RICHARD MILLE RM 61-01 Yohan Blake - completely skeletonised manual winding caliber RMUL2

Case

TZP black ceramic was chosen for the RM 61-01 Yohan Blake's bezel and caseback. 

This low-density material (6g/cm3) is highly scratch-resistant and has a low thermal conductivity coefficient. 
Constituted of 95% yttrium-stabilised zirconium, TZP has a pronounced grain that provides the perfect finish. 

A long and difficult machining and grinding process using diamond tools is necessary to create the complex forms of the bezel and caseback, which are given a final matt surface finish.

42.70 x 50.23 mm 
Thickness: 15.84 mm

Baseplate and bridges in grade 5 titanium
The manufacturing of these components in grade 5 titanium with black PVD coating for the baseplate and the bridges gives the whole assembly a great rigidity and achieves excellent surface flatness, essential for the perfect functioning of the gear train.

The skeletonised baseplate and the bridges have been subjected to complete validation tests to optimise their stress resistance.

Spline screws in grade 5 titanium for bridges and the case
Their shape allows better control of the torque applied to these screws during assembly.

The screws are thus perfectly resistant to manipulation during assembly and disassembly and are exposed to minimal wear and tear.

Finishing

Movement

Baseplate wet sandblasted grade 5 titanium, PVD treated and hand-drawn after treatment
Locking sections hand-polished
Burnished pivots
Pinions with undercuts

Steel part

Screw slot and screw bevelled and polished with rounded and polished tip
Straight line grain finish of the upper surface
Lower surfaces microblasted
Hand-polished sinks

Wheels

Concave chamfering with a diamond tool
Circular finished faces
Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
Minimal corrections applied to the wheels in order to preserve geometry and performance.