French watch maker Bernard Richards Manufacture already has three "world's lightest watch" trophies in its cabinet, and has now added a fourth. The V6-44-MK joined its featherweight siblings at Baselworld 2014, and Gizmag managed to get a closer look at the sporty quartet.
The new V6-44-MK is claimed to be the world's lightest 44 mm (1.7 in) automatic watch, tipping the scales at just 41.8 g (1.47 oz). It features a piston-shaped Makralon case, the same material used for side windows in advanced racing cars, double-face sapphire crystal and grade I Titanium crown and protection.
The lugs, back ring and buckle are made from Fortal (7075 aluminum alloy), and the screws are stainless steel. The sports watch is based around a modified 2824-2 automatic movement, with 25 jewels and a 38-hour power reserve, and boasts 28,800 alternations per hour. It's also water resistant up to 50 m (160 ft).
The V6-44-MK has just been launched, and retails for €4,800 (US$6,600).
Originally unveiled in April last year, the RG-46-MK is said to be the lightest 46 mm (1.8 in) sports watch in the world at 44.1 g (1.56 oz). Its floating 2824-2 movement is maintained by six shock absorbers and housed within a Makralon case with scratchproof sapphire crystal front and back. The lugs, back ring and crown are made from 7075 aluminum alloy, it also boasts water resistance up to 50 m, and comes with a BRM racing strap. This model will set you back €8,900 ($12,300).
The MK-44 was seen on the wrist of Emmanuel Collard at the Le Mans 24-hour race in 2011, before being made available in July 2012. It spent two years in development before being crowned the world's lightest 44 mm chronograph at 48.8 g (1.72 oz). This model features a Makralon case, hollow Titanium lugs, crown and push buttons, and 1 mm-thin scratchproof sapphire crystal front and back with a skeleton dial inbetween.
A 7753 automatic movement with 27 jewels beats at its heart, offering a power reserve of 46 hours, a 60-second chrono function with a reset button at the 4 o'clock position and a start/stop at 2 o'clock, and countdown modes. The hands come in a choice of colors, and an extra-light black racing strap completes the lightweight package. Also waterproof to 50 m, the MK-44 carries a €8,800 ($12,100) price tag.
The last in the world's lightest BRM collection is also the most expensive. The R50-MK gets billing as the world's lightest power reserve automatic watch at 65.8 g (2.32 oz). It's based around the company's patented Isolastic System technology, where the engine-shaped, 7161-based movement (including a piston to the left) is maintained by three carbon fiber triangles, each of which has its own vibration-absorbing spring. The Makralon rotor is reported to benefit from a Tantalum balance weight.
The watch has a 50 mm (2 in) Makralon case, 7075 aluminum alloy lugs, back ring and buckle, a stainless steel crown with Titanium crown protection and water resistance up to 50 m. The R50-MK was launched in February 2013, and costs €19,500 ($27,000).
Source: BRM Chronographes
