Yahoo Lifestyle Richard Mille and Ferrari Teamed Up to Make a Striking Split-Second Tourbillon
The relationship between Richard Mille and Ferrari may be young, but it’s delivered in a big way since being formalized in 2021. First came the RM UP-01, which took the title of the world’s thinnest watch at a mere 1.75 mm tall (beating the previous record holder, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Ultra), and today in Paris, Richard Mille revealed the next chapter in the story: the RM 43-01. Unlike the UP-01, the RM 43-01 is old-school Richard Mille in form, with a curved tonneau style case made from exotic, lightweight materials, and a movement that packs a punch. This is the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari.
The RM 43-01 represents the fifth in a lineage of Split Second Tourbillon watches from Richard Mille dating back to 2003 with the RM 008. With each iteration, we’ve seen a maturity in the concept, and this is the first we’ve seen presented in an asymmetric fashion. While the general feature set is the same, the RM 43-01 movement was largely engineered from the ground up over a three-year period. Many of the shapes and finishes present on the final product were inspired by forms you might find on Ferrari cars, from the tail lights of an SF90, to the exhaust of the newly announced F80 flagship.
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The new caliber RM 43-01 (which shares a name with the watch itself) is a technological powerhouse. The movement is composed of 514 pieces framed within a titanium baseplate, all of which come together to provide the impressive array of complications present. Motorsport has played a vital role in forming the identity of Richard Mille, and the inspiration is clear from the onset with the RM 43-01, not only visually, but mechanically as well. There’s a lot to digest at a glance with this watch, but the complications are presented in a practical, straightforward manner, even if legibility is compromised by the skeletonized situation underneath.
There are two different variations of the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari being launched, each limited to 75 units. The first features a titanium case with red and gilt accents within the dial and movement, while the second uses a Carbon TPT case formed by hundreds of layers of carbon fibers, with yellow accents in the dial and movement. Visually, the watches are quite distinctive to one another, and play up different strengths of the case and movement architecture.
The focal point of the dial is the timing elements of the chronograph, with a 30-minute totalizer placed at 9 o’clock being the only framed sub-dial in sight. That said, there is also a rather interesting implementation of the running seconds indication which has been placed at 5 o’clock. This is actually a 60-second tourbillon housing a free sprung balance beating at 3 Hz, with a cage featuring 5 arms indexed in 12 second intervals. To its left, you’ll find a decorative fin inspired by the tail end of a Ferrari 499P race car bearing the automotive brand’s iconic “cavallino” prancing horse logo.
The true star of the show here is the latest generation of the split seconds chronograph mechanism developed by Richard Mille and APLL (Audemars Piguet Le Locle). Timing is operated via a trio of pushers set into the case. Operation is effortless thanks to the fine tuning of the works within, with snappy feedback and buttery smooth action. The mechanism links to the power reserve indication as well as a torque indication, which ensures there’s enough power in the tank to operate the complication as intended, which includes timing up to 30 minutes, and a split chronograph, or rattrapante feature, which allows the wearer to time two events simultaneously, and “catch-up” the second hand to first at the press of a button.
Every detail of this watch is an expression of excellence. From the contrasting finishes, to the architecture of the chronographs works. Like many Richard Mille references, there is something new to discover at every corner with the RM 43-01. The depth of the movement offers an interesting view not just from the front and back, but also from extreme angles that allow a glimpse within. This is a tall (17.1 mm) watch that curves to the shape of the wrist, and it feels decidedly old-school Richard Mille as a result. From the form to the textures, this is a very unique experience on the wrist, and despite its size, shockingly wearable.
On hand at the Paris release was longtime brand partner, and former Formula 1 driver, Felipe Massa, who recounted stories of wearing Richard Mille watches while racing (back in an era when you could do that sort of thing). This is of course a signature move by Richard Mille ambassadors, from Rafael Nadal wearing an RM 027 at the 2010 French Open, to gold-medalist sprinter rocking an RM 038 during the 2012 Olympic games. Massa’s presence underscored the brand’s commitment to developing watches that could match the performance of their wearers without compromise to their performance.
The RM 43-01 continues a commitment to motorsport, and to Ferrari, in particular, by expressing a singular vision of the two brand’s shared philosophy. Much like experiencing a Ferrari, the RM 43-01 elicits a strong emotional sensation thanks to the sheer drama of the design, and that’s exactly what should be embraced with this release.
The Richard Mille RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari is being offered in titanium for the price of $1,300,000, and in Carbon TPT for the price of $1,535,000. Each will be limited to 75 units produced.
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