Richard Mille has introduced a new model, the RM 47 Tourbillon

RM 47 Tourbillon returns to the origins of traditional Japanese art with an allegory of Bushido– the samurai code of ethics, the values of which are still widespread in Japanese society. It is no coincidence that the samurai armor embedded in the RM 47 Tourbillon mechanism is decorated with the emblem of the Asano clan.

This clan from Hiroshima, without a doubt, became the most vivid embodiment of the spirit of Bushido. At the beginning of the 18th century, Asano Naganori, a Japanese feudal lord and head of a family family, had 47 ronin under his command. After his death, they avenged their master, and then also left this world.

The Camon, the coat of arms of the Asano family, adorns the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. Each samurai clan had its own kamon, which was reproduced on the robes, swords and banners with which they went to the battlefield. Asano’s coat of arms, which consists of two crossed hawk feathers, was also engraved on the shields of the military helmet. In Japanese feudal heraldry, the hawk represented strength in battle and the power of the overlord.

The RM 47 Tourbillon is a true work of art in the spirit of maximum realism. It is equipped with a very compact caliber, which is designed to accommodate samurai armor. This decor is so imposing and carefully crafted that it looks more like sculpture than just engraving.
At the intersection of art and philosophy. The new model is intended as a dedication to Japanese culture. The RM 47 Tourbillon is the result of painstaking aesthetic research and design development over the course of about four years.

The idea of this watch came about during a friendly conversation between Richard Mill and two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who is an avid admirer of Japanese traditional art and samurai principles.

PATIENCE, THOROUGHNESS, SKILL AND DEDICATION

Sword and chisel, sharp edge of blade and cutouts, the accuracy of which depends on the skill of the engraver – there are many similarities between the qualities needed by a warrior and those required in this creative profession.

GRADE 5 TITANIUM BOARD AND BRIDGES

The base plate and axles are made of Grade 5 titanium, a biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant and extremely hard alloy that ensures trouble-free gear operation. The alloy consists of 90% titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. This combination improves the mechanical properties of the alloy, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aviation and automotive industries. The use of Grade 5 titanium with micro-jet treatment combined with a grey PVD coating adds greater rigidity to the structure and ensures perfectly smooth surfaces. The skeletonized board and bridges have been subjected to rigorous and intensive testing to optimize their load resistance.

SAMURAI ARMOR MADE OF 3N GOLD

The 3N yellow gold samurai armor protecting the RM47 caliber is completely hand-engraved by Pierre-Alain Lozeron. Here it was important to create volume using the tromple method in order to make the image of a samurai with two swords as prominent as possible. Among the many details are a ribbon on the helmet, sword mounts, an emblem with two crossed hawk feathers adorning the tourbillon, and an expression on the mask designed to demonstrate the fighting spirit of a samurai. In total, it takes as much as 16 hours of engraving to produce the 11 components that make up this samurai image.

Then comes the turn of miniature painting, which is performed by Pierre-Alain’s wife, Valerie Lozeron. After being coated with transparent paint, the amazing engraving appears in all its glory. It was necessary to ensure a firm fixation of the paint on the yellow gold structure, taking into account the fact that more than one layer may be required, as well as the correct temperature during firing in the furnace. The main difficulty was that the engraving and painting mutually enhanced the created effect. So, if the applied color is not transparent enough, it can hide the intricate details of the engraving. On the other hand, if the color is too transparent, it will negatively affect the depth effect that it is designed to enhance.

MECHANISM CHARACTERISTICS

Dimensions of the mechanism: 32.80 x 30.90 mm
Thickness: 6.80 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 10.90 mm
Balance diameter: 9.12 mm
Number of stones: 19
Balance: Glucydur®, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, moment of inertia 11.50 mg•cm², angle of lift 53°
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Balance spring: elinvar by Nivarox®
Impact protection: KIF ELASTOR KE 160 B28
Winding drum shaft: made of nickel-free Chronifer® alloy (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics: stainless – antimagnetic – hardened

HOUSING

The design and execution of the watch demonstrate a conceptual approach to the mechanism, case and dial as a whole. TZP black ceramic was chosen to make the bezel and back cover of the RM 47 case. This low-density material (6 g/cm3) is very scratch resistant and has a low coefficient of thermal conductivity. Consisting of 95% zirconium stabilized with yttrium, TZP has a pronounced granular texture that ensures an ideal finish. The complex shapes of the bezel and the back cover of the case require a long and laborious processing and grinding process using diamond tools, which eventually create a matte surface. The sides of the case are made of 18-carat 3N gold.

The three-piece case is waterproof, which is provided by two nitrile O-rings. The case is assembled using 20 Grade 5 titanium slotted screws and 316L stainless steel wear-resistant washers.

TORQUE CROWN

The crown, made of titanium, TPT® carbon and polished 3N yellow gold, is decorated with a Japanese maple pattern. This symbol of beauty, grace and transience of life is the autumn equivalent of the cherry blossom tree, embodying the spring rebirth of nature. Every year, in November, maple leaves turn fiery colors, and then fall off the branches and whirl in the wind. More than 1,000 years ago, during the Heian period, the Japanese aristocracy introduced the tradition of contemplating this process, which later became known as “momijigari” and became an important part of Japanese aesthetics.

The torque limitation function prevents damage that can be caused by excessive force when winding the watch, such as shaft breakage or tightening of the crown spring.