
- Case
- Tonneau
- Size
- 48.00 × 39.70 × 12.80 mm
- Edition
- 38 pieces
Overview
A tourbillon built to be worn through a golf swing, 38 pieces
The RM 038 was developed for Bubba Watson, one of the few players on the professional circuit who wears a watch while playing. Richard Mille set three requirements for it: lightness, extreme shock resistance and comfort. It was released in 2011 in an edition of 38 pieces.
The case is magnesium WE54, an alloy of 89% magnesium, 6% yttrium and 5% rare earths, and one of the lightest metals used in construction. After machining it receives an electro-plasma oxidation treatment called Miarox®, which leaves a crystalline oxide ceramic coating and gives the case its pale finish. The strap is white rubber.
Key details
Edition38 pieces, 2011
Case materialMagnesium WE54 with Miarox® treatment
Power reserve48 hours
Design and engineering
- Magnesium WE54 caseThe alloy retains its properties at elevated temperatures and its mechanical behaviour is more isotropic than conventional magnesium alloys — it responds the same way regardless of the direction of the load, which matters in a case that has to absorb a golf swing.
- Miarox® electro-plasma oxidationThe resulting crystalline oxide ceramic coating improves durability, scratch resistance, wear and corrosion behaviour, and is biocompatible. The same treatment is used in aerospace, automotive and medical applications.
- Calibre RM038Manual winding tourbillon with hours and minutes, 19 jewels, running at 3 Hz. The baseplate, bridges and balance cock are grade 5 titanium, giving the assembly rigidity and the surface flatness the gear train requires.
- Movement architectureThe calibre is suspended at isolated points around the case, in a three-dimensional lattice that gives it both strength and the flexibility to absorb impact.
- TourbillonCarried within the skeletonised titanium structure rather than mounted on a conventional plate.
Specifications
Technical specifications
| Reference | RM 038 |
|---|---|
| Calibre | RM038, manual winding tourbillon |
| Functions | Hours, minutes; tourbillon |
| Power reserve | 48 hours |
| Jewels | 19 |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) |
| Baseplate, bridges and balance cock | Grade 5 titanium |
| Case | Tonneau |
| Case dimensions | 48.00 × 39.70 × 12.80 mm |
| Case material | Magnesium WE54 (89% magnesium, 6% yttrium, 5% rare earths), Miarox® electro-plasma oxidation |
| Strap | White rubber |
| Introduced | 2011 |
| Edition | 38 pieces |
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.


