked to suggest a 12 on the sapphire dial. The icing to the cake is decorated, with Felipe’s signature on the case back.
Both pieces are highly exclusive. Just ten of the RM 056 will be produced, whilst the RM 011 will be issued in a limited edition of 100 pieces.
