THE TIMEKEEPER
This Richard Mille timepiece marks the brand’s ninth outing with the Le Mans Classic
CLASSIC CAR RACES are magical affairs. Through them, one is transported back to an era when technology remained decidedly analogue while skills ‒ and guts ‒ took precedence in determining success. Few events can recreate such an atmosphere as the Le Mans Classic. This biennial event is the classic car counterpart to the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and holds its race on the same track, the Circuit de la Sarthe, which at 13.6 kilometres is one of the world’s longest.
Watchmaker Richard Mille has supported the Le Mans Classic since its inception in 2002. The 2018 edition of the race marks the ninth time the brand has served as its main sponsor and official timekeeper. This year’s Le Mans Classic is the biggest one yet, with over 135,000 spectators witnessing some 700 historic cars racing in various classes over a period of three days.
A Watch For The Races
As a dedication to these legendary machines and the drivers behind their wheels, Richard Mille presented the new RM 11-03 Le Mans Classic Limited Edition timepiece at the event itself. The watch recalls the race cars it pays tribute to, but comes engineered with modern features, such as a case of carbon and white ceramic ‒ technical materials that classic cars predate. The Calibre RMAC3 movement housed within the timepiece is also cutting edge. It’s largely built with titanium instead of brass, and comes with a flyback chronograph that measures up to 24 hours.
This watch isn’t just technical content without soul though. Its British racing green accents, for instance, nod at the motor racing universe it draws inspiration from. Elsewhere, the sculpted crown is reminiscent of race-specific rims and tyres, while the ribbed pushers resemble pedals.
The blend of performance driven features and materials with classic design elements has created a winner, for sure. Just 150 pieces of this timepiece will be available. AM