- Size
- 48.00 × 39.70 mm
- Edition
- Not limited
Overview
The first new split-seconds tourbillon chronograph in forty years
The RM 008-V1 combines a tourbillon with a split-seconds mechanism in a single manual winding calibre — a pairing Richard Mille describes as a major technical feat. It arrived in 2003 after five years of development and thousands of hours of study, and the watch runs to more than 500 separate components.
Its significance is structural rather than decorative. Richard Mille states that in 2003 it was the first new design of split-seconds tourbillon chronograph built in the previous forty years, and that it used an entirely new movement geometry: every functional section of the split-seconds mechanism is optimised independently for its own role, forming separate horological units that communicate laterally. That is a departure from the layered, overlapping sections of classical split-seconds construction.
This execution is cased in red gold, on a black rubber strap.
Key details
Design and engineering
- Calibre RM008-V1Manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, seconds, split-seconds chronograph, 30-minute totaliser, power-reserve, torque and function indicators.
- Grade 5 titanium baseplateThe V1 is built on titanium. It is the point on which the two versions of the RM 008 differ: the later V2 moved to a carbon nanofibre baseplate.
- Lateral movement geometryEach functional section of the split-seconds chronograph is independently optimised and communicates laterally with the others, rather than being stacked in the traditional overlapping layers. Richard Mille attributes three consequences to it: improved chronograph performance, near-elimination of the traditional stutter when the split-seconds hand is stopped and started, and low friction.
- Extensive use of titanium componentsReduces inertia through the movement and, with the lateral geometry, produces less friction than classical constructions.
- Unlayered, fully visible movementBecause the movement is not layered in the traditional way, Richard Mille notes that nearly every part is visible to the eye.
- AssemblyThe brand describes the demands on the watchmaker in unusually direct terms: a single microscopic scratch on the face of a pinion, or one false movement of the hand, can mean that weeks of work must be disassembled and rebuilt.
- TourbillonThe carriage is built from 85 parts and weighs 0.34 grams.
Specifications
Technical specifications
| Reference | RM 008-V1 |
|---|---|
| Calibre | RM008-V1 |
| Type | Manual winding tourbillon |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, seconds, one-minute tourbillon, split-seconds chronograph, 30-minute totaliser, power-reserve, torque and function indicators |
| Power reserve | Not established |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) |
| Jewels | Not established |
| Baseplate | Grade 5 titanium |
| Tourbillon | Carriage of 85 parts, 0.34 g |
| Components | Over 500 |
| Case dimensions | 48.00 × 39.70 mm |
| Case material | 18k red gold |
| Crystal | Sapphire, front and display back |
| Water resistance | 50 m |
| Strap | Black rubber |
| Edition | Not limited |
| Year | 2003 |
Buying with HYPA
Purchase with confidence
- Manufacturer warranty confirmed from the warranty card
- Insured worldwide delivery
- Payment by bank transfer or cryptocurrency
- Registered Australian dealerHYPA International Pty Ltd · Victorian Second-Hand Dealer Licence SHD-0018017.
- Direct specialist supportSpeak with the HYPA team before, during and after the purchase.
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