Introducing: The Richard Mille RM 50-04 Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Ra?ikko?nen Limited Editon

September 19, 2019

Doing as they are wont to do, Richard Mille has announced a new partnership with Finnish racing legend Kimi Ra?ikko?nen. Included in this announcement is a new limited edition watch, the Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Ra?ikko?nen (aka the RM 50-04). It is, as you would expect, a watch befitting a robotic superhuman driver still chasing the podium in the most technologically advanced racing series on earth. A dizzying mix of advanced materials, complex engineering and cutting-edge watchmaking, the RM 50-04 is just so very Richard Mille. And you know it has the price tag to match.? With a pale white/cream 44.5mm case rendered in a mix of Carbon TPT and Quartz TPT, the hand-wound RM 50-04 sports a 30-minute split-seconds chronograph, a tourbillon, a power reserve indicator (max is ~70 hours), and indications for both function and torque. All of this is supported by the brand's new skeletonized RM50-03 movement, which is built using Carbon TPT and titanium. Tested by Richard Mille to withstand shocks up to 5000 g, this wild movement weighs 7 grams. For reference, an American quarter weighs 5.67 grams (for my fellow Canadians, a Toonie weighs a closer 6.92 grams).? Initial Thoughts With plans to formally announce the watch and their new connection with Ra?ikko?nen at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix (this coming weekend), the RM 50-04 carries a red colorway to connect with Ra?ikko?nen's current position on the Alfa Romeo Racing Team, and the dial features an oversized "7" hour marker, as this is the number of Ra?ikko?nen's car. A true legend in Formula 1, and also Finland's Sports Ambassador since 2017, Ra?ikko?nen', who is also known as "Iceman" due to his stoic and hyper-focused attitude, seems both a strong fit for Richard Mille and a good wrist for a watch like this.? Limited to just 30 pieces at an eye-watering (but not exactly surprising) price of $1,063,000, this is yet another wildly cool watch from Richard Mille. The RM 50-04, as a product, is a very expensive and rather silly exercise in branding and marketing, so limited and so expensive that it only barely qualifies as a product per se. From my perspective, one that is well-rooted in accessible steel sport watches and generally non-fancy things, I see these RMs as the supercars of the watch-world: Wonderfully modern and intricately designed avante garde expressions of a product that was originally designed to suit a need or purpose.? While I don't need or ever plan to have a Richard Mille to call my own (nor any legitimate dreams to acquire a suitable pairing from the automotive world), I like that the brand exists and that they make watches like the RM 50-04. We are human and not everything needs to be practical. Sometimes things can be about expression, fun, curiosity, experience, or even the unquantifiable need to find the limits within a given category. Within that perspective, the RM 50-04 carries a similar relationship to the general idea of a watch, as a Formula One car does to the idea of the automobile. In fact, the most practical aspect of this whole story may be the Iceman himself.? The Basics Brand: Richard Mille Model: Tourbillon Split-Seconds Chronograph Kimi Ra?ikko?nenReference Number: RM 50-04Diameter: 44.50mmThickness: 16.10mmCase Material: Quartz TPT and Carbon TPTDial Color: Black and redLume: YesWater Resistance: 50 metersStrap/Bracelet: Textile The Movement Caliber: Calibre RM50-03Functions: Hours, minutes, split-seconds chronograph, power reserve, torque indication, function indication, tourbillon. Diameter: 31.1 x 31.15mmThickness: 9.92mmPower Reserve: 70 HoursWinding: ManualFrequency: 21,600 vphJewels: 43Additional Details: Free-sprung balance, fast rotating barrel for more accurate performance.? Pricing & Availability Price: $1,063,000 Availability: Via Richard Mille boutiques worldwideLimited Edition: 30 piecesFor more, click here.