Richard Mille RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic

The excitement is back! From July 3-6, the Le Mans Classic event returns, and with it comes another extraordinary Richard Mille limited edition, celebrating the golden age of endurance racing. The RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic marks the Swiss brand’s 12th timepiece dedicated to this biennial celebration since their inaugural partnership in 2002. Scheduled to debut alongside the event and just like its predecessors, this 150-piece model embraces the iconic green and white color scheme of the competition. It also incorporates design cues inspired by the 13.6 km Sarthe circuit and the era-spanning grids that revisit the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1923 to 1981. With its meticulous craftsmanship and evocative design, the RM 30-01 is both a testament to Richard Mille’s technical mastery and a tribute to the timeless allure of motorsport’s history.

Case

The RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic features a robust, tripartite case measuring 42.00 × 49.94 × 14.15 mm. Front and back bezels are crafted from grade 5 titanium, chosen for its high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance, while the central caseband is made of Green Quartz TPT. This layered construction not only creates a striking visual contrast but also provides structural integrity under stresses akin to those experienced on a racetrack.

Assembly relies on 20 spline screws in grade 5 titanium and abrasion-resistant 316L stainless steel washers, ensuring secure joins and long-term durability. Internally, three nitrile O-ring seals deliver water resistance to 50 metres – adequate for everyday encounters with moisture. Interior flanges in DLC-treated titanium are fitted with luminous index points, aiding legibility in low light. The absence of a traditional casing ring simplifies the profile, while four titanium screws and silent blocks affix the movement directly to the chassis. This ISO-standard mounting underscores Richard Mille’s holistic approach to case and movement design, prioritising rigidity, shock absorption, and precise alignment of internal components.

Dial of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic

The dial of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic is a study in layered engineering and motorsport-inspired aesthetics. A 0.40 mm sapphire disc treated with anti-glare coatings sits above a skeletonised baseplate, allowing visual access to the calibre RMAR2 beneath. The openworked layout evokes the contours of a racing circuit, with bridges and components forming a graphic timetable of gear trains and mechanics.

Key functional elements are highlighted in green and orange, echoing the Le Mans Classic’s livery: the ’16’ on the newly added 24-hour counter is shaded green to mark the traditional 4 pm start (the so-called ‘green flag’), and a checkered-flag motif frames the oversized two-digit date aperture at 4 o’clock. At 11 o’clock, a clutch engagement indicator displays whether the rotor is engaged (winding) or disengaged, while a function selector at 3 o’clock allows the wearer to toggle between winding, hand-setting, and date adjustment. Silicon braces secure the sapphire disc to the movement, combining technical necessity with a distinctive, industrial aesthetic. Overall, the dial balances complexity, readability, and thematic coherence tied to classic endurance racing.

Movement

Central to the RM 30-01 is the calibre RMAR2, an automatic skeletonised movement reconfigured to incorporate a 24-hour counter. Power is delivered by a double-barrel system that provides around 55 hours of reserve. A power-reserve indication at 10 o’clock keeps track of the remaining energy. A standout feature is the declutchable variable-geometry rotor: when the mainspring reaches full wind, the rotor disengages automatically to prevent over-winding. This system works in concert with the power-reserve indicator to optimise torque and maintain consistent chronometric performance.

The movement also includes a free-sprung Glucydur balance wheel, running at 28,800 vph (4 Hz) with four adjustable inertia weights for precise regulation and improved shock resistance. Manufacturing and finishing pay homage to haute horlogerie: baseplate and bridges in grey electroplasma-treated grade 5 titanium ensure rigidity and flatness; sapphire-blasted and hand-drawn steel parts; sandblasted, rhodium-plated wheels; and hand-made anglage and polishing on screw slots and bridges. A push-button at 2 o’clock operates the function selector, making operation straightforward. Together, these elements evidence a movement designed and finished to demanding motorsport standards.

Strap

The RM 30-01 is paired with a green rubber strap that reinforces the model’s motorsport origins. Rubber is chosen for its flexibility, durability, and resistance to environmental factors—qualities essential for a watch exposed to varied conditions on and off the track. The strap’s perforations echo ventilation ducts found on classic racing cars, offering airflow to the wrist and reducing weight. A grade 5 titanium folding clasp secures the strap, matching the case’s materials and ensuring a consistent aesthetic.

Price & Availability of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic

Richard Mille will release only 150 examples of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic, underscoring its exclusivity. Although official retail pricing has not been publicly disclosed, Richard Mille’s special-edition watches typically carry a six-figure price tag. Availability is expected through the brand’s own boutiques and authorised dealers beginning in summer 2025, timed with the Le Mans Classic event itself.

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