SPEED Demon
WHAT MAKES THE RM 50-04 TOURBILLON SPLIT‑SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH KIMI RÄIKKÖNEN TICK?
The brand’s ties to the world of motor racing is not surprising given founder Richard Mille’s love and passion for all things car-related
Equipped with a movement that weighs just 7g but built to withstand shocks of up to 5,000g’s, the RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen is true to Richard Mille’s ethos of function backing form.
The calibre RM 50-03, which was also used in the RM 50-03 Tourbillon Split-seconds Chronograph Mclaren F1 from 2017, was conceived and produced by Renaud & Papi, Richard Mille’s [goto] movement maker for high‑end complications. The movement’s weight is a result of the titanium bridges and baseplates that have been skeletonised thoroughly as well as the use of carbon composite for certain bridges. This carbon composite, now a common feature in many Richard Mille pieces, is produced by Swiss material specialist North Thin Ply Technology.
The trademarked process sees several layers of carbon fibre set in resin, each aligned at a 45-degree angle to the previous layer, creating a hardy yet light material. A similar process is used to create the white quartz TPT bezel and caseback of the RM 50-04—quartz layers are combined with carbon fibre, in this instance. The dial of the sporty piece features the lucky number seven Räikkönen wears during competition. Fortunately for fans, there are more than seven pieces available, with 30 lucky wrists worldwide snagging a chance to wear the same watch as the legend nicknamed “Iceman”.
“From now on, I consider Formula One to be a hobby. I no longer feel the same pressure and I can just have fun at the wheel”
Tourbillon Split-seconds Chronograph Kimi Räikkönen was more than just about the unveiling of a new watch. It is the first Richard Mille timepiece for the seasoned Finnish pro, who has been involved in F1 racing since 2001. It is also the first official watch with Alfa Romeo’s team colours of red, white and black since its takeover of the Sauber team this year. That the international launch was held in Singapore is also a telling sign of how important the Asian markets are to the watchmaker.
Räikkönen, whose nerves of steel and icy composure on the tracks has earned him the nickname “Iceman”, will be wearing the watch on his wrist as he races, as is natural for any athlete-partner of Richard Mille. Unlike many other watch partnerships, Richard Mille ambassadors don’t just wear their pieces to photo opportunities, but put their watches to the test. Tennis superstar and 19-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal wears his on the court, golfing legend and double Masters winner Bubba Watson on the greens, and like Grosjean, Alonso and Massa before him, Räikkönen will now be wearing a Richard Mille while fighting G-forces behind the steering wheel.
Even if competition among the drivers these days is stiffer than ever, the Iceman still stands out for embodying the devil-may-care attitude that makes Richard Mille popular among the elite. “From now on, I consider Formula One to be a hobby. I no longer feel the same pressure and I can just have fun at the wheel. That’s what I enjoy doing, even if I’m still concentrated on doing my best to achieve the result that the car deserves,” said Räikkönen recently—proof that he was a match made in motorsport heaven for Richard Mille. After all, who would consider racing at speeds upwards of 180km/h a hobby?