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T O P I C R E V I E W
anyick
Posted - 15/09/2025 : 12:09:00 Richard Mille RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT
True to the Richard Mille spirit, gray cermet is the result of meticulous research and ongoing exploration of innovative materials. This exclusive Richard Mille watchmaking material combines the lightness of titanium with the hardness of diamond – the Richard Mille RM 11-05 Automatic Flyback Chronograph GMT.
Gray cermet, a new and exclusive material from Richard Mille The lightness of titanium and the hardness of diamond
The automatic movement is primarily constructed of titanium. Key functions include a GMT display easily adjusted via a push-piece at 9 o'clock, a 24-hour flyback chronograph, and an annual calendar. This new addition of gray cermet complements the pure, aerodynamic lines of the iconic case, which measures 50 x 42.70 mm and has a total thickness of 16.15 mm.
The unique gray color of cermet stems from the combination of a zirconium matrix and high-performance ceramic inserts. Its manufacturing process is as rigorous as that of the materials themselves. Heating and pressing dissimilar materials at high temperatures without altering their individual properties is a challenge. Achieving a homogeneous overall structure proved even more challenging because nickel and cobalt, commonly used in these hard materials, are excluded to comply with REACH regulations (which aim to ensure the safe production and use of chemicals in European industry).
Richard Mille and the microtechnology-focused IMI Group undertook years of research and development to eliminate these unnecessary binders, leaving only the desired material. This solution utilizes an innovative process that combines classic hot stamping with a series of powerful electric current pulses to enhance sintering kinetics – a technique known as "flash sintering." Cermet's density of 4.1 g/cm³ (lower than titanium) and hardness of 2,360 Vickers (nearly comparable to diamond's 2,400 Vickers) make it an ideal choice for scratch-prone bezels while maintaining overall lightness. Cermet's recognized physical properties have led to its use in ballistic protection, aerospace exterior components, and the braking systems of racing cars. The combination of a Carbon TPT® caseband, a grade 5 titanium caseback, and a gray cermet bezel contributes to the significant weight reduction of the RM 11-05.
