Richard Mille RM 30-01: Beyond horological limits

It is definitely love or hate with Richard Mille. However, no enthusiast can argue their breakthroughs and advanced engineering.

From its research, development, and watchmaking complications manufacturing center, several advancements have emerged over the past 40 years. Not only integrated into Audemars Piguet pieces but also into those from other watchmakers.

The RM 30-01 automatic, their new masterpiece, stands as a testament to the brand's two decades of heritage by blending an ergonomic design, clean design lines, exceptional materials, and technological prowess.

The new RM 30-01 in rose gold

On the outside, the case of the RM 030 successor embodies both technical and design complexities that are inspired by Formula 1 race cars but the magic is inside. The traditional RM "tonneau-shaped" case measures 42.00 mm x 49.94 mm and is 17.59 mm thick.

At the heart of this watch lies the calibre RMAR2, which boasts a skeletonized automatic movement with numerous features, such as an oversized date dial placed horizontally at the 4 o'clock position. But the stunning feature its patented de-clutching rotor, a remarkable watchmaking innovation that we will discuss in this article, and all this weighing in just 96 grams (including the strap).

The engineering marvel can be seen through the transparent back case

Movement: How does this horological marvel defy traditional mechanisms?

As with any automatic watch there is a rotor that spins and in doing so, winds the mainspring until it reaches optimal tension. This mainspring is a spiral torsion spring made of metal ribbon. This spring, once strained, is the power source of the watch.

What makes this watch unique is its ability to automatically disengage the rotor from the mainspring barrel once it's fully wound to prevent over-winding and ensuring the mechanism's longevity.

The variable geometry rotor of the RM 30-01 automatically de-clutches (disengages) once the power reserve reaches 55 hours, disconnecting from the winding mechanism. This allows the RMAR2 caliber to operate when the barrel's torque benefits from the best constant torque/power ratio. As soon as the power goes below the reserve threshold of 40 hours and energy begins to dissipate, the rotor reactivates to wind the barrel spring again.

The state can be seen on a clutch engagement indicator close to 11 o'clock, showing the owner whether the rotor is engaged and in charging phase (on) or is de-clutched (off).

The indicator can be easily seen in the top left hand corner of the skeletonised dial

Moreover, a distinct function selector, reminiscent of a car's gearbox, is located at the 2 o'clock position, allowing users to effortlessly switch between manual winding, date adjustment, and hand-setting functions.

Variants

The RM 30-01 is available in two configurations: One with a 5N red gold back and bezel combined with a grade 5 titanium case, while the other is entirely machined from this hypoallergenic material, which boasts exceptional resistance to corrosion and impacts.

Both versions are impeccably finished, with satin surfaces and polished bevels. The case is water-resistant up to 50 meters. It is assembled with grade 5 titanium screws and abrasion-resistant 316L stainless steel washers.

The two new RM 30-01 variants

Price

The RM 30-01 with a red gold case has a retail price of approximately €250k. Its titanium counterpart is priced at €210,000 and both will be "available" through Richard Mille's official website and authorised retailers.

We can think of other options when talking about this kind of money but we cannot deny that Richard Mille keeps innovating and that pushes other leading manufacturers to do the same and to, somehow, reinvent themselves.