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…
IWC Schaffhausen presents the Portugieser Perpetual Calendar 42. For the first time, the IWC calendar complication is integrated in an IWC-manufactured movement from the 82000-calibre family. The timepiece, which has a diameter of 42 millimetres, displays the calendar information on three subdials. IWC is also unveiling a boutique edition of the iconic 44-millimetre Portugieser Perpetual…
Manufacture A. Lange & Söhne is introducing the TRIPLE SPLIT split-seconds chronograph in a brand new edition, featuring a red-gold case and blue dial. The TRIPLE SPLIT was introduced in 2018 and remains the only rattrapante chronograph that can measure additive and comparative times up to a duration of twelve hours. Like its predecessor, the…
Sixty years ago, Porsche presented the first Porsche 911 model, then known as the Porsche 901. The agile car, with its unmistakable silhouette, could accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 9.1 seconds and quickly became a status symbol. In the same year, 1963, TAG Heuer also launched a model that still defines the brand today: the Carrera. Taking…
Oris launches two new models of their high-performance diver’s watch Aquis: One version with a new oceanic blue gradient dial that joins the collection of 39.5 mm models. And in response to customer feedback, one larger version with a case size of 41.5 mm. Both are water resistant to 30 bar (300 m) and feature…
The legendary rivalry between the Italian cycling greats Fausto Coppi and Gino Bartali not only moved the sporting world in the 1940s and 1950s, but an entire nation. Breitling is now honouring these two icons and former brand ambassadors with a new, limited Top Time B01 collection. These watches are not only a tribute to…
Geneva-based manufacturer Frederique Constant presents music producer The Avener as its new brand ambassador. The French artist's music is characterised by innovation, creativity and modernity. Frederique Constant is also committed to these qualities. These mutual values are the basis of the partnership that is now celebrated with the release of the Highlife Chronograph Automatic. With…
In 2022, Parmigiani Fleurier introduced the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante, a GMT watch featuring a rattrapante mechanism that allows the local time to be adjusted with a single press. Now, to mark Watches and Wonders 2025, the brand is launching a new version: the Tonda PF GMT Rattrapante Verzasca. Its Verzasca Green dial is inspired…
Panerai presents two new special editions with an original dial, inspired by one of the pendulum clocks which was offered in the windows of the historic store in the Piazza San Giovanni in Florence in the last century. Since it was founded in 1860, Florence’s Orologeria Svizzera – as the Panerai family’s historic store was…
Breguet’s new release of the platinum Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5367 introduces a deep blue dial and platinum case. The new model features curved Arabic numerals and the typical Breguet-style hands. In addition, the inscribed part of the dial is slightly offset from the lower right edge of the case. The dial itself is created…
Chopard has released a new edition of the Chopard L.U.C Perpetual Twin, first introduced in 2016 to mark the 20th anniversary of the manufacture. The 43 mm watch with a perpetual calendar is now available not only in stainless steel, but also in an 18-carat rose gold case. The new stainless steel edition has a…
Chopard is presenting four new additions to the Alpine Eagle collection. With their harmonious colours, the four Chopard Alpine Eagle Summit watches are reminiscent of Alpine Switzerland. The bezels feature a variety of gemstones that evoke the mountain environment with gentle gradients. The four different versions come in yellow, white or rose gold and measure…