Richard Mille and McLaren first joined forces in 2016, brought together – as you might expect – by a shared passion for precision engineering and innovation.
Since then, the partnership has flourished, producing three top-tier watches, each reflecting McLaren’s automotive expertise and Richard Mille’s relentless drive to push the boundaries of high-performance horology.
The RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1 is their fourth co-creation, this time inspired by McLaren’s W1 supercar – a successor to icons like the F1 and P1. It makes the perfect wrist companion for those fortunate enough to own the car, yet shines just as brightly as a remarkable standalone piece.
Either way, it not only embodies the spirit of speed and performance but also sets a new benchmark as the Les Breuleux-based brand’s most complex automatic chronograph to date.
Engine Excellence
At the centre of the RM 65-01 is the calibre RMAC4, a skeletonised 480-component movement with a balance that beats at 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour). This high frequency allows the split-seconds chronograph to measure elapsed time with an impressive accuracy of one-tenth of a second.
Another standout feature is the rapid-winding mechanism, activated via a striking orange Quartz TPT pusher, which recharges the 60-hour power reserve in seconds.
And staying true to McLaren’s ‘performance everywhere’ philosophy, the RM 65-01 is equipped with a variable-geometry winding rotor, designed to adapt its winding efficiency to match the activity level of the wearer’s lifestyle.
Bold Design Language
Visually, the RM 65-01 draws inspiration from the aerodynamic curves and cutting-edge engineering of the McLaren W1. Its 43.84mm-by-49.94mm Carbon TPT case, accented with Grade 5 titanium, showcases advanced materials and meticulously crafted contours. The layered texture of the Carbon TPT adds depth, while the double bezel design reflects McLaren’s aero-cell architecture.
Richard Mille’s Creative Director, Cécile Guenat, and her team worked closely with McLaren during the design process, even referencing early clay mock-ups of the car to ensure the watch captured its aesthetic. The result is a dynamic, sculptural profile that feels as integral to the W1’s DNA as its engine or chassis.
Dashboard for the Wrist
The openwork dial is a triumph of functionality and style, its titanium construction evoking the look and feel of a high-performance dashboard. The layout is clean and intuitive, featuring a 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, a 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock and a small seconds display at 6 o’clock. Bold, colourful lume-treated accents enhance legibility, ensuring the wearer can register the displays at a glance – whether on the track or in the boardroom.
The function selector – a hallmark of Richard Mille watches – further enhances usability. Integrated into the crown, the pusher allows the wearer to toggle effortlessly between winding, date-setting and hand-setting modes, echoing the precision and practicality of a car’s gearbox selector.
Built for Speed, Worn with Ease
The RM 65-01 isn’t just about aesthetics and engineering; it’s purposefully designed for comfort and everyday wear. The lightweight yet extremely strong tripartite Carbon TPT case, secured by titanium spline screws, ensures durability without compromising on wearability.
The strap, crafted from McLaren’s signature papaya orange rubber, adds a playful nod to its automotive inspiration. Featuring aerodynamic patterns reminiscent of the W1’s spoilers, it not only ties the watch to its counterpart but also offers suppleness and all-day comfort.
Another Hit Collab
Limited to just 500 pieces, the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1 solidifies the legacy of this watchmaker-carmaker partnership, one built on a shared drive to push boundaries.
Julien Boillat, Casing Technical Director at Richard Mille, captures it perfectly: “Making this fourth watch in the series left us with the feeling that Richard Mille and McLaren are perfectly in-tune. We both work to the highest technical specifications with the most high-tech materials, ergonomics are as important to us as they are to them, and our design language really seems to have gelled.”
For more information, please visit the Richard Mille website.
