Richard Mille has unveiled the RM 65-01 McLaren Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph W1, the latest masterpiece born from its partnership with McLaren, the elite British supercar and motorsport brand. This watch is the fourth creation from their collaboration and takes inspiration from McLaren’s newest supercar, the McLaren W1, a trailblazing successor to the iconic McLaren F1 (1992) and McLaren P1 (2013).
Click here to subscribe to our print edition!
Performance-Driven Design
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 mirrors the high-performance ethos of its supercar counterpart, seamlessly integrating cutting-edge technology with intricate craftsmanship. Designed to embody McLaren’s innovative approach, the brief called for the watch to reflect the car’s advanced features in terms of materials, shape, functionality, and the powerful “engine” that drives it. This watch stands as a testament to the shared mission between Richard Mille and McLaren: pushing the boundaries of performance fueled by passion and human connection.
The Ultimate Driving Watch
At the heart of the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is the RMAC4, Richard Mille’s most high-performance automatic chronograph movement. This movement, beating at 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), is a testament to Richard Mille’s commitment to precision and innovation. It allows the split-second chronograph to measure elapsed times with remarkable precision—down to one-tenth of a second. The movement’s vertical clutch and dual six-column wheels ensure smooth, ultra-precise chronograph functionality, making it a must-have for watch enthusiasts.
The watch also features a rapid winding system, a signature Richard Mille innovation. Using a special push-piece crafted from orange Quartz TPT®, the watch’s 60-hour power reserve can quickly recharge, echoing McLaren’s performance-driven ethos of delivering power and speed. Additionally, the movement is built on chassis-mounted rubbers rather than a traditional casing ring, enhancing its shock resistance.
This timepiece combines high performance with everyday practicality. The 480-part movement is engineered to endure rigorous use, making it a perfect companion for both daily wear and intense performance conditions. The variable geometry winding rotor allows the watch to adapt to the wearer’s activity level, ensuring it remains functional and reliable in any situation. The design showcases the grade 5 titanium baseplate, treated with grey electroplasma, visible through the crystal, alongside PVD and grey electroplasma-coated titanium bridges, adding a touch of elegance to its practicality.
Technological Innovation and Aesthetic Mastery
From the outset, Richard Mille’s creative team, led by Cécile Guenat, took inspiration from the early mock-ups of the McLaren W1. The swooping bodywork of the supercar informed the design of the 43.84 x 49.94 x 16.19 mm Carbon TPT® case. The intricate case design mirrors the W1’s aero-cell architecture, a hallmark of McLaren’s engineering prowess. The bezel, made from Carbon TPT®, posed significant technical challenges due to its thinness and intricate shape, which required nine months of development and eight prototypes. This attention to detail and dedication to craftsmanship make the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 a collector’s dream.
The watch also features a new skeletonized titanium dial inspired by McLaren’s wheel rim patterns. The combination of black and papaya orange accents evokes the dashboard of a McLaren supercar, enhancing the timepiece’s aesthetics and functionality.
Precision and Driving Dynamics
Staying true to its “driver’s watch” label, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 incorporates a function selector crown, mimicking the gear selector of a car. Wearers can easily switch between winding (W), date setting (D), or hand setting (H) functions. The crown itself is made from grade 5 titanium and features McLaren’s iconic papaya orange accents, symbolizing the brand’s racing heritage.
The watch’s chronograph push-pieces and rapid-winding button draw inspiration from the lightweight seats of McLaren supercars, and the rubber strap echoes the aerodynamic angles of the W1’s engine cover and spoilers.
A Partnership in Perfect Harmony
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 encapsulates the seamless collaboration between Richard Mille and McLaren. As Andrea Bermudez, Global Marketing Director at McLaren Automotive, puts it: “The W1 supercar is a symphony of power, precision, and design—qualities that are perfectly reflected in RM 65-01 McLaren W1.”
Similarly, Julien Boillat, Casing Technical Director at Richard Mille, highlights the strength of the partnership: “We both operate at the highest level of technical innovation and precision. This watch reflects McLaren’s DNA and the harmony between our two brands.”
With its combination of high performance, intricate engineering, and cutting-edge design, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 represents the pinnacle of the collaboration between Richard Mille and McLaren, bringing together the worlds of horology and supercar engineering in a timepiece like no other.
