Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1: A Racing Machine on The Wrist
Richard Mille has introduced the RM 65-01 McLarenW1, the latest result of its collaboration with the British supercar manufacturer. It’s the fourth watch model that Richard Mille and McLaren have introduced since the start of their partnership in 2016. Inspired by the new McLaren W1, the timepiece features a complex automatic chronograph movement with split-seconds function. The watch also boasts an innovative case made of Carbon TPT, reflecting the design and technical challenges of the McLaren W1. Limited to 500 pieces, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is a testament to Richard Mille’s engineering prowess.
The case
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 features a case made of Carbon TPT, measuring 43.84 x 49.94 x 16.19 mm. This material not only lends the watch a striking appearance but also ensures durability and lightweight characteristics. Inspired by the McLaren W1’s design, the case includes an indented ‘double’ bezel, which posed significant technical challenges during development. Its curves reveal the satin-finished and polished grade 5 titanium mid-case, adding depth and emphasising the watch’s contours. Despite the bulkiness suggested by these dimensions, the use of lightweight materials likely provides a comfortable wearing experience. The crystal on both the front and back is made of sapphire, offering scratch resistance and a clear view of the movement and dial. The water resistance of the watch is not specified, suggesting it may be intended for use on land only.
The dial
The dial of the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is minimalistic, prioritising functionality and legibility. The transparent design allows for a glimpse into the intricate mechanics of the movement, emphasising its racing credentials. The hour and minute hands are made from black carbon with luminescent inserts, ensuring readability even in low light conditions. However, the true highlight of the dial is the central seconds hand with a red tip, which is part of the split-seconds chronograph function. Two discreet subdial counters at 9 and 3 o’clock display the elapsed minutes and hours, while the tachymeter scale around the perimeter enables precise measurement of speeds. Overall, the dial reflects Richard Mille’s philosophy of combining advanced technology with high-performance design.
The movement: RMAC4
At the heart of the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 lies the RMAC4 movement, Richard Mille’s most advanced automatic chronograph calibre. Operating at a frequency of 36,000 vibrations per hour (5Hz), it can measure times with a precision of one tenth of a second. The vertical clutch and three column wheels ensure smooth activation of the chronograph functions, which include a split-seconds function that allows for intermediate timing. The movement is mounted on chassis mounting rubbers instead of a traditional casing ring, enhancing shock resistance. A unique ‘rapid winding’ system, activated by an orange Quartz TPT pusher, allows the movement’s 60-hour power reserve to be fully recharged with just a few pushes. The variable geometry rotor can be adjusted to the wearer’s lifestyle, ensuring optimal winding. The grey electroplasma treatment of the titanium baseplate and the black PVD and grey electroplasma treated bridges add to the movement’s aesthetic appeal, visible through the caseback.
The strap
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 comes with a matching rubber strap that complements the watch’s sporty character. The strap is designed for comfort and durability, featuring excellent grip and resistance to wear. It is equipped with a titanium folding clasp, ensuring secure closure and easy handling. The overall design of the strap enhances the watch’s performance-oriented aesthetics while providing a comfortable fit on the wrist.
Price and availability of the Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1
The Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is limited to 500 pieces, making it a rare collector’s item. As such, the watch will only be available through Richard Mille authorised dealers. The price of the watch is CHF 320,000 plus VAT.
Sometimes, less is more: more expressive, more focused, more stylised, and more versatile. This philosophy also underpins the latest addition to the Wempe Signature Collection, a series launched in 2022 by the renowned luxury watch and jewellery retailer in collaboration with prestigious brands. Succeeding the release of timepieces in collaboration with Girard-Perregaux and Ulysse Nardin…
Florentine watchmaker Panerai used to supply precision instruments to the Royal Italian Navy, which over time also gave rise to a passion for historic ships. One such vessel is the yacht Eilean, designed and built by boatbuilder William Fife and lavishly restored with Panerai's support. Shortly after the Eilean was completed in 1936, Panerai produced…
With its distinctly classic aesthetic, the new Captain Cook Over-Pole takes on a unique role within Rado’s otherwise futuristic design language. It brings back the charm of a bygone era. This reinterpretation of the original Rado Over-Pole world time watch, first launched in 1962, stays close to its historical roots – particularly in terms of…
The watchmakers from Schaffhausen are presenting the IWC Pilot's Watch Chronograph TOP GUN Edition "Lake Tahoe" and "Woodland". The two models appear in cases made of coloured ceramic, inspired by the surroundings of the famous US Navy flight school. Not only is the production of coloured ceramics notoriously difficult, but IWC also had to transfer…
Now celebrating its 15th year of partnership with Austin Healey, Plan-les-Ouates based watchmaker Frederique Constant has released its annual new Vintage Rally Healey watch to add to its collection – the Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Germany (Ref. FC-397HWB5B6). Presented in a 42mm polished stainless-steel two-part case that is water-resistant to 5m, the sporty looking timepiece…
In 2016 the Swiss watch manufacture Tudor presented the Black Bay Bronze (Ref. 79250BA) for the first time. The model, inspired by the brand’s naval heritage, even won the price „Petite Aiguille“ at the 2016 Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève. On the watch fair Baselworld 2019 the brand now introduced this successful model in slate-grey model with shaded dial. Tudor…
Hublot has just released a new piece as part of its MP (manufacture piece) collection. This time, the new MP-10 Tourbillon Weight System is not only limited in its production numbers, but also in its presence of traditional timekeeping elements. Conspicuous by their absence are the hands, oscillating weight or even a dial. Case of…
Panerai continues its love for experimentation by introducing a new interpretation of their ‘Luminor Marina’ with an ultra-light Carbotech case. Furthermore, the new Luminor Marina Carbotech – 44 mm is equipped with a Sandwich dial with blue Super-LumiNova markings. The high-performance composite material was developed by Panerai’s creative lab ‘Laboratorio di Idee’ and for the…
Among the highlights of Chopard's releases at Watches & Wonders 2024 are two particularly attractive, vibrant models: a new Alpine Eagle Chrono and the L.U.C Forest Green. Both showcase handsome dial colours as well as equally high quality movements that one would indeed expect from the luxury maison. The Chopard Alpine Eagle Chrono The case…
Audemars Piguet is introducing five new Royal Oak models, all with green dials. In addition to a "Jumbo" with a platinum case, the manufacture is launching a Selfwinding Chronograph with a gold case and three Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon models. With the exception of the "Jumbo", all of these watches are strictly limited – in some…
The Breitling Chronomat Automatic GMT 40 is a robust sports watch that radiates a sense of adventure thanks to its GMT hand. The watch comes in five variants, differing in the dials. The choice is between black, blue, green, white and anthracite grey. The Chronomat's 40 mm steel case appears on the collection's typical rouleaux…
TAG Heuer is celebrating its 160th anniversary by revamping its TAG Heuer Carrera chronograph watches. The four sporty, redesigned Carrera Sport Chronograph 44 mm models are as follows: black dial with black ceramic bezel (CBN2A1B.BA0643), blue dial with blue ceramic bezel (CBN2A1A.BA0643), green dial with stainless-steel bezel (CBN2A10.BA0643), or black dial with black bezel, plus…
Omega has become something of a talking point in the industry recently. Last year, the company unveiled the most spectacular movement in its history, the Calibre 1932. Marking the world's first calibre to combine an integrated chronograph and a minute repeater, it was proof that Omega's ongoing quest for innovation is far from over. This…