richard mille rm55 bubba watson | Richard Mille rm55 price

The Richard Mille RM 55 Bubba Watson is more than just a watch; it's a statement. A declaration of individuality, a testament to engineering prowess, and a symbol of athletic achievement. This remarkable timepiece, born from the collaboration between Richard Mille and two-time Masters champion Bubba Watson, perfectly embodies the brand's philosophy of pushing boundaries and challenging conventions. Built with cutting-edge materials and showcasing a mesmerizing skeletonized movement, the RM 55 Bubba Watson stands as a horological masterpiece.

This article delves deep into the world of the Richard Mille RM 55 Bubba Watson, exploring its design, technical specifications, the collaboration with Bubba Watson, the price point, and the enduring appeal that makes it a highly sought-after piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We'll also navigate the current market landscape, referencing platforms like Chrono24.com, where new offers appear daily, and provide insights into securing your own dream watch.

The Genesis of a Champion: The Bubba Watson Collaboration

The partnership between Richard Mille and Bubba Watson transcends a mere endorsement deal. It's a genuine collaboration built on mutual respect and a shared passion for innovation. Watson, known for his explosive power and unconventional left-handed swing, perfectly embodies the Richard Mille spirit of defying expectations and embracing individuality.richard mille rm55 bubba watson

The RM 038 Tourbillon Bubba Watson, released in 2011, marked the beginning of this fruitful partnership. This first creation showcased Richard Mille's commitment to creating watches capable of withstanding the rigors of professional sports. The RM 038 was designed to be lightweight and durable, allowing Watson to wear it comfortably during his golf matches without compromising its accuracy or performance.

Following the success of the RM 038, Richard Mille continued to develop watches specifically tailored to Watson's needs. The RM 055 Bubba Watson, the focus of this article, represents a significant evolution in the collaboration. It builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, incorporating new materials and design elements to further enhance its performance and aesthetics.

Decoding the RM 55: Design and Technical Marvel

The Richard Mille RM 55 Bubba Watson is immediately recognizable by its distinctive tonneau-shaped case and its captivating skeletonized movement. The watch is available in various iterations, including the RM 55 White Legend and RM 55 Black Legend, each boasting its unique aesthetic appeal.

Case Construction: The case of the RM 55 is a masterpiece of engineering, crafted from NTPT® carbon or ATZ ceramic, depending on the specific model. NTPT® (North Thin Ply Technology) carbon is a composite material renowned for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. It's created by layering hundreds of sheets of carbon fibers, which are then heated and compressed to form a solid block. This process results in a material that is incredibly rigid and resistant to deformation, making it ideal for protecting the delicate movement within.

ATZ ceramic, on the other hand, is a lightweight and scratch-resistant material that is also highly resistant to temperature variations. Its smooth, polished surface provides a luxurious feel and enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the watch.

The complex curvature of the tonneau-shaped case requires meticulous machining and finishing. Each case component is painstakingly crafted to ensure a perfect fit and a seamless integration with the movement.

The Heart of the Matter: The RMUL2 Caliber

At the heart of the RM 55 Bubba Watson lies the RMUL2 caliber, a manual-winding skeletonized movement that is a testament to Richard Mille's mastery of horological engineering. This movement is designed to be both lightweight and highly resistant to shocks and vibrations, ensuring optimal performance even under the most demanding conditions.

The RMUL2 caliber is crafted from grade 5 titanium, a biocompatible and corrosion-resistant alloy that is commonly used in aerospace and medical applications. Titanium is not only incredibly strong but also remarkably lightweight, which contributes to the overall comfort of the watch on the wrist.

The skeletonized design of the movement allows for a clear view of its intricate inner workings. The bridges and baseplate have been meticulously openworked, revealing the gears, springs, and other components that drive the watch. This intricate skeletonization is not merely aesthetic; it also serves to reduce the weight of the movement and improve its overall efficiency.

The movement features a free-sprung balance with variable inertia, which ensures greater accuracy and stability over time. The balance wheel is made of Glucydur, a high-performance alloy that is resistant to temperature variations and magnetic fields.

The RMUL2 caliber also features a fast-rotating barrel, which provides a power reserve of approximately 55 hours. This ensures that the watch will continue to run accurately even if it is not worn for a couple of days.

Beyond the Materials: A Focus on Shock Resistance

One of the key design considerations for the RM 55 Bubba Watson was its ability to withstand the shocks and vibrations that are inherent in professional sports. To achieve this, Richard Mille employed a number of innovative design features.

The movement is suspended within the case using a series of shock absorbers, which help to dampen the impact of external forces. These shock absorbers are made of a special polymer that is highly resistant to compression and deformation.

The case itself is also designed to absorb shocks. The NTPT® carbon or ATZ ceramic construction provides a rigid and protective shell around the movement, preventing it from being damaged by impacts.