When considering a Richard Mille or any other high-end timepiece, you’ve probably heard of Carbon TPT®, a groundbreaking carbon fiber technology mainly used in watch case production.
Carbon TPT® cases provide many advantages: lightweight, durable, scratch-resistant, and each piece features a unique carbon fiber pattern.
Carbon TPT® is clearly the most recognizable case material for RM, representing the brand’s constant drive for innovation.
What is TPT?
TPT stands for “Thin Ply Technology.” This process involves slicing carbon fiber or other composites into ultra-thin layers, then stacking them at specific angles before curing under high pressure and temperature. Among the TPT cases developed by RM, the most renowned are Carbon TPT® and the vividly colored Quartz TPT®—the latter being a world-first innovation! In 2016, Quartz TPT® was awarded the Innovation Prize at the JEC World Composite Show in France, marking not only an achievement in horology but also a groundbreaking advancement recognized across industries worldwide.
Carbon TPT® vs Quartz TPT®
Both TPT technologies produce cases that are lightweight, durable, scratch-resistant, hypoallergenic, UV-resistant, and have unique patterns. The differences between the two are evident in their manufacturing processes and final looks.
RM65-01 Black Carbon TPT
RM65-01 McLaren Carbon TPT (limited ５００ pieces)
RM65-01 Grey Quartz TPT
Carbon TPT®
Carbon fibers are separated into filaments, laid into ultra-thin layers, and stacked at 45-degree angles for hundreds of layers. The assembly is then heat-pressed and cured, maintaining the natural color of the carbon fiber. The resulting compressed carbon forms random, unique patterns, making each case visually distinct.
RM65-01 Black Carbon TPT
RM65-01 McLaren Carbon TPT (limited ５００ pieces)
Quartz TPT®
Silica fibers (quartz) are separated into filaments and soaked in colored resin to create unique hues. These quartz filaments are then woven at 45-degree angles with layers of carbon fiber, followed by heating and pressing. The result is the vibrantly colored, uniquely patterned Quartz TPT® case. Because of their similar manufacturing processes, some even refer to Quartz TPT® as the “colored Carbon TPT®.”
RM 65-01 Grey Quartz TPT
RM65-01 Yellow Carbon TPT (limited １２０ pieces)
Special Feature
Thinking that Carbon TPT® and Quartz TPT® are the best in fiber cases? Richard Mille keeps pushing boundaries!
Pinnacle Technology: Graph TPT®
Graphene is a groundbreaking nanomaterial—six times lighter than steel yet 200 times stronger. It ranks among the hardest known materials. When combined with Carbon TPT®, it greatly boosts the watch’s physical performance. The RM50-03 McLaren F1 weighs only 40g, offering top hardness and exceptional comfort, especially useful for athletes during competition. So far, only one RM reference incorporates Graph TPT®: the RM50-03 McLaren F1, which is limited to just 75 pieces worldwide.
Gold Accolade: Gold Carbon TPT®
Gold Carbon TPT® is produced through a process similar to Quartz TPT®. During the stacking of carbon fiber, ultra-thin sheets of gold leaf are woven at 45-degree angles between the Carbon TPT® layers, then heat-pressed and cured together. The outcome is the stunning Gold Carbon TPT®, featuring striking gold interlayers.
Carbon TPT® and its innovative derivatives showcase the peak of collaboration between Richard Mille and NTPT, pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. Owning a one-of-a-kind RM Carbon TPT® is not just a milestone for any collector but also a statement of sophisticated taste. Ready to begin your Richard Mille journey? ARISTO is Asia’s most comprehensive RM specialist—reach out to us now to experience your own world of RM!
