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Manufacture
The case of this Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Chronograph Divers Watch consists of three curved parts, requires a total of 830 machining operations making it one of the most difficult round cases to manufacture. watch cases are extremely difficult to manufacture. For example, the curved front and back bezel must match the case-band without even the slightest bit of tension to make sure that the sapphire glass will not be affected. In addition, because of the curves in both bezels and the case-band, much more material needs to be milled in order to achieve perfect results.
Apart from design, there is the constant search for new lightweight materials used in many of the sports timepieces as well as innovative concepts for the round and rectangular watch cases. Titanium is a preferred material for watch cases because it is as strong as the high-grade steel alloys, but much less dense. Most Richard Mille cases use titanium grade 5, an alloy with excellent properties combining strength with resistance to extreme temperatures and corrosion.
The Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Chronograph Diver’ s This watch is a good example of the complexity of case manufacturing. The case, consisting of three curved parts, requires a total of
830 machining operations making it one of the most difficult round cases to manufacture. The turning diver’ s bezel is not sprung into place as it is the norm today, but attached to the case with more than thirty miniature and specially manufactured torque screws
Richard Mille RM 032 Automatic Chronograph Diver’ s Watch( above) After a further 11-hour machining, each case has to pass a full day of quality control, including numerous water resistant tests to guarantee that this fly-back chronograph is water-tight to a depth of 300 meters. I had to admire the finish on a RM 032 back bezel sample. Since each case is hand brushed and polished, one can safely state that each piece is truly unique.
carbon nanofiber When Rafael Nadal plays one of his tennis matches, he wears a watch from the ultra-lightweight 27 series like the Richard Mille RM 027, 27-01 or 27-02 on his right wrist. Each is specially designed for him.
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Wristwatch | 2016