Richard Mille: RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari

Since 2021, the collaboration between Richard Mille and Ferrari has united two engineering powerhouses, each driven by the pursuit of technical innovation, landmark design and peerless performance. 

In 2022, this alliance delivered its first masterpiece, the RM UP-01 Ultraflat Ferrari – a watch just 1,75 mm thick, stunned industry observers and fans from both brands. 

Now, the second creation from this partnership reinvents Richard Mille’s most complex high-complication format, the tourbillon split-second chronograph, through a dynamic creative exchange between Maranello and Les Breuleux to create the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari. 

THE NEW RM 43-01 TOURBILLON SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH FERRARI 

The RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari is limited to 75 pieces in microblasted and polished grade 5 titanium with a Carbon TPT caseband; and 75 in Carbon TPT, a lightweight and durable thin-ply composite used exclusively for Richard Mille. 

Ferrari’s Centro Stile played an instrumental role in designing various key elements of the watch from the general aesthetic to the details such as the crown, the hands, the strap featuring the pattern of the Purosangue seats, all representative of their stylistic influence. The space deliberately left open during the development of the movement is filled with a titanium plate laser-engraved with the Prancing Horse logo whose shape is inspired by the rear wing of the 499P. Microblasted and satin-finished with polished bevels, it demonstrates the brand’s level of expertise apparent throughout the calibre. 

Thanks to the deep creative and technical exchange between Richard Mille and Ferrari, the RM 43-01 weaves together a subtle but dynamic array of visual and technical elements that take their cue from the automotive brand’s unparalleled technological universe. 

A key emphasis was placed on enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the movement design, using a variety of surface treatments, finishes and contrasting details inspired by the complex geometries of Ferrari engine blocks and crankcases. 

The metallic finish of the baseplate echoes the industrial precision of sandcast engine components, while microblasted bridges recall the toughened matt surface of Ferrari engine covers. Angular structures, adorned with raised ridges, contrasting tonalities and tiny X-shaped supports, interspersed with golden hexagonal socket-head screws are a direct nod to the patterns, parts and extruded details found on Ferrari engine blocks and crankcases. 

On the front, the clutch wheel of a V8 engine informs the design of the barrel jewel setting, while dynamic, angular exterior details of cars like the 488 challenge Evo, the Daytona SP3 and the SF90 Stradale inform elements of the case styling, pushers and indexes. As with the tachometer that dominates a modern Ferrari dashboard, the skeletonized 30-minute totaliser stands out in the dial, the dramatic, three dimensional lynchpin of the chassis layout. 

THE RM 43-01 ENGINE

For both Richard Mille and Ferrari, the tourbillon split-seconds chronograph was seen as the essential foundation for a new timepiece. It is rooted in the seamless fusion of two of watchmaking’s most complex and storied high complications: the whirling marvel of the tourbillon and the pinnacle manifestation of the chronograph with its dual seconds hands for recording split times, dazzling movement architecture and deep automotive heritage. 

The RM43-01 calibre was engineered from the ground up over a three-year development process. Exceptionally lightweight and strong, its intricate architecture rests on a highly skeletonised grade 5 titanium baseplate and its engine supported by bridges produced from both titanium and Carbon TPT. Model of efficiency, it delivers 70 hours of power reserve indicated at 2 o’clock on a 5N PVD titanium dial. The quality of this energy is also visible through a second dial via the torque indicator. The last indicator for the selected function completes this dashboard. 

The off-centre tourbillon escapement with a titanium carriage brings notable kineticism to the watch, enhanced by an innovative active second’s display that uses five radial blades read against a 12-second index. 

Designed in collaboration with Richard Mille’s long-time partner Audemars Piguet Le Locle (APLL), the RM43-01 calibre brings multiple refinements to the split-second’s mechanism. Through intensive R&D and computer simulations, a new generation of components has been developed to optimise power consumption whilst delivering more consistent torque levels throughout the power reserve. 

From micro-components to material selection every element of the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari was considered through the lens of performance as with any Ferrari automobile. Inevitably, every single design decision can impact the integrity and technical capability of a given part. Extensive shock testing, simulations and deep research ensured that every part met Richard Mille’s uncompromising standards. 

The RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari is a true homage to Ferrari’s legacy, blending iconic design and unparalleled performance. It represents the pinnacle of horological and automotive synergy—where aesthetics meet function and passion drives innovation.