time-keeper


Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition

December 2024


Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition

The RM 032 collection concludes with its latest model, limited to just 80 pieces. With a case crafted from grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT®, this final interpretation exemplifies both exceptional craftsmanship and the elegant aesthetics of fine watches, all while withstanding the ocean’s depths.

R

ichard Mille present the new RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition, a timepiece for conquering the deepest depths of the ocean. As the latest and final model of the RM 032 collection, this Ultimate Edition combines technical performance with Richard Mille’s signature style and robustness.

Richard Mille has been thrilled to explore the underwater world with the RM 032 series since the release of the first model of the collection in 2011. This model also appears on the wrist of Richard Mille partner and free diver Arnaud Jerald, holder of 8 world records, accompanying him on his dives.

Security and readability are at the forefront of the RM 032 Ultimate Edition, crafted specifically for underwater specialists to ensure maximum resilience. The watch provides hours, minutes, seconds, 12-hour totaliser and flyback chronograph functions, combined with an annual calendar sporting an oversize date at 12 o’clock and a month indicator between 4 and 5 o’clock. The digits for the date indicator are composed of two DLC titanium discs, with the numbers cut out in silhouette like inverse stencils, combining great visual clarity with style. A running indicator at 3 o’clock makes it possible to check the correct functioning of the movement under stressful conditions. The running indicator features a Super-LumiNova disc, rotating at 2 rpm, positioned beneath black segments outlined on the dial, ensuring easy readability, day or night.

Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition

The calibre RMAC2 relies on PVD-treated grade 5 titanium baseplate and bridges and is powered by a free-sprung balance. The energy imparted by the typical variable geometry rotor is stored in two barrels, providing a 50-hour power reserve. The movement is protected by a substantial case measuring 50.00 x 17.80 mm with a water resistance of 300 metres topped with a unidirectional bezel.

This Ultimate Edition’s unique structure balances power and comfort, using a lightweight yet incredibly robust materials such as grade 5 titanium for the case structure and Carbon TPT® inserts. The rotating bezel, crafted from microblasted DLC grade 5 titanium, perfectly complements the half bezels made of Carbon TPT®, secured with eight-point-star-shaped screws.

Water pressure on the case and crown can be powerful enough to unintentionally operate one of the pushers. In order to avoid any external pressure effect or accidental manipulation, Richard Mille has developed and patented a locking crown that immobilises the watch functions, also resulting in perfect water resistance. The crown and pushers of the RM 032 can be locked by simply rotating its ring (green index if unlocked, red index when locked). The water resistance is further enhanced thanks to maximum seal pressure.

The RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition remains a masterpiece of function in complex environments, while its ergonomic design ensures that it rests comfortably on the wrist. Available as a limited edition of 80 pieces, the final interpretation of the RM 032 exemplifies both aesthetic appeal and craftsmanship, creating a timepiece capable of withstanding the ocean’s depths while maintaining the elegance expected of fine watches.

Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

CALIBRE RMAC2

  • Automatic winding movement with:
    • Hours
    • Minutes
    • Oversize date
    • Month
    • Flyback chronograph with central minutes and seconds counters
    • 12-Hour counter
    • Running indicator
    • Variable-geometry rotor
  • Diameter 39.15 mm
  • Jewels 62
  • Balance: Glucydur®, 4 arms, 4 setting weights, moment of inertia 4.8 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53
  • Frequency 28,800 vph (4 Hz)
  • Balance Spring: E linvar
  • Shock Protection: Incabloc 908.22.211.100 (transparent)

MAIN FEATURES

POWER RESERVE
Around 50 hours (± 10%).
Actual power reserve results will depend on the period of time the chronograph is utilised.

BASEPLATE AND BRIDGES IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM
These components in grade 5 titanium with black PVD coating provide great rigidity to the whole assembly, as well as the precise surface flatness essential for perfect functioning of the gear train.
The alloy is 90% grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases the material’s mechanical properties, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautics and automotive industries.
The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges were subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimise their resistance capacities.

FLYBACK CHRONOGRAPH
By using the pusher between 4 and 5 o’clock, the running chronograph can be reset without first having to stop the mechanism. This was originally developed for pilots in order to not waste time (and therefore accuracy) from stopping, resetting and starting the chronograph whilst crossing a navigational point.

Function:
The user can start or stop the chronograph function via the pusher located between 1 and 2 o’clock.
The flyback function can be continuously reset by depressing the second pusher located between 4 and 5 o’clock.

OVERSIZE DATE DISPLAY
Semi-instantaneous, placed in an outlined horizontal aperture under 12 o’clock.

