In the logic of the brand, which is resolutely committed to the creation of new materials, grey Cermet is the result of demanding research. This exclusive material combines the lightness of titanium with the hardness of diamond. In the construction of the automatic movement, pride of place is reserved for titanium. Among the functions of the RM 11-05 are the GMT function (with its very simple setting thanks to the pusher at 9 o'clock), flyback chronograph and annual calendar. The introduction of grey Cermet among the case components was done along the iconic lines of the case, which measures 50 x 42.70 mm, for a thickness of 16.15 mm. The unprecedented grey shade of this Cermet variant is obtained by bonding a zirconium metal matrix with high-performance ceramic elements. Dosing the temperature and pressure to bond these very different elements without altering their respective characteristics was a challenge. Obtaining a homogenous whole is even more difficult because the use of nickel and cobalt, generally used as binders in this family of hard materials, has been ruled out to comply with the REACH standard, which ensures greater safety in the production and use of chemicals in European industry. Many years of research have enabled Richard Mille and the IMI Group, which specialises in microtechnology, to eliminate these unwanted binders in order to use only materials suitable for use in a wristwatch. The innovative process, called 'flash sintering', provides the solution by combining a classic hot pressing with a series of high-intensity electric current pulses designed to increase the sintering energy. Its density of 4.1g/cm3which is lower than that of titanium, and its hardness of 2,360 Vickers, almost similar to diamond (2,400 Vickers), make Cermet the perfect choice for use both for the bezel and for other elements exposed to scratches, while maintaining the lightness of the whole. The physical properties of Cermet need not be listed, as demonstrated by its use in ballistic protection (bulletproof vests), in the aerospace industry for the outer parts of artificial satellites and spacecraft, or even for the braking systems of racing vehicles. TPT carbon for the central part of the case, grade 5 titanium on the case back and grey Cermet for the bezel, contribute to a significant weight reduction of the RM 11-05. The RM 11-05 Automatic with Flyback Chronograph and GMT is being produced in a limited edition of 140 pieces.
