CASE NO. 005

Offered in “like” new overall condition, the present timepiece is believed to be the first example of this model to be offered at an international auction. An highly attractive and reliable wristwatch, the watch is furthermore offered by its original owner - an important private collector.

Sports, racing, aviation and aeronautics have always been sources of inspiration for Richard Mille. This highly technical and extremely sophisticated watch is a modern interpretation of a device that is essential for any experienced pilot: the E6B slide rule, invented in the 1930s in the United States by Lieutenant Philip Dalton.

With nearly 750 components in the movement and over 200 parts making up the case, the RM 039 Aviation E6-B Flyback Chronograph is one of an extremely elite group comprised of the most complicated watches on the market.

The E6B Rule:

The E6B slide rule features a fixed bezel and bi-directional rotating bezel, both marked with several complex indications. It can be used to read and calculate fuel consumption, flight times, ground speed, density altitude and wind influence, and to convert units of measurement (knots/kms/gallons/ litres/ feet/kgs/lbs) quickly. This highly complex bezel required many months of research to ensure easy adjustment as well as optimal visibility of the different calculations and their results.

During flight preparation, the E6B slide rule remains the most accurate device for determining required fuel load and density altitude. The E6B slide rule requires no power supply, making it an extremely safe-flight instrument for pilots, even today.