RM 022
SPACE AND SUPERSONIC SPEED TRIBUTE
We wanted to take our successful experiments with the RM 021 a stage further, making the watch more convenient to use for frequent travellers. So we added a second time zone.
The RM 022 communicates space and supersonic speed, two concepts that have inspired the brand since 2001. However, this tourbillon has another attribute in that it is the first watch to combine a dual time zone complication with an external structure in titanium as well as orthorhombic titanium aluminide and carbon nanofibre composite.
Paired with a tourbillon movement of exceptional chronometric characteristics, the RM 022 proves once more that innovative design and cutting-edge technology are perfectly compatible with the values of exclusivity and tradition which are synonymous with horology in the 21st century.
RM 022 TOURBILLON AERODYNE
CALIBRE RM022
Manual winding tourbillon movement with hours, minutes, second time zone, function selector, power-reserve and torque indicators.
POWER RESERVE
Circa 70 hours (± 10%).
MOVEMENT BASEPLATE OF TITANIUM & HONEYCOMBED ORTHORHOMBIC TITANIUM ALUMINIDE WITH CARBON NANOFIBRE CORE
Orthorhombic titanium aluminides are new group of alloys developed from the main class of titanium aluminides, possessing a specific crystalline molecular structure ordered on the orthorhombic phase of Ti2AlNb. Their organisation in a honeycombed geometrical pattern was originally the subject of research by NASA for application as a core material of supersonic aircraft wings, where resistance to extremely high temperatures and torsion is paramount. The alloy in this honeycombed form has unparalleled stiffness, a low thermal expansion coefficient and exceptional torsion resistance.
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 automobile industries.
CENTRAL BRIDGE IN RIGIDIFIED ARCAP®
This material ensures high rigidity of the baseplate and the bridge assembly of the going train.
DUAL TIME ZONE INDICATOR
This dual time zone indicator is technically extremely complex while at the same time very user-friendly. At the centre of the dial, a transparent sapphire crystal disc inscribed with hours permanently rotates through the movement.
The digits on the disc are apparent only when transposed on a clear background situated at 3 o’clock. This dual time zone is easily and quickly adjusted through the finely finished pusher situated at 9 o’clock. Each impulse adds an extra hour to the time zone.
FUNCTION SELECTOR
In a manner similar to a car’s gearbox, a push-button located at the centre of the crown makes it possible to select the winding, neutral and hand-setting functions with a simple push. A hand at 4 o’clock indicates the selected function.
TORQUE INDICATOR
This indicator supplies information about the mainspring’s tension, thus permitting an optimisation of the chronometric functioning of the movement. 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.
POWER-RESERVE INDICATOR
The power-reserve indicator shows the number of hours of energy left in the mainspring before the watch must be wound again.
FREE-SPRUNG BALANCE WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
This type of balance wheel guarantees greater reliability in the event of shocks and during movement assembly or disassembly, and also guarantees better chronometric results over time. The regulator index is eliminated, and a more accurate and repeatable calibration is possible thanks to 4 small adjustable weights located directly on the balance.
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.
WINDING-BARREL TEETH AND THIRD-WHEEL PINION WITH CENTRAL INVOLUTE PROFILE
The central involute profile of the winding-barrel teeth provides an optimal pressure angle of 20°, which promotes effective rotary motion and compensates for possible variations in the operation of the going train. This, in turn, ensures excellent torque transmission and a distinct improvement in performance.
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 will not require removal of the hands and the dial.
MOVEMENT CHARACTERISTICS
Movement dimensions: 30.20 x 28.60 mm
Thickness: 7.14 mm
Tourbillon diameter: 12.30 mm
Balance wheel diameter: 10.00 mm
Number of jewels: 28
Balance: 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
The design and execution of the watch demonstrate a holistic approach to conception of the movement, case and dial. As a result, everything has been constructed according to extremely rigorous specifications, similar to the analytical engineering methods used in the design of Formula 1 racing cars, where the chassis and 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 titanium screws. Features such as these are evidence of uncompromising workmanship.
The case requires 47 swaging operations, including 21 striking and 255 milling operations. Machining lasts 4 hours. Finishing operations further demand an entire day of work. 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.
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
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 ensuring an even distribution of the mainspring’s internal tension.
WHEEL-BASED TIME-SETTING SYSTEM
It provides smooth time-setting functions by eliminating engaging friction, replacing it with rolling friction.
SPLINE SCREWS IN GRADE 5 TITANIUM FOR THE BRIDGES AND CASE
This permits better control of the torque applied to screws during assembly. These screws are therefore unaffected by physical manipulation during assembly or disassembly and age well.