RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer: A new watch that resets game mechanics
With this RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer, Richard Mille crosses a new threshold: not only do they support performance, but they also translate its complexity through mechanics. Here, the goal is crystal-clear – almost excessive: allowing the wearer to follow an entire football game, from the kick-off to the final whistle, including rhythm variations, times out… and goals.
Bringing this unusual piece to life required five years of development, as it merges an extreme architecture with unprecedented complications, as well as new materials. A watch designed as an interface between game and mechanics.
A new calibre for a new playing formation
The RM 41-01 calibre, developed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet Le Locle, doesn’t just accumulate complications: it organizes, classes and makes them visible. Made of micro-blasted grade 5 titanium, it integrates a tourbillon, a power reserve of 70 hours, a function indicator and most importantly a flyback chronograph with central minutes and seconds – a challenging configuration rarely displayed with such complexity level.
The architecture of this movement is also remarkable. Made of 650 components, the calibre showcases an extreme skeletonized look. Each bridge, lever and cogs were redesigned to get rid of unnecessary material without jeopardizing the whole structure. This results in a light and legible 3D-like construction where mechanics are turned into a show.
What’s more, the flyback chronograph is based on a patented architecture with a two-column wheel. Such choice isn’t random: it allows a fluid and independent managing of the different features. The reset mechanism thus provides the same sharp and precise feeling as the other functions – thanks to an additional dedicated column wheel. The whole piece is orchestrated with a strict engineering logic: no superfluous layering, a rational distribution of components and a constant legibility despite the mechanical density. This calibre is designed like a playing formation – every element has its own place and function, and participates to a perfectly controlled dynamic.
Two unprecedented complications for a mechanical overview of the match
The RM 41-01 reveals its true talent on the complications field. First innovation: the match-phase indicator located at 9 o’clock.
Directly coupled to the flyback chronograph, this indicator evolves every time the watch is reset. First half, second half, extra time… The dial naturally displays the match proceedings. Such device turns the watch into a true time-monitoring sports instrument – much more than a simple chronograph.
Located at 4 o’clock, the Richard Mille signature function indicator instantly displays the watch’s active function (winding, neutral or hand-setting) via three titanium plates that move before a lacquered background, controlled by the crown. But the real groundbreaking innovation lies in the mechanical goal counters. Integrated to the flange, these devices allow the wearer to keep up with the scores of both teams in real time.
The pushbuttons at 2 and 4 o’clock activate a special gear train in order to direct the hands along metallic rails. Each push equals a goal. Up to nine goals can be shown, before automatically resetting the device to zero. This unprecedented system adds a rare interactive dimension to the watch.
Astute-eyed readers may have noticed the double central hand – perfectly overlaid like for split second chronographs. Under the painted M (for “minute”) the top hand’s counterweight is pierced in order to show the S (for “seconds”) painted on the bottom hand. This way, both minutes and seconds are displayed. The minutes hand moves forward every lap the seconds hand completes. As expected, the flange indicates the 45 minutes corresponding to a half, as well as the possible extra time highlighted in gold. These periods are displayed on both sides of the dial: a 10 minutes “extra time” indication after 45 minutes, and an additional 5 minutes “over time” indication after 15 minutes. The wearer doesn’t just check the time: they equally participate to the event.
Basalt TPT®: A new material for exceptional performances
To adorn this atypical architecture, a new material was introduced by Richard Mille: Red Carmin Basalt TPT®. Developed with North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT), this composite derived from volcanic rock is a new addition to the house’s range, alongside Quartz TPT® and Carbon TPT®. This material takes after its predecessors: exceptional mechanical performances, thermal stability and chemicals, corrosion and UV resistance – while introducing an unprecedented visual signature.
The 40-micron thick basalt fibres are stacked with a 45° rotation between layers. This process creates an irregular organic and almost alive-looking pattern that evokes a naturally wood-like grain.
The characteristic tonneau case, made of 105 elements, is available under two variations that are both limited to 30 copies each. The Carbon TPT® case bands, the inlays made out of Basalt or Quartz TPT®, and the 5N golden details add even more visual luxury to the whole piece. With their polished angles and perfectly controlled touch, the micro-blasted titanium pushers act as a cherry on top. Every function requires the same pressure – such homogeneity is due to a very precise engineering of the levers and the control systems.
With almost 800 components in total – movement, case and strap included – and more than 120 shock-resistance tests, including “the ultimate 5,000 g’s”, this RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer is made to resist extreme conditions. Yet, despite all these figures, the most impressive feature of this piece is its coherence. Everything is designed to serve one purpose: merging football and high watchmaking without altering the former. True game mechanics at your wrist.
Price: CHF1,450,000 (ex-tax) – Limited edition of 30 copies.
See the technical specifications sheets of the RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer Basalt TPT® and the RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer Quartz TPT®.
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