![]() This wager is nonetheless extremely perilous, given that the brand’s shock-resistance tests are amongst the most stringent in watchmaking. The tourbillon cage is fixed at only one end of its axis, eliminating the upper bridge so as to visually accentuate the ethereal qualities of the calibre. This is possible thanks to a complex mechanical solution rarely employed by Richard Mille to enhance the skeletonisation, a flying tourbillon with variable inertia. To ensure the greatest possible transparency, the grade 5 titanium movement, whose lines follow those of the hand, is highly skeletonised. The architecture of the RM66 manual winding calibre showcases a fast-winding barrel providing a 72-hour power reserve positioned at 6 o’clock and the tourbillon at 12 o’clock – a first for the brand. The protracted and meticulous work of deburring and polishing brings out the contours of the bones and highlights the delicate joints with their micro-blasted finish. The task of craftmanship was entrusted to Genevan engraver Olivier Vaucher. For this model, conceived by the Creative and Development Director Cécile Guenat, the five digits of the hand were first milled, then transferred to the master engraver to be perfected by hand. The horns gesture is represented by outstretched index and little fingers, whilst the last phalange of the thumb holding the middle and ring fingers are visible from the back of the watch. Similarly, the RM 66 Flying Tourbillon brilliantly calls to mind the disruptive spirit of the Sixties and that of rock’n’roll, currents that exalted a life lived off the beaten track as never before. And because Richard Mille obeys no stylistic rules but its own, the hand that appears on this creation is seen as through an X-ray – a nod to the RM 052 Tourbillon Skull whose identity was firmly anchored in the memento mori, a reminder, via the symbolism of the skull, of how important it is to live each moment to the fullest. More than ever, experience is key to breaking boundaries.The eye is first drawn to the openwork hand in 5N red gold that holds the movement in its fingers. ![]() To obtain its exceptional dimensions and performance, 3,000 hours of reflection and collaboration with Audemars Piguet engineers were required to finalize the manual winding caliber with a 45-hour power reserve and, in particular, the design of an ultra-flat escapement. This corresponds to a fall of one meter high on a wooden floor. The 150 examples of the RM UP-01 Ferrari can withstand a shock of up to 5,000g. The omnipresence of titanium in a large part of the components guarantees an exceptional rigidity. The balance wheel brings its rhythm to life in this refined, grey satin finish monochrome setting. One serves as a function selector, the other acts according to the option taken: setting the timepiece or winding the movement. Two crowns can be operated with either a finger or a special tool. One of them, adorned with a thin red and white edging, enables the reading of the minutes. On top of this is a piece structured like a steering wheel with three openworked branches. A small dial composed of a black disc with a red tip plays the role of the hour hand. Its 51mm x 39mm case in grade 5 titanium, 1.75mm thick and weighing only 30 grams, required 2,000 hours of development. One only has to discover the RM UP-01 Ferrari to be convinced. The first creation representing the partnership with Ferrari demonstrates the ability of the Les Breuleux watchmakers to raise innovation to a level rarely encountered. Surprise is an art Richard Mille cherishes. The thickness of its case is no more than 1.75mm! THE ULTIMATE OF THE ULTIMATE Stepping out of its comfort zone, the brand managed this feat by unveiling the slimmest, thinnest watch in its category.
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