Strapping Material

Through Richard Mille’s innovative watches, carbon TPT traces the identity of the brand.

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.