In 2011, Richard Mille undertook the challenge of creating a watch for golfers and, working with the PGA Tour player and double Masters winning golfer Bubba Watson, created the RM 038, specifically designed to withstand the incredible g-force generated when a club is swung to propel a golf ball at nearly 200 mph. From its crystal and case to its movement and strap, every single detail of the watch is engineered to minimise weight, ensure comfort and reliability, all necessary for professional sportsmen.
In 2012, Richard Mille decided to make improvements on its original design and created the present model, RM 055. The case consists of different materials, the front bezel is made of ATZ, known for its stable colour and for being one of the hardest materials in the world. For the case band and back of the bezel grade 5 titanium is used, with rubber injected around the components in order to emphasize comfort and absorb vibrations. This special surface treatment also makes the watch very comfortable to wear.
The mechanical movement also in grade 5 titanium displays extreme skeletonisation, with a PVD- and Titalyt-treated baseplate and bridges. This combination confers great rigidity on the whole assembly, as well as the precise surface flatness essential for perfect functioning of the gear train. The skeletonised baseplate and bridges were subjected to intensive and complete validation tests to optimise their resistance capacities. The Calibre RMUL2 is thus capable of withstanding accelerations of over 5000 g’s. A key focus of the Richard Mille manufacture, it has been optimized in order to weigh approximately a mere 4.3 grams.
The RM 055 Bubba Watson Black Edition was unveiled in 2013 for the European/Middle East market.