A true synthesis of the identity of its collections, the RM 30-01 stays true to Richard Mille’s key values: ergonomics, pure lines and exceptional finishes. The RM 30-01 Automatic with Declutchable Rotor epitomises not only the quintessence of the brand, but also the many aesthetic adventures experienced by Richard Mille for over twenty years.

With the RM 30-01 Automatic with Declutchable Rotor, the brand is demonstrating its ability to generate intense emotion stemming from the excellence of its technical expertise.

Skeletonised automatic-winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds, oversize date, clutch engagement and power-reserve indicators, function selector and declutchable variable-geometry rotor.

The baseplate and the bridges are crafted of grade 5 titanium, a biocompatible, highly corrosion-resistant and remarkably rigid alloy, which enables the gear train to function effortlessly. The alloy is 90% grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminium and 4% vanadium. This combination further increases the material’s mechanical properties, which explains its frequent use in the aerospace, aeronautics and automobile industries. The baseplate of the RMAR1 calibre has been optimised to achieve an extremely low weight/resistance ratio.

The skeletonised baseplate and bridges were subjected to separate and extensive validation tests to ensure they met rigorous strength requirements.

The winding of an automatic wristwatch is accomplished by a small rotor that revolves when moved. Its cyclical movement provides energy to the winding barrel, which reaches its optimal tension once it is fully wound. After this point, excess tension due to overwinding can easily occur and must be avoided. This is traditionally achieved using a sliding flange that allows the spring to slip, preventing the movement from becoming overwound.
However, this traditional system allows harmful debris to build up inside, as the flange brakes on the winding barrel’s interior overextended periods, especially when a person is particularly active.

To avoid such adverse conditions, Richard Mille’s exclusive declutchable rotor automatically disconnects from the winding barrel at the moment when the spring is fully wound. When the power reserve reaches 55 hours, the rotor is declutched automatically thanks to a specially developed gear system. As a result, the rotor is disengaged from winding the barrel.Conversely, when the power reserve decreases to 40 hours, the rotor is automatically clutched, and the watch starts another winding phase until the indicator reaches 55 hours. This solution allows both the movement and the oscillator to operate at the best ratio of constant torque/power providing optimal chronometric performance.

It is possible to check on these phases thanks to the clutch engagement indicator located at the upper-left corner, which keeps the user informed whether the rotor is operating in winding phase (on) or is disengaged (off).

Typical of Richard Mille, the declutchable rotor is a major innovation in both its conception and miniaturisation, which represents an extraordinary technical challenge in and of itself.