The Sihh 2017 opened today and will close its doors on 20 January. Among the novelties presented was this fine Richard Mille timepiece, the RM 50-03 McLaren F1, the world's lightest tourbillon-equipped split-seconds chronograph. One of the characteristics that Richard Mille and McLaren-Honda share is undoubtedly the relentless pursuit of technical innovation, perfection and progress. Developed in collaboration with the famous Formula 1 constructor, the new Richard Mille model is a technical masterpiece with non-standard mechanical performance. Weighing only 40 grams, including the new strap, the RM 50-03 McLaren F1 is the lightest mechanical chronograph ever made. This 'performance' has been achieved through the use of materials at the cutting edge of technology. In fact, the design includes not only titanium and Carbon TPT, but also a new material, never before used in the watch industry, namely graphene. This new application of graphene is the result of research carried out by the National Graphene Institute opened in 2015 at the University of Manchester, where the material was first isolated in 2004 by Professor Andre Geim of the School of Physics and Astronomy. Six years later, this discovery earned him the Nobel Prize in Physics, together with his colleague Professor Konstantin Novoselov. Thanks to a collaboration between the University of Manchester, McLaren Applied Technologies and North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT), Richard Mille was able to produce a watch case machined from the most advanced version of Carbon TPT. Its physical properties were significantly enhanced with the introduction of graphene, a revolutionary nanomaterial six times lighter than steel and two hundred times stronger. The McLaren Technology Group and McLaren-Honda, who are currently working on integrating graphene into the construction of their F1 cars, have allowed Richard Mille to consider this material to significantly decrease the density of the current Carbon TPT, while increasing its strength. Confident of the benefits that can be achieved through the use of graphene, Richard Mille's specialists worked together with those at North Thin Ply Technology to imagine a practical application and investigated how it could be incorporated into TPT Carbon. Known for the distinctive wavy striations resulting from its processing, TPT Carbon consists of 600 layers of parallel filaments. The layers, each up to 30 microns thick, are impregnated with a graphene 'filled' resin and then overlaid by an automatic machine that staggers the orientation of 45° between each layer. The composite cures in an autoclave, solidifying at a temperature of 120 degrees and a pressure of 6 atmospheres. Numerous checks and validation tests carried out by McLaren Applied Technologies made it possible to develop the most appropriate solution for the production of Graph TPT, a material used in the watchmaking world exclusively by Richard Mille. For its part, the movement, weighing a mere 7 grams, richly deserves the appellation "ultra-light". The secret of this featherweight lies in the combination of grade 5 titanium and TPT carbon for the plate and bridges, combined with the deep skeletonisation of the components. The density, rigidity and low thermal conductivity of titanium make it a mandatory choice for the McLaren F1. In fact, it not only allows the chassis structure and aerodynamic appendages to be lightened or reinforced as required, but also to be used in the construction of the gearbox, connecting rods and cylinder head valves. A Carbon TPT intermediate cage, attached to the central part of the case, supports the movement of the RM 50-03 McLaren F1. It is designed inspired by the triangularly arranged arms of the McLaren-Honda suspension and replaces the recessed ring. An atypical solution, which guarantees the ideal integration of case and movement. The combination of these technical solutions gives this complex model an uncommon robustness, tested in our laboratories up to accelerations of 5,000 g. This watch, an absolute perfection of the chronograph movement, combines a tourbillon escapement with a split-seconds function. The combination of these complications within a single mechanism requires an impeccable transmission of forces. The need to control and reduce friction directed research towards improving the profile of the barrel teeth and the entire gear train. This has led to excellent torque delivery and optimised efficiency. Chronometric performance and the quality of the energy transmitted are easily monitored on two coloured indicators showing the running time (up to 70 hours) and the torque released. The hollow buttons of the chronograph are reminiscent of the air intakes of the McLaren Formula 1 car, while the design of the crown echoes that of the rims of the car designed by the British manufacturer. The design of a new system for the splitter function and an in-depth study of the workings of its caliper have made it possible to reduce the 50%'s energy consumption by reducing friction on the axles. The 6-column wheel that controls the different rockers of the splitter function was designed to ensure perfect synchronism, accurate locking and high stability of adjustments. The extraordinary properties of graphene prompted the company to undertake further developments in collaboration with its strap supplier, BIWI, and to introduce this nanomaterial into the rubber strap of the RM 50-03 McLaren F1 to increase its elasticity and resistance to wear. These various applications of graphene represent a significant technological development for both Richard Mille and McLaren-Honda. The RM 50-03 McLaren F1 will be produced in a limited and numbered series of 75 pieces, available only in Richard Mille boutiques. Each watch will be accompanied by a 1:5 scale model of the 2017 McLaren-Honda to be driven by two-time world champion Fernando Alonso and Stoffel Vandoorne.
