Explore the New Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph W1
Richard Mille proudly introduces the RM 65-01 McLaren Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph W1, the latest masterpiece from its collaboration with the esteemed British supercar and motorsports giant McLaren.
The RM 65-01 watch takes inspiration from the innovative McLaren W1 supercar, a remarkable successor to the iconic McLaren F1 (1992) and McLaren P1TM (2013). This new model propels the McLaren '1' series to unprecedented performance levels in all aspects.
Tasked with mirroring the supercar's advanced features, the brief for the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 demanded the watch embody the car’s high-performance characteristics in design, materials, and functionality, including the powerful engine that drives it. This synergy underscores the shared commitment of both brands to push performance boundaries, driven by passion and the pursuit of excellence.
The watch is powered by Richard Mille’s most advanced automatic chronograph movement, the RMAC4. This movement operates at a high frequency of 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations per hour, enabling it to measure time to an accuracy of one-tenth of a second. Its vertical clutch and dual six-column wheels ensure seamless and precise chronograph operation.
Adding to its high-speed theme, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 features a ‘rapid winding’ system. This innovation allows its 60-hour power reserve to be swiftly recharged using a special push piece crafted from orange Quartz TPT®.
Aligned with McLaren’s philosophy of "performance everywhere," the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 excels in daily functionality due to the robustness of its 480-component movement and a variable geometry rotor adjustable to the wearer’s activity level. The transparent crystal case back showcases the exquisite grey electroplasma treatment of the grade 5 titanium baseplate, enhancing the visual connection to the watch's intricate mechanics.
Salvador Arbona, Richard Mille's Technical Director for Movements, commented, “This project exemplifies our commitment to continually challenge technical limits, integrating the latest advancements in watchmaking in a functional, high-performance package.”
Like its automotive counterpart, the watch is designed to be the most focused and technically sophisticated of Richard Mille’s ‘Racing Machines on the Wrist’. Inspired by the car's aerodynamic lines, it encapsulates the engine and occupants of the W1 within its Carbon TPT® case.
Early access to the W1’s initial clay models allowed Cécile Guenat, Richard Mille's Creative and Development Director, and her team to design the watch's unique features, including the indented ‘double’ bezel, which presented significant engineering challenges and took nine months of development.
The Carbon TPT® bezel, accentuated by its satin-finished and polished grade 5 titanium, showcases the watch's sophisticated engineering, creating a visually compelling depth and highlighting its intricate contours.
Completing its design, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 incorporates a 'function selector' crown, mimicking a car's transmission selector. This crown allows wearers to choose between winding, adjusting the date, or setting the time, enhancing both its practicality and connection to its automotive inspiration.
Richard Mille and McLaren continue to deliver exceptional craftsmanship and technological innovation, reflecting their strong partnership and shared vision in this latest creation.
