- Case
- Tripartite tonneau
- Size
- 48.00 × 39.70 × 12.80 mm
- Edition
- 20 pieces across the RM 51-01 production
Overview
Square-cut diamond setting with hand-carved tiger and dragon
Introduced in 2014, the RM 51-01 was Richard Mille’s second collaboration with Michelle Yeoh, made to mark her return to the role of Yu Shu Lien. The manually wound RM51-01 calibre incorporates a tiger and a dragon around the tourbillon, both figures produced in 3N red gold, carved and incised by hand and finished with miniature painting.
This execution uses an 18K white-gold case set with square-cut diamonds, laid edge to edge rather than the rounded brilliants used elsewhere in the collection. The movement is built around a skeletonised grade 5 titanium structure and includes a differential power-reserve display. The strap is black rubber.
The complete RM 51-01 edition comprised 20 pieces. That figure applies to the model as a whole, not to this white-gold execution alone.
Key details
Design and engineering
- Calibre RM51-01The manually wound tourbillon calibre provides hours, minutes and a power-reserve indication, with approximately 48 hours of autonomy.
- Square-cut settingThe stones sit edge to edge across the case — a cut, not a rung on the unset-to-full scale Richard Mille uses elsewhere. The documentation for this execution identifies them as square cuts; that they are specifically princess cuts, a modified brilliant, is not established.
- Tiger and dragonThe two figures are manufactured from 3N red gold, carved and incised by hand and then micro-painted — including the surfaces concealed once the watch is assembled. They are arranged so that they clutch the tourbillon movement between them.
- Grade 5 titanium movement structureThe skeletonised baseplate and bridges are produced from grade 5 titanium and validation-tested for resistance.
- Differential power-reserve displayA red line on a moving disc between 10 and 11 o’clock indicates the remaining power reserve, rather than a hand on a scale.
- Torque-limiting crownThe crown incorporates a torque-limiting mechanism designed to prevent accidental overwinding, which could damage the winding stem or overstress the mainspring barrel.
- Free-sprung balanceThe movement uses a free-sprung Glucydur balance with variable inertia and four adjustable setting screws.
- Case productionFour hours of machining followed by more than 260 milling procedures, with a further day spent on grinding, satin brushing and polishing.
Specifications
Technical specifications
| Reference | RM 51-01 |
|---|---|
| Year | 2014 |
| Calibre | RM51-01 |
| Winding | Manual |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, power-reserve indicator |
| Complication | Tourbillon |
| Power reserve | Circa 48 hours (± 10%) |
| Frequency | 21,600 vph (3 Hz) |
| Jewels | 21, set in white gold chatons |
| Movement dimensions | 32.80 × 29.00 × 5.17 mm |
| Tourbillon diameter | 12.30 mm |
| Balance wheel diameter | 10.00 mm |
| Balance | Glucydur®, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, moment of inertia 11.50 mg·cm² |
| Baseplate and bridges | Grade 5 titanium, skeletonised |
| Decoration | Tiger and dragon in 3N red gold, hand carved and hand painted |
| Case | Tripartite tonneau |
| Case dimensions | 48.00 × 39.70 × 12.80 mm |
| Case material | White gold, set |
| Gem-setting | Square-cut diamonds |
| Case assembly | 12 grade 5 titanium spline screws, 316L stainless steel washers, 2 Nitrile O-ring seals |
| Flanges | Upper and lower in black metal |
| Crystals | Sapphire (1,800 Vickers), anti-glare both sides; bezel side 1.20 mm; caseback 1.00 mm centre, 1.73 mm edge |
| Water resistance | 50 m |
| Strap | Black rubber |
| Edition | 20 pieces across the RM 51-01 production |
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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