Richard Mille has unveiled the RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer, a timepiece whose patented tourbillon flyback chronograph calibre introduces two all-new complications: the match-phase indicator and the mechanical goal counters.
The brand’s association with football began with the RM 11-01 and RM 11-04 Roberto Mancini, which featured an innovative match-time display.
The RM 41-01 takes this concept further, tracking a match from kick-off to final whistle, including every goal. These complications demonstrate Richard Mille’s integration of sport-specific functionality with advanced mechanical watchmaking.
Developed in collaboration with Audemars Piguet Le Locle, the RM41-01 titanium calibre features a tourbillon escapement, a 70-hour power reserve, and a function indicator, alongside a flyback chronograph with overlapping central minutes and seconds.
The first new complication, the match-time indicator, is positioned at 9 o’clock and shows the current phase of the match.
Each reset of the flyback chronograph advances the display from 1st to 2nd Half, followed by 1st and 2nd Overtime. Two column wheels coordinate the movements of the levers and hammers.
At 4 o’clock, the function indicator displays which of the winding (W), neutral (N), or hand-setting (H) functions is active, using three titanium plates over a lacquered background.
The second exclusive complication, the mechanical goal counters, constitutes the RM 41-01’s other unique function.
Showcased within microblasted and satin-finished titanium flanges that frame the movement, they track the scores of home and visiting teams via the pushers at 2 and 4 o’clock.
Each press advances a hand along metallic rails through a dedicated gear train, displaying up to nine goals before automatically resetting to zero.
This configuration, which includes nearly 800 components, including the case and strap, underwent extensive validation protocols to meet Richard Mille’s 120 internal shock-resistance tests, including the ultimate 5,000 g trial.
The movement itself is crafted from microblasted Grade 5 titanium, with a highly skeletonised baseplate and bridges to accommodate its 650 internal components.
Richard Mille’s approach to skeletonisation removes excess material from every bridge, gear, and lever while maintaining structural integrity.
The microblasted bridges feature complex geometries enhanced by hand-finishing, with PVD coatings improving the legibility of the calibre’s architecture.
The baseplate receives the same treatment and is further detailed with hand-applied white lacquer to highlight the engraving.
The minute-counter bridge in titanium combines rounded contours with sharp linear profiles, microblasted and fitted with hand-polished chamfers prior to PVD treatment.
A similar finish is applied to the 5N PVD-treated titanium bridge securing the fast-rotating barrel, whose design evokes the hexagonal pattern of a football. Contrasting colours and surface treatments emphasise the depth and openworked construction of the movement.
The calibre operates at 3 Hz (21,600 vibrations per hour) and offers a 70-hour power reserve (±10%), without chronograph running. Actual power reserve will vary depending on chronograph usage.
The 105-component tonneau-shaped case measures 43.23 x 16.08 x 49.65 mm and is available in two versions.
The first introduces Basalt TPT, a volcanic-rock composite developed with NTPT; the second features dark blue Quartz TPT. Carbon TPT is used for both casebands.
Basalt TPT offers high mechanical strength and resistance to chemicals, corrosion, UV exposure, and temperature variations. Its 40-micron fibres, stacked at 45°, produce a visible, wood-like grain with deep tonal variation.
The pushers are crafted from microblasted titanium with Carbon or Basalt TPT inserts and 5N gold guards.
Calibrated levers ensure uniform pressure across all functions, while a dedicated column wheel manages the reset. The patented double-column-wheel flyback chronograph delivers controlled, consistent operation.
Each version of the Richard Mille RM 41-01 Tourbillon Soccer is limited to 30 pieces. Price: CHF 1,450,000, excluding taxes. richardmille.com
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