Richard Mille RM 43-01 Ferrari

The Richard Mille RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between two titans of industry: Richard Mille, renowned for pushing the boundaries of horological innovation, and Ferrari, the legendary marque synonymous with automotive excellence. This timepiece, born from a shared commitment to precision engineering and cutting-edge design, represents not just a collaboration, but a true melding of minds. The RM 43-01 is far more than a simple co-branding exercise; it's a mechanical manifestation of the spirit that defines both Richard Mille and Ferrari.

For over 75 years, Ferrari has captivated the automotive world with its unwavering dedication to performance and groundbreaking design. Richard Mille, in the comparatively shorter span of its existence, has similarly revolutionized the world of watchmaking. Both brands share an obsession with pushing limits, utilizing exotic materials, and relentlessly pursuing innovation. This shared ethos is palpable in every facet of the RM 43-01. The collaboration with Ferrari wasn't merely a matter of slapping a logo on an existing model; it was a deep dive into the very essence of what makes each brand so unique, resulting in a watch that feels organically connected to both.



The RM 43-01 is a statement of intent. It's a watch that doesn't shy away from its complexity, instead embracing it as a visual representation of the intricate mechanics that power its functions. The skeletonized design allows a full view of the Calibre RM43-01, a manual-winding tourbillon movement with a split-seconds chronograph, that was developed in close collaboration with Audemars Piguet Le Locle. This isn't just a movement; it's a miniature cityscape of gears, levers, and bridges, all working in perfect harmony. The complexity is not just for show; every component serves a specific purpose, reflecting the functional beauty that defines both Richard Mille and Ferrari designs.

The movement itself, comprising 514 meticulously crafted components, is a testament to the expertise of the watchmakers involved. The incorporation of a tourbillon, a complex mechanism designed to counteract the effects of gravity on the watch's accuracy, alongside a split-seconds chronograph, signifies a high level of horological mastery. The split-seconds function allows the timing of two separate events that start simultaneously, adding another layer of sophistication to the already intricate timepiece. The tourbillon cage, visible through the dial, rotates constantly, a mesmerizing dance of precision engineering. It's a reminder that even in the pursuit of ultimate accuracy, there's room for a touch of mechanical ballet.

Drawing direct inspiration from Ferrari's engine designs, the bridges of the RM 43-01 are crafted from both grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT®. These materials, frequently used in the aerospace and automotive industries, provide exceptional strength and rigidity while contributing to the watch's remarkably light weight. The bridges feature X-patterns, reminiscent of the crankcases found in Ferrari engines, adding both visual interest and structural integrity. The skeletonization of these bridges further reduces weight, showcasing the commitment to performance that underpins the entire design. These technical solutions, employing advanced materials and intricate construction, result in a caliber that's incredibly resistant to shocks, capable of withstanding forces exceeding 5,000 g's. This is particularly impressive considering the delicate nature of the tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph complications.



The split-seconds chronograph mechanism, often compared to a V12 engine in its complexity and refinement, has been further optimized in the RM 43-01. The movement development team focused on exceeding conventional chronometric limits, resulting in a complication that's both incredibly precise and remarkably efficient. The use of two six-column wheels, a newly designed 3N PVD clamp with a lighter structure, and an enhanced engagement system all contribute to the smooth and reliable operation of the split-seconds function. Furthermore, the team minimized friction within the movement, reducing energy consumption and improving overall timekeeping accuracy. This attention to detail ensures the RM 43-01 is not just a visually striking timepiece, but also a model of long-term reliability.

Beyond the main timekeeping functions, the RM 43-01 features several additional indicators that provide useful information to the wearer. A torque indicator displays the tension of the mainspring, allowing for optimized chronometric performance. A power-reserve indicator, positioned near the 9 o'clock position, shows the remaining energy in the mainspring, letting the wearer know when the watch needs to be wound. The power reserve is approximately 70 hours, though this will vary depending on the usage of the chronograph function. Additionally, a function indicator, similar to a car's gearbox, displays the current mode of the crown: W for winding, N for neutral, and H for hand-setting. This intuitive system, controlled by a hand at 4 o'clock, adds a layer of user-friendliness to the complex timepiece.

The visual design of the RM 43-01 is undeniably Richard Mille, characterized by its bold, tonneau-shaped case and intricate, skeletonized dial. But within this familiar framework, subtle nods to Ferrari's design heritage are seamlessly integrated. The unique bezel features grooves that echo the hood of the iconic Ferrari Daytona SP3, while the pushers are designed to resemble the rear lights of the SF90 Stradale. These aren't mere stylistic flourishes; they're genuine tributes to Ferrari's design language, integrated in a way that feels both respectful and innovative.