MONTH DISPLAY
Semi-instantaneous indicated by Arabic numerals, placed between 4 and 5 o’clock. Automatic adjustment for months of 30 or 31 days.

RUNNING INDICATOR
The running indicator is located at 3 o’clock. Thanks to both its geometry and a 2-rpm rotational frequency, it is possible to check at a glance the functioning of the running movement. The running-indicator disc is composed of successive Super-LumiNova and black sectors; as a result, it can be easily seen, day or night.

FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
This type of balance wheel represents the ultimate in innovation. It guarantees greater reliability when subjected to shocks and during movement assembly or disassembly, hence better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated and a more accurate and repeatable calibration is possible thanks to 4 small adjustable weights located directly on the balance.

VARIABLE-GEOMETRY ROTOR
The RM 032 uses variable geometry to optimise the rotor’s winding motion.

Rotor specifications:
• Arm in grade 5 titanium
• 6-position 18K white gold weight segment
• 18K white gold wings, high palladium content
• Ceramic ball bearings
• Unidirectional; anti-clockwise winding direction

This exclusive Richard Mille design allows rewinding of the mainspring to be adapted effectively to the user’s activity level within sports or leisure environments. By adjusting the setting of the rib’s placement, the rotor’s inertia is modified to either speed up the winding process in the case of leisurely arm movements, or slow it down when sporting activities are pursued. As a result, this invention allows the movement’s winding mechanism to be optimised.

DOUBLE-BARREL SYSTEM
The double-barrel system helps to improve the torque stability over a longer period. This is achieved by multiplying the number of rotations to reduce pressure and friction on the teeth, the bearings and the pivots, resulting in improved long-term performance.

SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE
Due their design, these screws offer better control of the torque applied during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.

Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Ultimate Edition

FINISHING

MOVEMENT
• Baseplate and bridges in hand-ground grade 5 titanium, wet sandblasted, top face polished by hand PVD treated
• Burnished pivots
• Diamond polished sinks on the bridge side
• Pinions with undercuts
• Sandblasted and rhodium-plating, beveled wheels (before cutting)
• Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance

STEEL PARTS
• Sapphire blasted and hand-drawn surfaces
• Screw slot and screws beveled and polished with rounded and polished tip

CASE

CONSTRUCTION
The RM 032 is water resistant to 30 atmospheres (300 metres). This is achieved thanks to a unique, curved, tripartite case design and the integration of the lugs in the case.
The fixed bezel is made from satin-finished grade 5 titanium with polished bevels. The rotating bezel, crafted from microblasted DLC (Diamond-Like Carbon) grade 5 titanium, perfectly complements the upper-bezels made from Carbon TPT®, secured with eight point-star-shaped screws. This intricate bezel design ensures that the watch remains a functional masterpiece in complex environments.
The caseband, crafted from grade 5 titanium, boasts Carbon TPT® inserts, which confer unmatched durability. The caseback and lugs are also in Carbon TPT®.

DIAMETER
50.00 x 17.80 mm

UNIDIRECTIONAL BEZEL
Built up of three layers connected with 22 screws, turning unidirectionally in order to avoid timing miscalculations. The use of an additional screwed system attaching the bezel to the watchcase makes it totally stable as well as impossible to inadvertently dislocate or loosen. In addition, the use of screws allows for perfect adjustment as the bezel is not tensioned into position.

LOCKING CROWN
The water pressure on the pushers and crown is powerful enough to unintentionally operate one of the pushers, eg. the “start” pusher of the chronograph. We also need to consider that making a mistake with the crown is also a possibility.
In order to avoid any external pressure effect or accidental manipulation, Richard Mille developed and patented a locking crown that is able to lock the pushers and ensure perfect water resistance to 300 meters.
The crown and pushers can be locked by simply rotating its ring (green index if unlocked, red index if locked).
The movement is prevented from being damaged because of overpressure or shocks on the crown. The water resistance is enhanced thanks to maximum pressure on the seals.

INTERIOR FLANGES (UPPER AND LOWER)
In carbon fiber, with index points filled with approved luminous material.

DIAL
In sapphire (thickness: 0.40 mm) with anti-glare treatment (2 sides), protected by 8 silicon braces inserted in the upper and lower grooves.

CRYSTAL
Bezel side
• In sapphire (1800 Vickers) with anti-glare treatment (2 sides)
• Thickness: 3.00 mm
Case back
• In sapphire with anti-glare treatment (2 sides)
• Thickness: at the centre 1.40 mm and at outer edges 2.07 mm

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