Richard Mille and McLaren continue their legacy of high-performance innovation with the unveiling of the RM 65-01 McLaren Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph W1, the latest creation from their prestigious partnership. Drawing inspiration from the McLaren W1 supercar, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 pushes the boundaries of luxury watchmaking, combining cutting-edge design, advanced materials, and ultimate functionality.
A Tribute to the McLaren W1 Supercar
The RM 65-01 is deeply inspired by the McLaren W1, the revolutionary successor to the iconic McLaren F1 (1992) and McLaren P1™ (2013). The W1 represents a new chapter in the McLaren “1” car lineage, delivering unparalleled performance. The brief for the RM 65-01 required a watch that mirrors the engineering excellence and bold design of this high-performance machine.
Richard Mille’s RMAC4 calibre powers the RM 65-01 McLaren W1, an automatic split-seconds chronograph movement capable of recording times down to one-tenth of a second. Operating at 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), this high-speed movement ensures precise timekeeping, while the vertical clutch and dual six-column wheels provide seamless operation.
Rapid Winding and Built for Speed
In true McLaren fashion, speed is central to the RM 65-01. The watch features a rapid winding system, allowing its 60-hour power reserve to recharge quickly via a push-piece crafted from orange Quartz TPT®. The movement itself, composed of grade 5 titanium and treated with grey electroplasma, is a feat of engineering designed for robustness and precision. It is mounted on chassis rubbers for enhanced durability, echoing McLaren’s approach to performance-focused construction.
Technically Complex Design
Just as the McLaren W1’s bodywork is an expression of advanced engineering, the RM 65-01 showcases a technical mastery of design. The watch’s Carbon TPT® case, measuring 43.84 x 49.94 x 16.19 mm, mirrors the sleek lines of the W1 supercar. Its distinctive double bezel, crafted from satin-finished and polished grade 5 titanium, took nine months to perfect, reflecting the same painstaking attention to detail found in McLaren’s “aero-cell” architecture.
The bezel’s intricate design is paired with a skeletonized titanium dial, inspired by McLaren’s wheel rims, with carefully placed colors that evoke the feel of a high-performance dashboard.
A Watch for Drivers
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is engineered for those who seek a driver’s watch built with purpose and precision. It features a function selector crown, allowing the wearer to choose between winding, date setting, or hand-setting, much like a transmission selector in a supercar. The crown itself, made from grade 5 titanium and adorned with McLaren’s signature papaya orange accents, draws inspiration from the W1’s drive shafts and splines.
Further nods to McLaren’s design language are found in the chronograph push-pieces and rapid winding button, which are mounted on lightweight titanium frames mirroring the supercar’s seat cut-outs.
The Ultimate Collaboration
Andrea Bermudez, Global Marketing Director at McLaren Automotive, praised the collaboration: “The W1 is designed to provide everything a driver needs and nothing they don’t. With the RM 65-01 McLaren W1, Richard Mille has captured this essence perfectly, creating a timepiece that balances epic performance with a high level of theatricality.”
Julien Boillat, Casing Technical Director at Richard Mille, emphasized the synergy between the two brands: “The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is a reflection of our shared commitment to pushing boundaries. Both McLaren and Richard Mille prioritize technical precision, high-tech materials, and ergonomic design, resulting in a collaboration that has grown stronger over time.”
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is the ultimate driving watch, combining Richard Mille’s groundbreaking watchmaking with McLaren’s performance-driven engineering. With only the highest standards applied to every detail, this watch exemplifies the pinnacle of luxury timepieces and automotive excellence.
Source: McLaren
This article was crafted with assistance from Chatgpt
