What is Richard Mille Carbon TPT & Quartz TPT? Most Richard Mille Made with It!

  • Post category:Watch 101
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 Richard Mille CarbonTPT & QuartzTPT?

What is TPT?

CarbonTPT®是眾多RM款式的特別版錶殼:RM35-03 Black Carbon
Carbon TPT® is featured in many of RM’s special edition cases: RM35-03 Black Carbon

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.

RM35-03 Black Carbon TPT

Carbon TPT® vs Quartz TPT®

RM65-01 Black CarbonTPT + RM65-01 McLaren CarbonTPT + RM 65-01 Grey Quartz TPT
RM65-01 Black Carbon TPT + RM65-01 McLaren Carbon TPT + RM 65-01 Grey 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®

RM50-03 Mclaren F1是RM唯一的Graph TPT®作品(圖片:RM官方)
RM50-03 McLaren F1 is the only RM watch featuring Graph TPT® (Image: Official RM)

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®

限量18枚的RM12-01 Gold Carbon TPT
Limited to 18 pieces: RM12-01 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.

RM12-01 Gold Carbon TPT (limited 18 pieces)

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!