The Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix is the perfect occasion for Richard Mille to present the RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen alongside its partner. The piece pays homage to both this great driver and his team: Alfa Romeo Racing Team, the legendary manufacturer inseparable from car racing.
Kimi Räikkönen will wear the RM 50-04 on his wrist. This extremely technical calibre 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 complications within a single mechanism required perfect transmission of energy to ensure faultless operation. The need to reduce friction led the research team to improve the profile of the teeth on the barrel and the second wheel pinion. The latter led to an excellent distribution of torque and an optimised output. The combination of the tourbillion escapement and the chronograph paired with the unprecedented fine skeletonisation make this particularly innovative watch the absolute chronograph perfection.
The colours used on the C38 single-seater are showcased on the bezel and case back in white Quartz TPT®. 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 excellent resistance to UV rays. Developed by North Thin Ply Technology (NTPTTM), the technique is also used on the Carbon TPT® middle, but this time using carbon fibres. Red echoes can also be seen within the movement, 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. The combination of these technical solutions gives this complex piece exceptional resistance, tested in house with impacts of 5,000 g’s.
