Richard Mille undoubtedly pioneered the tourbillon split-second chronograph. Their unprecedented attempt to combine aesthetics and practicality culminated in the RM 008 (2003) and the RM 050 (12). The latest creation in this lineage is the "RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Second Chronograph Ferrari." This is not merely a collaboration model with Ferrari; it represents the culmination of Richard Mille's expertise.
Text by Masayuki Hirota (Chronos-Japan)
Edited by Yukiya Suzuki (Chronos-Japan)
[Article published in the July 2026 issue of Kronos Japan]
The idea of placing the components on a flat surface resulted in a simplicity uncharacteristic of a complex mechanism.
The "RM 008 Tourbillon Split-Second Chronograph," unveiled by Richard Mille in 2003, was, if it may be so bold, the first tourbillon split-second chronograph designed with actual use in mind. It was based on a split-second chronograph made by Renaud & Papi (now Manufacture des Seignors). Richard Mille not only added a tourbillon to it, but also completely redesigned the layout of the chronograph mechanism itself.
Split-second chronographs, which measure two elapsed times with two hands, inevitably become thicker because the split-seconds mechanism is added on top of the chronograph. In contrast, Richard Mille moved the push buttons for operating the chronograph to the opposite side of the crown. As a result, the handling of the chronograph mechanism became simpler. Furthermore, by making extensive use of titanium components with low inertia (and some springiness) in the chronograph mechanism, they succeeded in almost completely eliminating the jumping of the chronograph seconds hand that was common with horizontal clutches.
However, the completion of this tourbillon chronograph had to wait until the RM 008-V2 in 2005. This model made more use of titanium, and the gears and other components were made lighter. While the first model emphasized robustness and safety, the second model seems to have shifted its focus to lightness and shock resistance.
The latest and ultimate creation in Richard Mille's tourbillon split-seconds chronograph line is the "RM 43-01 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Ferrari." The basic design of the movement remains unchanged from the RM 008. However, it has evolved significantly in two respects.
One reason is that it now has a modern, "lightweight" movement. Another is that it has been made even more practical. The tourbillon, with its fourth wheel, escapement, and balance wheel stacked coaxially, has a more compact gear train compared to a regular watch. In addition, Richard Mille has simplified the operation by placing the chronograph push buttons on the opposite side of the crown and on the same level as the split-seconds mechanism. The reason for this is to avoid overlapping parts that can cause malfunctions. As a result, Richard Mille's tourbillon split-seconds chronograph has an unusually refined configuration.
To emphasize its simplicity, the movement in this watch features a tourbillon carriage that is almost coaxial with the column wheel for the split-seconds function. However, instead of aiming for a sense of openness, the watch's novelty lies in its emphasis on design. In other words, the resulting empty space has increased the design's freedom.
The culmination of Richard Mille's signature tourbillon split-second chronograph. By emphasizing a simple design, the range of design possibilities has been further expanded. The finish of the watch is impeccable. Manual winding (Cal. RM43-01). 43 jewels. 21,600 vibrations/hour. Power reserve of approximately 70 hours. (Top) Grade 5 titanium x carbon TPT® case, (Bottom) carbon TPT® case (51.2 x 42.9 mm, 17.1 mm thick). 50m water resistance. Limited to 75 pieces worldwide for each model. Price upon inquiry.
Richard Mille, having continuously produced tourbillon split-second chronographs for nearly a quarter of a century, possesses extraordinary expertise in this field. The RM 43-01, developed as the culmination of this expertise, has resulted in a remarkably practical timepiece. There are countless details to mention, but let me just mention one. So-called high-end chronographs tend to have finely divided "teeth" on the column wheel to achieve light operation. In contrast, the RM 43-01's column wheel has only six teeth. The reason for deliberately choosing a column wheel with fewer teeth is to create a deeper meshing mechanism, preventing it from coming loose even under strong shocks. Fewer teeth mean larger lever movement and heavier operation, but Richard Mille addressed this by using lightweight titanium for the levers. Every aspect of this timepiece incorporates considerations for actual use.
To be honest, I don't know if anyone will actually use this watch, which costs nearly 2 million yen, to its fullest potential. However, the RM 43-01 possesses an aura of sophistication that only a meticulously crafted product can offer. This is by no means a toy for the ultra-wealthy. It is a serious timepiece that has pushed the boundaries of what a tourbillon split-seconds chronograph should be.
