Richard Mille slays the competition once again with a refreshing new watchin the realm of speed. This time teaming with Alain Prost, an artist for speed. The four time Formula 1 Workd Champion, and co-founder of the Renault e.dams team is a keen cyclist, and this provided the inspiration for the new RM watch – the RM 70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost.
The Richard Mille RM 70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost
Limited edition of 30 pieces. Priced at CHF 799,000 before taxes.
The RM 70-01.
Already a leader in creating racing machines for the wrist, Richard Mille’s creations have earlier been inspired by Formula 1 racing, aeronautics and yacht racing. But this time he ventured into the realm of cycling. Much like the aeronautics and automobile industries, R&D plays a significant role in cycling. These days, bicycles are tested in a wind tunnel for aerodynamics, and improvements in material science to increase rigidity, improve compliance, and decrease weight.
The new RM 70-01 comes with an unprecedented mechanically driven odometer within the watch!
The watch is a result of extensive discussions with Alain Prost, now a keen cyclist, as well as with other cyclists. From these discussions, Richard Mille realised the need for an odometer to record the kilometers they have ridden since the season began. The RM70-01 now includes a never before seen totaliser of the total distance travelled.
RM70-01 dial detail showing the mechanical odometer.
The mechanical odometer can tally distances of up to 99,999 kilometres. The odometer reading is manually incremented by the rider, using two grade 5 titanium pushers. Located at 2 o’clock, the first pusher is a selector that can synchronise any of 5 selected rollers, or set the complication in neutral position. Depressing the second pusher , at 10 o’clock incrementally rotates the selected roller . Inspired by the gear indicators on the handlebar gearshift, markers on the odometer provide visual confirmation of the selection.
As this function occupies the greater part of the movement, the calibre needed to be as compact as possible, which was achieved by positioning the barrel and the tourbillon on the same axis.
RM70-01. This front view shows the depth of the movement through the dial side.
The mechanism itself, however, is much more complicated. The first pusher activates selection of a roller, one of the five. Execution is confirmed by perfect alignment of the two yellow arrows. The second pusher incrementally rotates the roller, which automatically blocks after each activation of the pusher, due to the carry mechanism. To avoid accidental manipulations, the complication has been fitted with a neutral position (N). A spring-lock ensures that the selection fork is lined up straight, with an arrow at 2 o’clock pointing to N as visual confirmation that the mechanism is locked.
Equipped with a 70-hour power-reserve, visible at 5 o’clock. The PR indicator is powered by a planetary differential. The movement is a manual winding tourbillon calibre with grade 5 titanium plates and bridges. Titanium’s extreme stiffness enables the calibre to withstand the roughest of trails with ease.
The movement is has a good 3D depth effect, as its vertical architecture lines up the barrel and tourbillon along a single axis. This necessitates a compact size because of the space required to house the odometer occupies within the case.
The caseback, showing the movement .
Details like the titanium Allen screws that fix the bridges, to the barrel ratchet, are design cues taken from the forged wheel spokes. And the tourbillon cage and dynamometric crown being a hint at the bicycle’s pedal.
The crown.
On Alain Prost’s wrist, the watch follows an ergonomic code that Richard Mille watches are famous for. The new shape looks unusual, but is designed for comofort on the bars.
The case is machined out of Carbon TPT®, it perfectly combines tonneau, rectangular and asymmetrical shapes. Taut and curved, its unique lines not only ensure the greatest possible comfort when worn on the right wrist, but also optimised legibility of the time when gripping a cycle’s handlebars. Function dictates form.
Alain Prost on board his bicycle and wearing his RM 70-01.
In order that they may fully enjoy the dynamic and mechanical qualities of the RM 70-01, each buyer will receive as a gift their very own bespoke road cycle. Developed by Alain Prost and Richard Mille in partnership with the prestigious Italian bikemaker Colnago, these individually numbered bicycles are made by hand and painted in the watchmaking brand’s colours.
Richard Mille RM 70-01 Tourbillon Alain Prost Specs
–Movement dimensions: 37 .10 mm x 29.73 mm
Thickness: 10.70 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 12.40 mm
Balance diameter: 10.00 mm
Number of jewels: 32
Balance wheel: Glucydur®, 2 arms and 4 setting screws
Inertia moment: 11.50 mg.cm2, lift angle 53°
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Balance spring: elinvar by Nivarox®
Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28 – Barrel shaft in nickel-free Chronifer® (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following properties: stainless – antimagnetic – suitable for tempering
