SIHH 2014 – Novelty Richard Mille : RM 19-01 Nathalie Portman

Circa 48 hours (±10%).

This function is displayed using a newly designed differential power reserve system, with a printed red line on a

moving disc located between 10 and 11 o’clock.

The whole baseplate of the RM 19-01 is machined from 18K white gold, polished by hand and then black rhodium-plated.

Taking the spider web as its motif, the baseplate is then decorated and set with hundreds of black sapphires, an

esthetic feat obtained through the long and delicate work of the gem-setter.

For this first collaboration, Natalie Portman set her mind on an image combining strong associations and complex

undertones expressed by a diamond studded and encrusted tracery based upon the image of a spider.

This predator insect fascinates us with its strong symbolic power as noted by the abundant myths and stories about

spiders to be found in every civilization and across all continents, often in relation to feminine energy and creativity.

A mistress of fate and weaver of reality, the spider is the symbol of the soul but also freedom.

For the Altaic peoples of Central Asia and Siberia, it represents the soul released from the body, and on the mystical level,

the thread of the spider is a support in spiritual development. Among the peoples of West Africa, the spider, called Anansi

is seen as the originator of the first humans and creator of the Sun, Moon and stars.

The rhodium-plated white gold spider, set with diamonds, forms an integral part of the movement. The opisthosoma,

the abdominal part of the spider’s body, stiffens the tourbillon bridges and its legs support the two barrels.

The manufacture of these components in grade 5 titanium with black PVD treatment allows the whole assembly to be

given great rigidity, as well as precise surface flatness which is essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train.

The free-sprung balance with variable inertia and a terminal-curve spring guarantees greater reliability in case of

impacts and during movement assembly and disassembly, thus achieving better chronometric results over time.

This device permits a profitable winding gain (circa 20%), especially during the winding start. It is also aids in the

distribution of the mainspring’ internal tension.

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.

In the world of horology, the Richard Mille watchcase is considered as the most difficult to manufacture.

This tripartite tonneau-shaped case is fully curved, which enables the watch to be ergonomic and comfortable but is

time consuming during its production and requires a high level of quality control.

Both front and back curves are part of the Richard Mille watch case regard less of their shapes (tonneau, round,

rectangular). These curving bezels with their characteristic shape demand ultimate precision with no stress in the metal.

These manufacturing specifications required one year of research and development.

The specific tonneau shape of the RM 19-01 requires 47 stamping operations including 21 only for preparation. Tooling

takes 4 hours and the RM 19-01 is obtained after 250 milling operations. The finishing process requires a full day for

grinding, glazing and polishing.

The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 meters, ensured by two Nitril O-ring seals. The case is assembled with

12 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.