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Lot 71
RICHARD MILLE RM50-03 GR MCLAREN, AN EXTREMELY RARE ULTRALIGHT SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON
CASE NUMBER: 08/75
Closed26 October 2022
Price Realised
USD 1,134,000
More Information
Specialist note
The RM 50-03 GR Mclaren was launched in 2017 to celebrate Richard Mille’s new partnership with Formula 1 constructor Mclaren-Honda. Back then, the RM 50-03 was the lightest mechanical chronograph ever made.
The RM 50-03 may have combined a tourbillon escapement with a split-seconds function, but the highlight was the incorporation of a new proprietary composite Graph TPT (Graphene) a cutting-edge case material developed thanks to a collaboration between The University of Manchester, McLaren Applied Technologies and North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT).
Graph TPT is produced when a resin with graphene is introduced to Carbon TPT filaments at 120º Celsius and at 6 BAR of pressure. With graphene added to the resin mixture, the final result is the material that is six times lighter and 200 times stronger than steel.
The skeletonised movement, Cal. RM 50-03, was developed by Renaud & Papi, and weighs a mere 7 gm thanks to the use of grade 5 titanium and carbon TPT for the baseplate and bridges, and the extreme skeletonisation of components.
Each grade 5 titanium dial requires three hours of anglage and polishing to highlight its edge. Upon examination with a loupe, circular graining can be seen on the barrel drum, the minute wheel and the small and large medium wheels. The wheels are hand-beveled and rhodium-plated before the teeth are cut.
Made in a limited run of just 75 pieces, this is one of the most technically advanced chronographs made by the avant-garde watch brand and has always been one of the most sought-after modern Richard Mille watches.
The RM 50-03 may have combined a tourbillon escapement with a split-seconds function, but the highlight was the incorporation of a new proprietary composite Graph TPT (Graphene) a cutting-edge case material developed thanks to a collaboration between The University of Manchester, McLaren Applied Technologies and North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT).
Graph TPT is produced when a resin with graphene is introduced to Carbon TPT filaments at 120º Celsius and at 6 BAR of pressure. With graphene added to the resin mixture, the final result is the material that is six times lighter and 200 times stronger than steel.
The skeletonised movement, Cal. RM 50-03, was developed by Renaud & Papi, and weighs a mere 7 gm thanks to the use of grade 5 titanium and carbon TPT for the baseplate and bridges, and the extreme skeletonisation of components.
Each grade 5 titanium dial requires three hours of anglage and polishing to highlight its edge. Upon examination with a loupe, circular graining can be seen on the barrel drum, the minute wheel and the small and large medium wheels. The wheels are hand-beveled and rhodium-plated before the teeth are cut.
Made in a limited run of just 75 pieces, this is one of the most technically advanced chronographs made by the avant-garde watch brand and has always been one of the most sought-after modern Richard Mille watches.