Replica Richard Mille RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne New Version

High-end watchmaker replica Richard Mille has unveiled the new RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne model, limited to 50 pieces. For the first time in this ultra-light concept series, which earned the name Aerodyne, meaning ‘heavy aircraft,’ by introducing a unique material influenced by cutting-edge aviation technology, part of the case was made of white quartz TPT® (Quartz TPT®). It catches even more attention.

White quartz TPT® is used for the tonneau-shaped case bezel and case back measuring 42.68 width x 50.12 height x 14.3 mm thickness, while Carbon TPT®, another proprietary advanced synthetic new material from Richard Mille, is partially added. The middle case also uses carbon TPT® like a pillar on a grade 5 titanium body, creating a three-dimensional effect through the clear contrast between the two dissimilar materials. Quartz TPT® is based on silica (silicon base crystal) and carbon TPT® is based on carbon fiber (carbon fiber). Although there is a difference in the base material, the manufacturing process is basically similar. In the process of stacking the filaments created in the process of separating each material in parallel, resin is deposited on each layer, which is only 45 microns at most, and then turned at a 45° angle using an automatic transducer and stacked (at least 600 layers). It is only by stacking it that it becomes thick enough to be processed into a case shape). To further strengthen the rigidity of the material, the layer formed is placed in an autoclave (high pressure processor) similar to that used in the manufacture of aerospace parts and heated to a pressure of 6 bar and a temperature of 120°. Once this process is completed, it is moved to ProArt, Richard Mille’s in-house case factory, and processed into case shape using a state-of-the-art CNC machine. However, during the processing process, a unique wave-shaped pattern is created, and like a human fingerprint, no two fake watches are the same, giving each watch a unique feature.

The three-piece case manufactured in this way is equipped with three nitrile O-ring seals, washers made of stainless steel, and a total of 20 spline screws made of grade 5 titanium on the front and back. Combined, they guarantee water resistance of approximately 50m. RM 21-02 Tourbillon The manual tourbillon caliber RM21-02, developed exclusively for Aerodyne, like its predecessor, catches the eye with its honeycomb-structured baseplate reminiscent of a honeycomb. The core part that holds the frame of the movement is made of carbon TPT®, a lightweight yet highly durable material, and Haynes® 214, a new material that boasts incredible durability and can withstand high temperatures of over 955°, made of an alloy material of nickel-chromium-aluminum-iron. ® (Haynes® 214®) was used as the base plate with a black PVD coating. This is a visible comparison with the blue coating of the 2021 version, which introduced Haines® 214® for the first time in the collection. For reference, Haynes® 214® can be molded and assembled using traditional methods and has excellent rigidity, heat/oxidation resistance, and strong torsion resistance, so it is used as an internal part of automobile catalytic converters and as a special aircraft material.

On the other hand, the bridges of the skeleton movement are made of grade 5 titanium alloy, consisting of 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium. Some of the bridge edges are coated with black and gray PVD, creating a clear contrast with the white color of the case and adding personality. On the dial surface combined with the movement bridge, there are three types of indicators in addition to the hour and minute hands. At 12 o’clock to 1 o’clock, a unique torque indicator, which is difficult to find in other brands, is coaxially connected to the high-speed rotating barrel and serves to intuitively show the torque status due to the tension of the main spring. If it reaches more than 65dNmm, which is the end of the gauge-like indicator, it means that the gear train may be strained or damaged due to excessive tension. Conversely, if the value is less than 53dNmm, the main spring is too loose and torque is not consistently transmitted to the gear train. Please note that this may affect isochronism as a result.
A power reserve indicator is located opposite at 11 o’clock, and a function selector is located between 4 o’clock and 5 o’clock. Like a car’s transmission, you can adjust the hand position by pulling the crown. N (Neutral) means neutral mode, W (Winding) means winding mode, and H (Hand-Setting) means time setting mode. Each mode can be changed by pressing the red gold pusher integrated into the crown.
The manual tourbillon caliber RM21-01 oscillates at 21,600 times per hour (3 Hz) and has a power reserve of approximately 70 hours. The diameter of the tourbillon cage is 12.3mm and the diameter of the screw balance wheel is 10mm, which is quite large, making it stand out more than other Richard Mille tourbillon products. Of course, you can appreciate another side of the unique movement through the see-through case back with a sapphire crystal inserted. The RM 21-02 Tourbillon Aerodyne is a limited edition of only 50 pieces, with a retail price of $928,000 (USD).