Take A Closer Look At Richard Mille’s Latest Supercar-Inspired Watch
The new RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1 takes design and performative inspiration from McLaren’s extraordinary new supercar.
By Renee Batchelor - published
When you think of speed, several images come to mind. The 1994 movie starring Keanu Reeves, the energetic YouTuber who recently visited our shores, or even how fast your broadband works. But in the context of Singapore, burning rubber on an F1 track is perhaps one of the most immediate and visceral connotations for lovers of the legendary race.
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The McLaren W1.
Richard Mille’s latest collaboration watch with racing giant McLaren taps on the power and precision associated with attaining remarkable feats of speed. Together, the two created the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1, a tribute to McLaren’s W1 supercar. This masterpiece is not just the marriage of two icons, it pushes the boundaries of innovation and performance, combining McLaren’s automotive legacy with Richard Mille’s passion for technicity.
The RM 65-01 watch case and dial.
First, the watch is a feat of exquisite craftsmanship that brings the extraordinary design of McLaren’s W1 onto the wrist. At a glance, this reinterpretation of the W1 can be seen on the watch’s case and dial, with the supercar’s aerodynamic lines and design elements so evident. The watch reflects the W1’s shape, materials and functionality while the powerful movement mirrors the car’s high-performance engine.
In fact, the Richard Mille creative team was given a sneak peek of the first clay mock-ups of the W1 so as to inspire them. They determined that a view of the car from top would be the starting point for the watch’s design. The striking design of the W1 is built around the unique McLaren “aero-cell” architecture and the Richard Mille interpretation for the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is an indented “double” bezel—one of the greatest technical challenges for the watch’s development.
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The RM 65-01’s watch case and strap in orange.
The orange and black classic colourway of the W1 is also reflected in the case and the strap—you can choose from an orange or black version depending on your mood and preference. Designed for this versatility, the watch can be both a daily use and for special occasions. With a robust 480-part movement and a variable geometry winding rotor, it also comes with a new skeletonised titanium dial that was inspired by the W1’s wheel rim patterns.
The watch also highlights subtle details with colours that are synonymous with the brand, creating the feel of a supercar dashboard. These stylistic flourishes enhance the watch’s visual appeal on the wrist while solidifying its inspiration.
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The intricate mechanism of the RM 65-01.
At the heart of the watch is also the brand’s most complex automatic chronograph to date. The RMAC4 movement is an intricate mechanism that combines precision and functionality and beats at 36,000 vibrations per hour. A must for any racing watch, the split-seconds chronograph and high-frequency oscillation, means that this delivers exceptional timekeeping.
Salvador Arbona, technical director for Movements at Richard Mille shares, “This project perfectly illustrates Richard Mille’s philosophy of constantly pushing technical boundaries to create innovative watches that include the latest watchmaking developments with a functional, practical and high performance approach.” Available in only 500 pieces, this is one watch that marries power, precision and innovative design flawlessly, all on your wrist.