Richard Mille Unveils RM 61-01 Yohan Blake
Today we’re taking a close up look at the RM 61-01 Yohan Blake by Richard Mille. The second generation of the RM 59-01 tourbillon created for Olympic medalist Yohan ‘The Beast’ Blake, this timepiece combines the caliber RMUL2 with a highly skeletonised grade 5 titanium movement treated with PVD and Titalyt® to provide maximum performance.
Just like the RM 59-01, the 50.23 x 42.70 x 15.84 mm RM 61-01 was designed for Blake to wear in-race, when even a 10th of a second or an ounce extra can make all the difference between 1st and 2nd. The large crown protectors offer full security to the crown in-race. Its drawn-out shape between 2 and 5 o’clock stops the crown from rubbing against the sprinter handle. The bezel and the back of the RM 61-01 are created from TZP-N, an ultra-tough black ceramic material that is very light and does not conduct heat.
The open-worked dial and sapphire crystal caseback showcases the skeletonised RMUL2 movement, which features a 55-hour power reserve and boasts exceptional impact resistance, with validation testing for the RM 61-01 carried out in excess of 5000 G’s. This piece also features hand-painted green flying bridges woven into the front of the movement, a nod to the flag of Blake’s native Jamaica.
Photos courtesy Richard Mille.