Richard Mille teams up with NTPT to use gold with composite materials

The renowned Swiss watchmaking brand, Richard Mille, unveils its two ladies timepieces – the RM 07-01 and the RM 037 – that feature the combination of quartz or carbon with gold leaf

For the first time, the world of watchmaking would be able to witness the use of new materials Gold Quartz-TPT® and Gold NTPT carbon which present the mix of quartz or carbon with gold leaf. This exclusive technology is the product of the solid collaboration between Richard Mille and the North Thin Ply Technology, a Swiss-based company that is revolutionising the world of laminate composites with significantly improved mechanical properties and the freedom to position each microfiber optimally for its intended use.

Both companies are highly distinguished in their industries, and share the same ambition of being the absolute leaders in their respective fields. Their joint adventure began with the development of NTPT carbon and Quartz-TPT®. Used in cases and mainplates ever since, these materials have enabled the Jura-based watch brand to achieve major progress in inalterability and shock-resistance. Their extreme physical properties, which make these composite materials particularly difficult to machine, meant that both companies were required to spend hours developing new machining programmes and researching cutting tools adapted to carbon and quartz. The watches adorned in these novel materials stand out visually from traditional gold or platinum cases, and are thus instantly recognisable.

Richard Mille now wishes to offer these materials, initially intended for men’s watches, to its female customers, who are increasingly captivated by their unique finish. The watchmaking brand and NTPT have thus joined forces once again to present Gold Quartz-TPT® and Gold NTPT carbon, further expanding the combinations of materials available in its women’s collection.

This new interpretation of NTPT technology is still based on the principle of inserting layers of quartz-TPT® or NTPT carbon at a 45° angle, in this case alternating with dozens of gold leaf layers, none of which are more than 10 microns thick. As gold is a noble material in chemical terms, it was very difficult for the NTPT and Richard Mille engineers to ensure it “fused” correctly with carbon and quartz.

This procedure accentuates the specific characteristics of these materials, which in turn enhance the contours of the cases they adorn thanks to the unique play of light they create and their extremely attractive graduation of golden tones. The overall look is enhanced by a satin-brushed 5N red-gold case-band with polished pillars, and a dial set with hundreds of diamonds and a centre in either mother-of-pearl or black onyx.

Gold Quartz-TPT® and Gold NTPT carbon will be exclusively presented on the cases of the RM 07-01 and RM 037 Ladies’ watches, with every model rendered unique by the random design revealed during machining. Following in the footsteps of titanium, ceramic and sapphire, these two new additions are thus enriching the range of technical materials available for women.