WristWatch Magazine | Page 87

RICHARD MILLE FELIPE MASSA Incorporating modern materials and engineering concepts into his radical luxury brand, it seems no material is too difficult to work with or too expensive to produce for Mille - as long as it’s light weight and cutting-edge. Marking the 10th anniversary of their partnership with Formula 1 pilot Felipe Massa, Richard Mille has dedicated two new limited series that continue the brands exploration into unusual materials; the RM 056 and RM 011 timepieces. The RM 056 presents a the RMC Caliber RMCC1 as a sport tourbillon with major components crafted in titanium. It also adds a split-seconds chronograph as well as a power reserve and torque indicator to the mix of functions. As impressive as the movement may be, the transparent case around it is just as striking. Carved from a single block of sapphire, Mille claims it takes over 1000 hours to cut polish and prepare each two-piece case to receive its light-weight engine. Counterpointing the transparency of the RM 056, the RM 011 boasts a case made from NTPT Carbon. Unlike regular carbon fiber, the NTPT process lays strands of carbon parallel, locks them in place with resin, heat and pressure, then and stacks them in 45 degree offset layers creating a unique look. Inside the space-age case is another grade 5 titanium movement that combines an annual calendar, a 60-minute fly-back chronograph and a countdown function. Massa’s trademark colors and logo accent the dial, while his signature is etched on the back of both of these ten-piece limited editions that are truly exotic racing machines for the wrist. 2016 | WRISTWATCH 85