Unconventional forms and unusual materials have come to define modern watchmaking as we know it today. Among some of the more idiosyncratic inventions in the market is carbon TPT — which stands for Thin Ply Technology, a novel material introduced to the market in 2013, which has become a hallmark of Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille today.
Carbon has been used in various wristwatch components for a long time. But the new type of super-lightweight carbon fibre created by North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT) made waves when it first appeared on the watch scene, specifically on the signature tonneau-shaped case of a Richard Mille watch. Originally developed for sails of racing yachts, carbon TPT consists of multiple woven carbon fibre layers set in resin and further set in an autoclave. Each layer of carbon fibre is stacked at 45 degrees offset to the previous layer. To put it simply, this material makes for an exceptionally sturdy watch case, even as it achieves a feather-light weight for agility. Through the tedious process of milling multiple layers, the resultant carbon structure also boasts an organic, almost wood-grained finish that is slightly different on every watch case.
The successful partnership between NTPT and Richard Mille saw the Carbon TPT case migrating to other signature collections of the house — most notably the iconic Richard Mille RM 27-03 seen on the wrist of world-renowned tennis player Rafael Nadal each time he throws a victorious punch in the air.
This story is from the April 2020 edition of T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2020 edition of T Singapore: The New York Times Style Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Look At Us
As public memorials face a public reckoning, there’s still too little thought paid to how women are represented — as bodies and as selves.
Two New Jewellery Collections Find Their Inspiration In The Human Anatomy
Two new jewellery collections find their inspiration in the human anatomy.
She For She
We speak to three women in Singapore who are trying to improve the lives of women — and all other gender identities — through their work.
Over The Rainbow
How the bright colours and lively prints created by illustrator Donald Robertson brought the latest Weekend Max Mara Flutterflies capsule collection to life.
What Is Love?
The artist Hank Willis Thomas discusses his partnership with the Japanese fashion label Sacai and the idea of fashion in the context of the art world.
The Luxury Hotel For New Mums
Singapore’s first luxury confinement facility, Kai Suites, aims to provide much more than plush beds and 24-hour infant care: It wants to help mothers with their mental and emotional wellbeing as well.
Who Gets To Eat?
As recent food movements have focused on buying local or organic, a deeper and different conversation is happening among America’s food activists: one that demands not just better meals for everyone but a dismantling of the structures that have failed to nourish us all along.
Reimagining The Future Of Fashion
What do women want from their clothes and accessories, and does luxury still have a place in this post-pandemic era? The iconic designer Alber Elbaz thinks he has the answers with his new label, AZ Factory.
A Holiday At Home
Once seen as the less exciting alternative to an exotic destination holiday, the staycation takes on new importance.
All Dressed Up, Nowhere To Go
Chinese supermodel He Sui talks about the unseen pressures of being an international star, being a trailblazer for East Asian models in the fashion world, and why, at the end of the day, she is content with being known as just a regular girl from Wenzhou.