Ferrari's Centro Stile, the design center responsible for the aesthetics of their road and race cars, played a crucial role in shaping many key elements of the RM 43-01. Their influence extends beyond the overall aesthetic to the smallest details, such as the meticulously designed crown and hands. The rubber strap, also designed by Centro Stile, completes the narrative, adding a final touch of Ferrari's distinctive style to the timepiece. This collaborative effort ensures that the RM 43-01 is not just a watch with a Ferrari logo; it's a timepiece that truly embodies the spirit of both brands.

The case of the RM 43-01 is available in two distinct variations: Carbon TPT® and microblasted titanium with Carbon TPT®. Carbon TPT® is a signature Richard Mille material, known for its unique, layered appearance and exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It's created by layering hundreds of thin sheets of carbon fibers, each oriented at a different angle, and then heating and compressing the material under high pressure. This process results in a material that's both incredibly strong and visually striking, with a distinctive, wood-grain-like pattern. The microblasted titanium version offers a more understated, yet equally sophisticated, aesthetic. The caseband and pushers on this model are crafted from Carbon TPT®, providing a subtle contrast to the titanium bezel and caseback. The hand-polished bevels on the microblasted titanium add a touch of refinement to the overall design.



The tripartite case construction, a hallmark of Richard Mille watches, ensures water resistance to 50 meters. This is achieved through the use of two Nitrile O-ring seals and the precise assembly of the case components using 20 grade 5 titanium spline screws and abrasion-resistant washers. The absence of a traditional casing ring, with the movement instead mounted on chassis mounting rubbers, further contributes to the watch's shock resistance and overall robustness. A detail is a torque-limiting crown. This prevents accidentally overwinding the watch.

The dial, or rather, the lack thereof, is a window into the intricate workings of the Calibre RM43-01. The skeletonized design reveals the complex interplay of gears, levers, and bridges, creating a captivating display of mechanical artistry. The hands, designed in collaboration with Ferrari's Centro Stile, are both legible and aesthetically pleasing, adding to the overall visual harmony of the watch. The various indicators, including the power-reserve, torque, and function indicators, are clearly displayed and easy to read, despite the complexity of the underlying movement.



A subtle, yet significant, detail is the presence of the iconic Prancing Horse logo. Rather than being prominently displayed on the dial, the logo is discreetly placed on a titanium plate, laser-engraved and finished with microblasting and polished bevels. This understated approach reflects the overall design philosophy of the RM 43-01, where even the smallest details are executed with the utmost care and attention. This placement, within a deliberately open space in the movement, highlights the level of craftsmanship that permeates the entire caliber.

The Richard Mille RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari is a limited edition timepiece, with 75 pieces available in Carbon TPT® and 75 pieces in microblasted titanium and Carbon TPT®. Pricing for such an exclusive and technically advanced watch is, understandably, at the very high end of the spectrum, reflecting the cost of materials, the complexity of the movement, and the extensive hand-finishing involved. The titanium model retails for $1,300,000 while the Carton TPT model retails for $1,535,000. Availability will be restricted to Richard Mille boutiques and authorized retailers worldwide. Given the limited production run and the strong appeal to both Richard Mille and Ferrari collectors, acquiring one of these watches will likely be a challenge.

Case: Available in Carbon TPT® or microblasted grade 5 titanium with Carbon TPT® caseband and pushers. Tonneau shape. Tripartite case construction. Water resistant to 50 meters with 2 Nitrile O-ring seals. Assembled with 20 grade 5 titanium spline screws and 316L stainless steel washers. Movement mounted on chassis mounting rubbers (ISO SW) fixed by titanium screws. Bezel features grooves inspired by Ferrari Daytona SP3, pushers echo rear lights of SF90 Stradale. Dimensions: 31.20 x 36.45 mm, Thickness: 7.47 mm.

Movement: Calibre RM43-01. Manual winding tourbillon movement. Split-seconds chronograph. 30-minute totaliser. Power-reserve, torque, and function indicators. Approximately 70-hour power reserve (± 10%), without chronograph running. Skeletonized grade 5 titanium baseplate. Bridges in grade 5 titanium and Carbon TPT®. 514 components. Free-sprung balance with variable inertia. Fast-rotating barrel (6 hours per revolution). Frequency: 21,600 vph (3 Hz). 43 Jewels. Tourbillon diameter: 12.40 mm. Balance wheel diameter: 10.00 mm. Shock protection: KIF Elastor KE 160 B28.

Dial: Skeletonized, revealing movement components. Hands designed in collaboration with Ferrari's Centro Stile. Function indicator at 4 o'clock (Winding, Neutral, Hands). Power-reserve indicator. Torque indicator.

Strap: Rubber strap, designed by Ferrari's Centro Stile.

Price: $1,300,000 (Titanium) / $1,535,000 (Carton TPT)

Reference Number: RM 43-01

Notes: Second Richard Mille watch to feature the Ferrari Prancing Horse logo. Collaboration with Audemars Piguet Le Locle. Limited edition of 75 pieces in each case material. Celebrates fifth year of Richard Mille and Ferrari partnership.