Richard Mille goes head to head with Rolex with their own Le Mans centenary-celebrating RM 72-01 LMC Limited Edition
Zach Blass- Richard Mille and the Le Mans Classic have joined forces since 2002
- While celebrating 100 years of Le Mans, the RM 72-01 LMC is limited to 150 pieces
- The ’16’ on the 24-hour counter is underlined in red, a nod to the traditional start time of the endurance race
When the 24 Hours of Le Mans was held a few weeks back, Rolex quietly announced a new special edition Daytona that received loud fanfare due to its less common for the brand vintage cues and reverse-panda dial. But, this was not the only watch that was announced as a tribute to for the race’s centenary celebrations. Richard Mille, who has been a partner of the biennial Le Mans Classic since 2002, has announced their own limited edition tribute to Le Mans and racing: the new RM 72-01 LMC Limited Edition of 150 pieces.
Richard Mille explains: “Watches have been specifically developed for every edition since 2008, each one in the event’s colours. This edition, the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic, is no exception in joining all the previous editions that have all become collectables.”
The RM 72-01 LMC is packaged in their signature tonneau-shaped case, a robust and lightweight combination of green and white Quartz TPT®. Its dimensions are wrist friendly, clocking in at 38.4mm in diameter, 11.68mm in thickness, and 47.34mm lug-to-lug across the wrist. While the colour scheme is, of course, a tribute to the colours of this edition of the Le Mans Classic, its emphasis on white on the front of the case and strap gives it a bold yet versatile look. Although, you may have to give it a wrist-break after Labour Day if you are a snobby US-based millionaire.
The dial, while seemingly busy is actually quite clear-cut and easy to read. At 11′ you have the Le Mans Classic logo. Moving towards the 1′ portion you will find a 60-minute elapsed minutes counter, and just below the crown function indicator which displays whether the crown will wind the watch, change the date, or change the position of the hours and minutes hands. At 9′ you have the running seconds counter, and just below at 7′ a vertically-oriented date display. Lastly, at 4′ position is the 24-hours elapsed hours counter, very fitting considering the 24 Hours of Le Mans race. And, more subtly, you will notice within the counter that 16 has been highlighted in red as a nod to the race’s 4pm start time.
With its titanium bridges and baseplate, the in-house calibre CRMC1, Richard Mille’s first flyback chronograph movement, helps keep the watch so lightweight as well. The only heavy component within the watch is really the platinum winding rotor, a strategic effort to maximise winding efficiency. The innovative calibre is not your average flyback movement due to its patented double oscillating pinion clutch mechanism.
Richard Mille explains: “This new type of flyback chronograph, patented by Richard Mille, splitting the torque generated across the chronograph’s various counters. The display and the connection to the minutes and hours are disengaged from the chronograph’s seconds wheel. The performance of this chronograph is superlative. Drawing power directly from the barrel to supply the chronograph’s three counters, this heightened energy is transmitted to the chronograph train by a coupling system consisting of two oscillating pinions mounted on rockers. Controlling the start, stop, flyback and reset functions, the rockers are activated by a 6-column wheel whose construction optimises the simultanity of actions and the proper latching of functions, whilst ensuring the longevity of the settings.”
While highly technical, the calibre is also highly decorated with Electroplasma treatments, micro-blasting, satin-brushing, hand-chamfered edges to the bridges, and hand-polished sinks.
Considering Richard Mille watches are considered the supercars of the horological world, it is very fitting the manufacture has aligned with the Le Mans Classic and that its aesthetic and functionality fully caters to the world of racing.
Richard Mille RM 72-01 LMC Limited Edition pricing and availability:
The Richard Mille RM 72-01 LMC Limited Edition will be presented at the 11th edition of the Le Mans Classic, which is being held from June 29 to July 2. Price: US$335,000, limited to 150 pcs.
| Brand | Richard Mille |
| Model | RM 72-01 LMC |
| Case Dimensions | 38.4mm (D) x 11.68mm (T) x 47.34mm (L2L) |
| Case Material | Green and white Quartz TPT® case, grade 5 titanium and black TZP ceramic crown with a collar in rubber |
| Water Resistance | 30m |
| Dial | Openworked, Electroplasma treated titanium bridges |
| Crystal(s) | Sapphire crystal and exhibition caseback |
| Strap | White rubber strap |
| Movement | In-house automatic flyback chronograph calibre CRMC1 |
| Power Reserve | 50 hours (±10%) |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph, function indicator and stop seconds. |
| Availability | Limited Edition of 150 pcs. |
| Price | US$335,000 |