Assembling the RM 43-01 calibre.
In a bold evolution of a timepiece that is not only a technical wonder but a celebration of shared values and synergy, emerges the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari, a result of the collaboration of two powerhouses.
An extraordinary blend of horological and automotive design by Richard Mille and Ferrari, the watch is a showcase of beauty, offering uncompromising performance.
The heart of the RM 43-01 calibre
Engineered from ground up over a three-year development process, the RM 43-01 calibre is exceptionally lightweight and strong.
Its intricate architecture rests on a highly skeletonised grade 5 titanium baseplate and its engine supported by bridges produced from both titanium and Carbon TPT.
It delivers 70 hours of power reserve indicated at 2 o’clock on a 5N PVD titanium dial.
Front view of the RM 43-01 Ferrari titanium.
The quality of this energy is also visible through a second dial via the torque indicator.
The last indicator for the selected function completes this dashboard.
The tourbillon escapement with a titanium carriage brings notable kineticism to the watch, enhanced by an innovative active seconds display that uses five radial blades read against a 12-second index.
Extensive R&D
Designed in collaboration with Richard Mille’s long-time partner Audemars Piguet Le Locle (APLL), the RM 43-01 calibre brings multiple refinements to the split-seconds mechanism.
Through intensive R&D and computer simulations, a new generation of components has been developed to optimise power consumption while delivering more consistent torque levels throughout the power reserve.
From micro-components to material selection, every element of the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari was considered with performance in mind as with any Ferrari automobile.
Considering how every single design decision can impact the integrity and technical capability of a given part, extensive shock testing, simulations and deep research were conducted to ensure that every part met Richard Mille’s uncompromising standards.
The ‘control panel’ of the RM 43-01.
“Our work as movement manufacturers is becoming increasingly scientific, and this helps us create components that are even more durable whilst delivering even better performance,” says Richard Mille movement technical director Salvador Arbona.
A key emphasis was placed on enhancing the three-dimensional effect of the movement design, using a variety of surface treatments, finishes and contrasting details inspired by the complex geometries of Ferrari engine blocks and crankcases.
The metallic finish of the baseplate echoes the industrial precision of sandcast engine components, while microblasted bridges recall the toughened matt surface of Ferrari engine covers.
Angular structures adorned with raised ridges, contrasting tonalities, and tiny X-shaped supports interspersed with golden hexagonal socket-head screws are a direct nod to the patterns, parts and extruded details found on Ferrari engine blocks and crankcases.
On the front, the clutch wheel of a V8 engine informs the design of the barrel jewel setting, while dynamic, angular exterior details of cars like the 488 Challenge Evo, the Daytona SP3 and the SF90 Stradale inform elements of the case styling, pushers and indexes.
As with the tachometer that dominates a modern Ferrari dashboard, the skeletonised 30-minute totaliser stands out in the dial – the dramatic three-dimensional lynchpin of the chassis layout.
Zooming in on the RM 43-01 movement.
For this limited edition of only 150 pieces, as many as 10 prototypes were developed before the final version, reflecting the brand’s extreme standards.
Richard Mille casing technical director Julien Boillat says, “The team from Ferrari worked very closely with our experts for two years on this new project.
“When we design a watch, we find new ways to increase the performance and to discover new materials that can further improve durability.
“It was incredibly stimulating to have Ferrari as our co-pilots on this adventure.”
Second collaboration
The collaboration between Richard Mille and Ferrari began in 2021, uniting two engineering powerhouses, each driven by the unwavering pursuit of technical innovation, landmark design, and peerless performance.
In 2022, this alliance delivered its first masterpiece, the RM UP-01 Ultraflat Ferrari – a watch just 1.75mm thick – stunning industry observers and fans from both brands.
Now, the second creation from this partnership reinvents Richard Mille’s most complex high-complication format, the tourbillon split-second chronograph, through a dynamic creative exchange between Maranello and Les Breuleux to create the RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari.
“A collaboration like this is as much predicated on similarities in values as it is on the visual similarities between a Ferrari engine or a component, and the elements used in a watch,” says Ferrari chief design officer Flavio Manzoni.
“In terms of performance, anything that has a technical purpose can also be beautiful.
“The concept of functional beauty is something that we really love.”
Thanks to the deep creative and technical exchange between Richard Mille and Ferrari, the RM 43-01 weaves together a subtle but dynamic array of visual and technical elements that take their cue from the automotive brand’s unparalleled technological universe.
Two personalities
The RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari is limited to 75 pieces in microblasted and polished grade 5 titanium with a Carbon TPT caseband; and 75 in Carbon TPT, a lightweight and durable thin-ply composite used exclusively for Richard Mille.
“We have two cases to express two distinct personalities: a ‘gentleman driver’ ethos for the titanium case, and a more high-octane attitude in the carbon version,” says Boillat.
Ferrari’s Centro Stile played an instrumental role in designing various key elements of the watch, from the general aesthetic to the details such as the crown, hands and the strap featuring the pattern of the Purosangue seats, all representative of their stylistic influence.
The space deliberately left open during the development of the movement is filled with a titanium plate laser-engraved with the Prancing Horse logo, which shape is inspired by the rear wing of the 499P.
Microblasted and satin-finished with polished bevels, it demonstrates the brand’s level of expertise apparent throughout the calibre.
The RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari is a true homage to Ferrari’s legacy, blending iconic design and unparalleled performance.
The pinnacle of horological and automotive synergy, it demonstrates that it is possible for aesthetics to meet function as passion drives innovation.
Ferrari drivers Charles Leclerc (left) and Lewis Hamilton.
Back view of the RM 43-01 Ferrari titanium.
The strap and side detailing of the RM 43-01 Ferrari titanium.
Assembling the RM 43-01 calibre.
Front view of the RM 43-01 Ferrari titanium.
The ‘control panel’ of the RM 43-01.
Zooming in on the RM 43-01 movement.
Sketches of the Prancing Horse logo during the preliminary stages.
RM 43-01 Ferrari Carbon TPT.
