Richard Mille and Ferrari Set New Thinnest Mechanical Watch Record with RM UP-01 Ferrari
A few months after Bulgari’s 1.88mm Octo Finissimo Ultra was named the world’s thinnest watch, Richard Mille releases the 1.75mm-thick RM UP-01 Ferrari crafted from grade 5 titanium.
The ultra-thin and ultra-light chronograph uses a traditional case structure that places the complete movement on the outer case. It has a monobloc arrangement with a slim case profile and case back made using the same titanium piece, which makes the bezel the second piece. It offers a 10m waterproofness rating that helps customers enjoy their toys.
The ultra-thin Caliber RMUP-01 powers RM UP-01 Ferrari, developed with Audemars Piguet Le Locle. It is manual winding and displays hours and minutes along with a function selector. The movement is only 1.18mm thick and weighs only 2.82 grams. Users will get a 45-hour power reserve paired with a 4Hz frequency to withstand shocks and accelerations.
The movement has several new components to save space, like removing the balance’s tiny plate and guard pin, and instead, an elongated fork with new horns substitutes these ‘anti-reversal’ features in the new and patented ultra-flat escapement. Caliber RMUP-01 boasts a titanium baseplate and skeletonized bridges for maximum strength and lightness. The movement also includes a titanium variable-inertia balance wheel for optimum stability and precision.
Time is displayed in the center of the top half of the face through a surprisingly small register sitting next to the balance, with both covered by thin sapphire crystals. Movement is accessed through two circles on the left side of the timepiece.
Richard Mille developed a design to maintain the thin structure using two rotating disc-shaped crowns, one serving as a function selector switch and the other dedicated to winding the watch. At the back, we can see a single piece of grade 5 titanium. It is presented with a black rubber strap, appearing thicker than the watch itself.
The limited-edition RM UP-01 Ferrari retails for $1,888,000, with only 150 pieces available worldwide.
