Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari

The world record for thinnest mechanical watch held by the “Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra”, has been broken by the new “Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari” with 1.75mm, which is 0.05 mm less than the Bulgari that was released just last year. The partnership between Richard Mille and Ferrari led them to develop several prototypes and clocking in over 6,000 hours of research and development, before perfecting this record setting ultra-flat wristwatch.The entire tonneau-shaped 51mm diameter and 39mm in length sized case is made in grade 5 titanium with a vertically brushed surface and polished bevels. There are 13 exposed spline screws scattered over the monobloc case to ensure its robostness.The baseplate and bridges of the RM UP-01 are crafted of grade 5 titanium, which enables the gear train to function effortlessly. The alloy is 90% grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. The fact that this combination is so reliable explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautics and automotive industries, like Ferrari.On the flip-side is a solid caseback with some technical indications and a “LIMITED EDITION” inscription, highlighting the exclusively of this unique timepiece. The image below allows us to get a sense of just how thin 1.75mm in thickness looks like. Plus keep in mind that 1.18mm of those 1.75mm are allocated just for the movement’s space.Instead of a regular winding crown, the solution RM came up with was to use two hollowed-out “crowns” on the left side of the case/dial.So the first “crown” positioned between 10 and 11 o’clock, allows us to select between the winding (W) or hand-setting (H) function; while the second “crown” between 7 and 8 o’clock allows us to set time or wind the barrel. Both of these crowns are framed by black ceramic inserts that serve to protect the bezel from friction. The sapphire crystals were made with 1,800 Vickers and an anti-glare treatment on both sides. Water-resistance can reach up to only a few 10 meters (33 feet).Time is exhibited on the titanium case itself, which doubles as a dial. The portion that actually tells time has been placed in the center of the dial/case on a recessed portion with red hour and minute hands.There are two sapphire crystals: one over the time indicator, which had the hands transferred directly to the wheels;while the other crystal was positioned over the balance wheel and spring assembly, so they could showcase the movement. Below the time and balance functions they’ve engraved Ferrari’s iconic horse logo.In order to beat the thinnest world record, the engineers from Audemars Piguet Le Locle and Richard Mille developed a new type of escapement with a balance wheel in titanium that substantially reduces the calibre’s thickness, while still providing the same security as a standard Swiss anchor escapement. 

Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari

The “Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari” is powered by the hand-wound mechanical movement, caliber RM UP-01 with 23 jewels and 28,800 vph. This movement was developed by Renaud & Papi, which are former employees of Audemars Piguet, before they founded their own company in 1986.It comes equipped with a patented ultra-flat escapement with balance wheel in grade 5 titanium. Power reserve can last up to 45 hours, when fully wound.Mounted to the watch is a black rubber strap, secured to the wrist by a titanium buckle. The total weight of the watch and strap combined is only 30 grams. This is a limited edition of only 150 manufactured pieces. For more up to date information visit the official Richard Mille website here.

Richard Mille, RM, UP-01, Ferrari, Titanium, Luxury Watches