Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic Celebrates 100 Years of Racing

First rolex, now the second biggest R in watchmaking, Richard Mille. The ultra-pricey sports watch specialists have launched the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic to celebrate 100 years of 24-Hour racing at Le Mans and also the 11th edition of Le Mans Classic.

Having produced a limited edition ‘Le Mans Classic’ for the biennial race since 2002, there’s been some iconic references given the white and green treatment. We’ve had the RM029, the RM11-02, the RM11, the Felipe Massa and latest 150-piece limited edition run is based on the RM 72-01 ‘Lifestyle’ Flyback Chronograph, and the first Richard Mille to include an in-house chronograph.

The in-house calibre CRMC1 contains a patented double oscillating pinion clutch mechanism for its flyback chronograph; it’s a stunning movement and the view through the caseback is a work of art.

On top of this, there is as a handy crown indicator at 3 o’clock which points to one of following functions: W (Winding), D (Date Adjusting), and H (Hand Setting). We saw something similar on the record-breaking Richard Mille RM UP-01 Ferrari launched Last year and it’s the type of motoring inspired detail I can really get behind.

The main connections to the biennial race, however, are aesthetic. Specifically, the Quartz TPT case wears a green and white livery with the green details decorating  the turbine like crown, the tachymeter and rather quaint Le Mans logo at 11 o’clock. The case material if you’re not familiar is of a similar construction to carbon fibre but uses fused quartz fibres instead. This allows Richard Mille a lot more control over the colour.

Although the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic is a watch I probably will never own, the rarefied air of occasion, the smell of classic cars barrelling around Circuit de la Sarthe, the exceptional horology on display and the drama of the best marketeers in the game make me almost understand the CHF 295,000 (approx. £260,000) + VAT price tag. Almost.