Simply Abu Dhabi XX

1 0 9 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I D on’t be even momentarily thrown by the word ‘Quartz’ in the title of this extraordinary timepiece. The movement powering this dynamic red beast is assuredly a mechanical movement. Quartz here is in reference to the red quartz integrated into this eye-catching red case along with black carbon fibre. When visiting the RichardMilleManufacture in Jura earlier this year, I was able to witness some of the extreme technology of this unique watch company in action. One element of this was some of the development of Richard Mille’s NTPT (North Thin Ply Technology) carbon. As is typical with RichardMille creations, the material is used in a range of other fields – such as in aeronautics or building F1 chassis, or in the world of high-performance sailing – this is the level of technological excellence Mille wants in his watches. The NTPT composite material was researched by ProArt, the Manufacture dedicated to machining RichardMille cases and components. This 3000m2 section of the Manufacture was opened in 2013 and here the technical mastery of base plates, bridges and cases happens, including the signature Richard Mille tonneau cases. The unique black and red appearance of the new RM011 red TPT® Quartz comes from 600 layers of alternated quartz filaments and carbon fibres. Silica layers are inserted between layers of NTPT carbon with a positioning system that changes the orientation of the fibres between each layer by 45 degrees. This means that when machined, the cases will all be one-of- a-kind as the randomly placed result in a unique appearance for every watch. Commenting on the unmistakable hue of the watch, the Manufacture’s spokesperson says “It is a unique colour in fine watchmaking; the vibrant red colour of the Quartz case redefines the graphic limitations of this material.” Corporate social responsibility is taken very seriously at the company and the material was not only selected for its stability but also for its biocompatibility, and the distinctive red pigment satisfies all REACH regulations (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals – a EuropeanUnion regulation that addresses the production and use of chemical substances and their potential impacts on both human health and the environment). As well as being bold in its statement colour case, the material is incredibly light and has a great resilience to high temperatures, transparency to electromagnetic waves and extreme resistance to impact forces of up to 5,000 G. You could probably wear this watch to the Red Planet, and no matter what the environment on Mars was like, this watch and the automatic RMAC1 calibre movement inside would be unaffected. The movement is also equally complex and durable, constructed from grade 5 titanium. Powered by a double barrel system and wound by a variable-geometry rotor, it has a power reserve of 55 hours. The skeletonised dial includes an oversized date at 12 o’clock, a month display at 4 o’clock and a flyback chronograph with a countdown function. It will be mounted on a red rubber strap, but a black strap is also interchangeable for a different look. The RM 011 TPT® Quartz Edition will be limited to 50 pieces and only available at RichardMille boutiques. There is no information on the price before going to press, but, as Richard Mille says, “People will gladly pay for a timepiece as long as it has the quality that it should have, as well as exclusivity and a special ‘cutting edge’ character.”