RM 021 TOURBILLON AERODYNE 521.041.91
Richard Mille RM 021 TOURBILLON AERODYNE 521.041.91 Watch: This features manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, power reserve, torque indicator and function selector.
Herald at their intial release in 2001 as a break from the past and a new direction of horology, the wristwatches of Richard Mille were from their very inception, extraordinary and uncompromising.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF THE RICHARD MILLE TOURBILLON RM 021 “Aerodyne”
CALIBER RM021: manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, power reserve, torque indicator and function selector.
Dimensions: length 48 mm x 39.30 mm x 13.95 mm
MAIN FEATURES
(MANY OF WHICH ARE MAJOR TECHNICAL INNOVATIONS)
POWER RESERVE
Circa 70 hours, indicated on the power reserve barrel located between 11 and 12 o’clock.
MOVEMENT BASEPLATE OF TITANIUM & HONEYCOMBED ORTHORHOMBIC TITANIUM
ALUMINIDE WITH CARBON NANOFIBER CORE
Orthorhombic titanium aluminides are new group of alloys, developed from the main class of titanium aluminides, which possess a specific crystalline molecular structure ordered on the orthorhombic phase of Ti2AlNb. Its use within a honeycombed geometrical pattern was originally the subject of research by NASA for application as a core material of supersonic aircraft wings, where resistance to extremely high temperatures and torsion is paramount. The alloy in this honeycombed form has unparalleled stiffness, a low thermal expansion coefficient and exceptional torsion resistance.
TORQUE INDICATOR
Utilizing a numeric scale located between 12 and 1 o’clock, the indicator provides visualization of the mainspring’s internal tension, allowing optimization of the movement’s timing. Below 53 dNmm, the spring is too slack; at the other extreme, above 65 dNmm, excessive tension can adversely affect the running of the movement and may even cause damage.
VARIABLE INERTIA, FREE SPRUNG BALANCE
The free-sprung balance gives better reliability in the event of shocks, movement assembly and disassembly, and also guarantees better chronometric results over an extended period of time.
FAST ROTATING BARREL (6 hours per revolution instead of 7.5 hours)
This type of barrel provides the following advantages :
• The phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion is significantly diminished, thereby
increasing performance,
• Provision of an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance and
regularity ratio.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20 %), especially during the start of winding. It also aids in the even distribution of the mainspring’s internal tension.
FUNCTION SELECTOR
In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, a push-button located at the center of the crown allows one to select the winding, neutral and hand setting functions with a simple push. A hand at 4 o’clock displays the selected function: W (Winding) – N (Neutral) – H (Hands).
MODULAR TIME SETTING MECHANISM FITTED AGAINST THE CASE BACK
Provides the following advantages for longevity and maintenance:
• Since the component is mounted outside of the movement, the time setting assembly can be
changed without affecting the integrity of the bottom plate in the event of a possible defect or during maintenance,
• The mounting and dismantling of this module from the back will not require the removal of the hands and the dial.
WHEEL BASED TIME SETTING SYSTEM (back of the movement)
Provides smooth time setting functions through the elimination of engaging friction by replacing it with rolling friction.
CLOSURE OF THE BARREL COVER BY EXCENTRIC SCREWS
This development is part of a coherent and logical philosophy regarding longevity and the mechanical maintenance of ultra-high quality wristwatches and machines.
CERAMIC ENDSTONE FOR THE TOURBILLON CAGE
This reflects a technical and long-term view towards the elimination of wear phenomena, resulting in improved technical tribology.
CENTRAL BRIDGE IN RIGIDIFIED ARCAP
Ensures high rigidity of the bottom plate and the bridge assembly of the going train.
WINDING BARREL TEETH AND THIRD-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE
The central involute profile of the winding barrel teeth and pinion provides an optimal pressure angle of 20°. This promotes effective rotary motion and allows for compensation of possible variations in the engagement of the going train, thus insuring excellent torque transmission with a distinct improvement in performance.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE
This permits better control of the torque applied to the screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.
OTHER FEATURES
• Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm
• Thickness: 6.35 mm
• Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
• Balance wheel diameter: 10 mm
• Number of jewels: 27
• Balance: GLUCYDUR, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, inertia moment 10 mg.cm2, angle of lift 53º
• Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
• Balance spring: ELINVAR by NIVAROX
• Torque indicator with reference measurement in dNmm
• Shock protection: KIF ELASTOR KE 160 B28
• Jewels set in white gold chatons
• Barrel shaft in nickel-free chronifer (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics:
• stainless- antimagnetic- suitable for tempering
FINISHING
MOVEMENT
• Anglages polished by hand
• Locking sections hand polished
• Sapphire blasted milled sections
• Lapped and polished contact points
• Burnished pivots
STEEL PARTS
• Sapphire blasted surfaces
• Anglages polished by hand
GEAR WHEELS
• Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
• Circular finished faces
• Gilded (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimum correction applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance