RM 008-V2
ONE OF THE MOST COMPLEX OBJECTS EVER MADE
A superlative chronograph, the RM 008-V2 pairs a tourbillon with a split-seconds mechanism and was the first new split-seconds chronograph design of the 21th century.
Since its creation in 2003, the RM 008-V2 continues to warrant its claim as one of the most complicated watches in the collection.
The RM 008 incorporates all the characteristics of the RM 004 split-seconds chronograph, to which we added a tourbillon carriage comprising 85 parts and weighing just a third of a gram (0.34 g). Assembly and adjustment of this component alone requires several months to complete.
These two complex features demand advanced technical prowess.
RM 008-V2 TOURBILLON CHRONOGRAPH
CALIBRE RM008-V2
Manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, seconds, split-seconds chronograph, 30-minute totaliser, power-reserve, torque and function indicators.
POWER RESERVE
Circa 70 hours(± 10%) without chronograph running.
Actual power reserve results will depend on the period of time the chronograph is utilised.
CARBON NANOFIBRE BASEPLATE
This is an isotropic composite material created from carbon nanofibres moulded under a high pressure of 7,500 N/cm2 at a temperature of 2,000˚C, resulting in a material with high mechanical, physical and chemical stability in all directions. The ribbed perimeter of the movement baseplate ensures optimal rigidity of the baseplate and bridges.
Carbon nanofibre composite structures such as this are amorphous, chemically neutral and dimensionally constant within a very wide range of operating temperatures, including those outside of normal experience. This stability ensures the greatest integrity of the movement’s going train under all conditions.
BRIDGES MADE OF GRADE 5 TITANIUM
Grade 5 titanium is a biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant and remarkably rigid alloy composed of 90% titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases the material’s mechanical properties, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautics and automotive industries.
The baseplate and bridges have been subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimize their resistance capacities.
SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH WITH IMPROVED PERFORMANCE
The modern architecture of this movement promotes a coherent and rational arrangement of each constituent part, avoiding unnecessary complexity and permitting the best possible use of the functions thanks to technical solutions. For example, research was conducted into the geometric design of the column wheels that control the different levers, in order to ensure the perfect, long-term, stable and simultaneous functioning of the chronograph mechanism, a feature essential to any high-performance chronograph.
Furthermore, the development of a new generation of split-seconds components has lowered the energy consumption of this function by as much as 50% by reducing friction on the spindle. Like the prevention of jumping in the chronograph seconds hand, this was achieved by research focused on the working of the split-seconds arms.
POWER-RESERVE INDICATOR
Located on a scale at 11 o’clock, the power-reserve indicator shows the number of hours of energy left in the mainspring before the watch must be wound again.
TORQUE INDICATOR
This indicator supplies information about the mainspring’s tension, thus permitting optimisation of the movement’s chronometric functioning. Below 53 Nmm, the spring is considered too slack, while above 65 Nmm, excess tension in the spring can adversely affect the mechanism’s operation, or actually endanger it.
FUNCTION INDICATOR
In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, the function indicator allows one to identify the winding, neutral and hand-setting positions as the crown is pulled out. The active position is indicated via a hand at 4 o’clock: W (Winding) – N (Neutral) – H (Hands).
FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
A free-sprung balance with variable inertia and a terminal-curve spring guarantees greater reliability in case of impact as well as providing superior long-term chronometric results.
MODULAR TIME-SETTING MECHANISM FITTED AGAINST THE CASEBACK
This mechanism provides the following advantages for longevity and maintenance:
• Since the component is mounted outside of the movement, the time-setting assembly can be changed without affecting the integrity of the baseplate in the event of a possible defect or during maintenance.
• The mounting and dismantling of this module from the back does not require the removal of the hands or dial.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm
Thickness: 7.53 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
Balance wheel diameter: 10.00 mm
Number of jewels: 31
Balance wheel: Glucydur®, 2 arms, 4 setting screws, moment of inertia 10 mg•cm2, angle of lift 53°
Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz)
Balance spring: elinvar by Nivarox®
Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28
Barrel shaft: nickel-free Chronifer® (DIN x 46 Cr 13 + S) with the following characteristics: stainless – antimagnetic – suitable for tempering
CASE
Each rough case involves 202 separate machining operations. The design and execution of the watch demonstrate a highly conceptual holistic approach to the movement, case and dial. As a result, everything has been constructed according to extremely rigorous specifications, in the manner of analytical engineering methods used in the design of Formula 1 racing cars, where the chassis and the engine are developed in complete harmony. For example, a casing ring is no longer used, and the movement is mounted on chassis mounting rubbers (ISO SW) fixed by grade 5 titanium screws. Features such as these are evidence of uncompromising workmanship.
The tripartite case is water resistant to 50 metres, ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. The case is assembled with 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel.
TORQUE-LIMITING CROWN
This additional security system prevents accidental overwinding, which could cause damage to the winding stem or put extreme pressure on the barrel spring.
Finishing
Movement
• Anglage and polishing by hand
• Hand-polished locking sections
• Sapphire-blasted milled sections
• Lapped and polished contact points
• Burnished pivots
Steel parts
• Sapphire-blasted surfaces
• Hand-polished anglage
Wheels
• Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
• Circular-finished faces
• Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
• Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance.
Other features
FAST-ROTATING BARREL (6 hours per revolution instead of 7.5 hours)
This type of barrel provides the following advantages:
- The phenomenon of periodic internal mainspring adhesion is significantly diminished, thereby increasing performance.
- Provision of an excellent mainspring delta curve with an ideal power reserve/performance and regularity ratio.
BARREL PAWL WITH PROGRESSIVE RECOIL
This device permits an appreciable winding gain (circa 20%), especially during the start of winding. It is also helpful in evenly distributing the mainspring’s internal tension.
MODULAR TIME-SETTING MECHANISM FITTED AGAINST THE CASE BACK
It provides the following advantages for longevity and maintenance:
- Since the component is mounted outside of the movement, the time-setting assembly can be changed without affecting the integrity of the baseplate in the event of a possible defect or during maintenance.
- The mounting and dismantling of this module from the back does not require removal of the hands or dial.