Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire Replica Watch
Produced in an edition of just 10 pieces due to the challenge posed by its triple-curved sapphire tonneau case, the RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire is a staggering combination of sophistication and simplicity.
Its bezel, caseband and caseback, all in sapphire with titanium screws, reconciles surface and depth, throwing its movement into relief from every angle, thanks notably to its double skeletonised baseplate.
Movement architecture and extremely sophisticated skeletonization are defining characteristics of many Richard Mille watches. In the same spirit as the RM 012, with its highly architectural movement, we further elaborate. This time we wanted a calibre whose considerable volume could express resistance and lightness at once, while remaining exposed to the eye.
The RM 53-02 is a testament to significant developments in the suspended movement using braided cables. Inspired by that masterpiece of contemporary engineering, the suspension bridge, this three-dimensional creation, unique in the world of watchmaking, required the milling of two grade-5 titanium baseplates. The first, ‘peripheral’ baseplate, is attached to the caseband and supports the tensioner mechanism.
The watchmaker who assembles the movement is also the one who undertakes to tension these cables, which are just 0.27 mm in diameter. The 10 pulleys at the heart of the movement guarantee an even distribution of tension and perfect balance of the whole. — Salvador Arbona, Technical Director for Movements at Richard Mille
The second, ‘central’ baseplate is attached by cables to the peripheral baseplate and incorporates all of the calibre’s wheels, as well as the winding mechanism. This supreme anti-shock system ensures that the RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire’s 70-hour power reserve will smoothly unspool the seconds under almost any conditions.
The bezel, caseband and caseback are 100% crafted from a single block of sapphire crystal. No polymers are used to machine its complex, difficult lines or angles. The production of a sapphire case structure took us years of research and testing in order to ensure its adequate response to the demands of strength and comfort.
With a staggering growth time of more than 4 weeks, each block of sapphire then requires more than 1,000 hours of machining to emerge as a Richard Mille case. The difficulty is exacerbated by the fact that our case design curves in all directions, which requires that we use a multi-axis machine throughout the production process.
Anti-glare treated and water resistant to 30 metres, the sapphire case of the RM 53-02 is the most difficult case to perfectly produce amongst all the offerings in the entire Swiss casemaking industry, bar none.
Richard Mille introduces a limited edtion RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire timepiece. The Swiss luxury watchmaker produced only 10 pieces due to the challenge posed by its triple-curved sapphire tonneau case.
The bezel, caseband and caseback are 100% crafted from a single block of sapphire crystal. The watch features a highly architectural movement and extremely sophisticated skeletonization. Its calibre’s volume express esresistance and lightness at once, while remaining exposed to the eye.
The RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire is a testament to notable developments in the suspended movement using braided cables. The three-dimensional suspension bridge required the milling of two grade-5 titanium baseplates. The first, ‘peripheral’ baseplate, is attached to the caseband and supports the tensioner mechanism. The second, ‘central’ baseplate is attached by cables to the peripheral baseplate and includes all of the calibre’s wheels, as well as the winding mechanism. This supreme anti-shock system ensures that the RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire’s 70-hour power reserve will smoothly unwind the seconds under almost any conditions.
Richard Mille’s team spent years of research and testing to produce a sapphire case and ensure its adequate response to the demands of strength and comfort. Swiss luxury watchbrand is the only one to date to achieve such a complex case design in sapphire. With a staggering growth time of more than 4 weeks, each block of sapphire requires more than 1,000 hours of machining to emerge as a case.
One of the most exciting aspects of watches is the engineering that goes into complex pieces. A perfect example of a watchmaker’s ability to engineer in such an exciting way has to be the new Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire. For starters, the bezel, caseband and caseback are all crafted out of a single block of sapphire crystal. It should go without being said that this is no easy feat. In fact, Richard Mille is the only company to create such a complex case design out of sapphire. If that wasn’t enough, the movement of the RM 53-02 is suspended inside the case by braided cables. The watchmaker behind the watch has to ensure that the 0.27 mm cables have the correct amount of tension after being run through the 10 pulleys. Because of this unique and incredible feat of engineering, the RM 53-02 has a shock absorption rating that can take on more than 5,000 g’s. Between the construction of the case and the way the movement is held in place, the new Richard Mille RM 53-02 Tourbillon Sapphire is both a piece of art and feat of engineering. If you’re interested in adding this watch to your collection, act fast because only ten examples are planned to be created. For more information, be sure to click the button below.