The Richard Mille RM 74-02 Automatic Tourbillon represents a synthesis of material innovation and horological expertise. This timepiece distinguishes itself through the incorporation of Gold Quartz TPT® in its construction, a material exclusive to Richard Mille in watchmaking. The RM 74-02 houses an in-house automatic tourbillon movement, the Calibre CRMT5, and showcases meticulous hand-finishing throughout its components. This presentation aims to provide a detailed technical analysis of the watch, encompassing its dial, movement, case, and overall design.
The RM 74-02 features a skeletonised dial, affording a view of the intricate mechanics of the CRMT5 calibre. The movement’s baseplate and bridges are constructed from 18K 5N red gold and 18K 3N yellow gold, respectively, both of which have undergone microblasting and bevelling by hand. A bevelled flange, meticulously crafted with festooned edges, accentuates the lines of the movement. The tourbillon regulator, a central element of the dial, ensures the precision of the movement. The openwork design facilitates an appreciation of the watch’s inner workings, indicative of Richard Mille‘s commitment to transparency in horological design.
At the core of the Richard Mille RM 74-02 lies the CRMT5 calibre, an in-house automatic tourbillon movement. The movement operates at a frequency of 28,800 vph (4 Hz) and incorporates a free-sprung balance with variable inertia, ensuring greater reliability and chronometric performance. The balance spring is an AK3 type, and shock protection is provided by an INCABLOC 908.22.211.100 system.
The movement boasts a power reserve of approximately 50 hours, facilitated by a fast-rotating barrel which completes a revolution in 5 hours. The variable-geometry rotor, composed of a heavy outside edge and edge ring in 5N red gold, a platinum weight segment, and 18K white gold wings, optimizes the winding motion according to the owner’s activity level.
The gear train utilises a special tooth profile to ensure a 20° pressure angle, equalising discrepancies and promoting smooth torque transmission. Spline screws in grade 5 titanium are used for the bridges and case, allowing for precise torque control during assembly. The movement’s finishes include hand-polished anglage, stepped bevelling, micro blasted sections and sinks, PVD treatment for the bridges, and Electraplasma treatment for the baseplate. The steel parts exhibit satin-finished surfaces, hand-polished anglage and sinks, and burnished sections, while the wheels feature diamond-polished sinks and circular decorations.
The tripartite case of the RM 74-02 is water resistant to 50 metres, ensured by 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. It is assembled with 20 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers in 316L stainless steel. The dimensions of the case are 52.63 x 34.40 x 13.05 mm.
A key feature of the case is the incorporation of Gold Quartz TPT®. This material is created by stacking ultra-thin sheets of quartz fibres, alternating the orientation by 45° between layers and combining them with 22K gold leaf layers. The composite is then heated to 120°C under a pressure of 6 bars, resulting in a material that balances resilience with aesthetic refinement. The caseband is constructed from 18K 5N red gold. The upper flange is made of microblasted 18K 3N yellow gold, hand-polished and PVD treated. The crystal on the bezel side is made of sapphire with anti-glare treatment on both sides, while the caseback also utilizes sapphire crystal with anti-glare treatment.
The Richard Mille RM 74-02 Automatic Tourbillon exemplifies a convergence of technical innovation and material science. Its distinctive Gold Quartz TPT® case, in conjunction with the meticulously engineered CRMT5 calibre, positions it as a notable example of contemporary horology. The watch’s design and construction reflect a holistic approach, adhering to rigorous specifications and showcasing a commitment to both performance and aesthetic detail.
