Richard Mille: RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen

The Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix is the perfect occasion for Richard Mille to present the RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen.

Crowned world champion in 2007 after being vice world champion in 2003 and 2005, 39-year-old Kimi Räikkönen is a seasoned veteran on the 2019 stage. At the Singapore Grand Prix, the so-called “Iceman” will have the chance to take his 307th start.

Now he’ll take pride in wearing the RM 50-04 on his wrist. This extremely technical calibre is fitted with a split-seconds chronograph tourbillon and a grade-5 titanium and Carbon TPT movement that weighs just 7 grams. To combine these complications within a single mechanism required perfect transmission of energy to ensure faultless operation. The need to reduce friction led the research team to improve the profile of the teeth on the barrel and the second wheel pinion. The latter led to an excellent distribution of torque and an optimised output. The combination of the tourbillon escapement and the chronograph paired with the unprecedented fine skeletonisation make this particularly innovative watch the absolute chronograph perfection.

The colours used on the C38 single-seater are showcased on the bezel and case back in white Quartz TPT. This is achieved by interlaying 600 layers of silicon each 45 microns thick and impregnating them with a white matrix before heating them to 120 °C in an autoclave. This process gives the material a very high resistance/weight ratio, non-allergenic properties, and excellent resistance to UV rays. Developed by North Thin Ply Technology (NTPTTM), the technique is also used on the Carbon TPT® middle, but this time using carbon fibres. Red echoes can also be seen within the movement, particularly on the Carbon TPT flange, the chronograph counters, and the power-reserve, torque and function indicators. The grade-5 titanium dial also includes the number 7, which is worn by Kimi in competition. The combination of these technical solutions gives this complex piece exceptional resistance, tested in-house with impacts of 5,000 g’s.

This limited edition of just 30 pieces is available at the price of €.1.120.570, set to accompany the driver on all his major grands prix, is unveiled on 18 September at an evening event attended by Kimi and the Alfa Romeo Racing Team.

“We in Finland are known for our “guts” and determination. We even have a word for it – sisu. We have it in our stomachs. It’s what gets us past the finishing line, despite the odds. In my sport, however,sisu is not enough. I have to rely on high-performance technology and team-work – the kind I’ve
come to appreciate since joining the Alfa Romeo Racing Team. Most of all, though, there has to be sheer passion! Richard Mille has powered his own engine for years with all three of these,– guts, technological prowess and above all fun. That’s why I am more than happy to be at the wheel with the ground-breaking RM 50-04 on my wrist.”