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Manufacture
RM 26-02 Evil Eye of occurrence of breaking stresses by 25 % and of micro-cracks by 200 %. “ We did 5,000 G-force shock and other tests . It passed all on the first try ,” adds Boillat . “ Mr . Mille even threw a case on the marble floor several times and it had no effect .”
It is fitting that Richard Mille selected one of the lightest and toughest ceramic composites for his contemporary talisman – the RM 26-02 Evil Eye . Every culture from early history has sought some form of mascot to protect against the Evil Eye . Richard Mille has seized this imagery as inspiration for an extraordinary design with a hi-tech case .
RM 26-02 Evil Eye The case for the Richard Mille 26-2 Evil Eye is made from TZP- N , composed of Zirconium compound ( 95 %) stabilized with Yttrium .
This ultra-tough black ceramic material combines low density ( 6g per cm3 ) with a very low coefficient of thermal conductivity . TZP-N allows for a perfect finish with micro-blasting and hand polishing . It is extremely resistant to scratches . A long and difficult machining and grinding process using diamond tools is necessary to create the complex forms of the bezel and caseback , which are given a matte surface finish . This black case provides an ideal frame for the Evil Eye . Of course , then there ’ s the painstaking micro-lacquer work carried out by hand on the flames .
EXTREME CASE MAKING The case for the RM 26-2 shows how far the Richard Mille team will go in the search for ever lighter materials . While a Richard Mille watch case ’ s signature lies in its mechanical complexity , visual design and ergonomic fit , the connoisseur can also appreciate the lightweight materials and handcrafted finishing .
Considering that Richard Mille introduced 14 new models in 2014 alone , the fact is that the development of such complex cases made from high-tech materials and in small volumes is only possible through in-house production .
No less than sixty employees – CNC programmers , machine operators , polishers , inspectors – work in this facility adopting innovative technologies , a requirement for working on innovative materials such as grade 5 titanium , NTPT carbon , carbon nanotubes , ceramic TZP-N .
It is clear that ProArt ’ s team , inspired by Richard Mille , has already and will continue to innovate in new concepts and develop new materials that will help push the limit of what is possible in making high-end watch cases .
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Wristwatch | 2016