Richard Mille Releases RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph
This week at the 88th Geneva Motor Show, Richard Mille launched an exclusive timepiece in collaboration with world-renowned car brand McLaren: The limited edition RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph. Debuted at a reception hosted by McLaren Automotive CEO, Mike Flewitt and Richard Mille CEO, Richard Mille, this is the first timepiece that the brands have launched in partnership, bringing together the best of the best when it comes to the worlds of luxury watches and luxury sports cars.
Limited to only 500 pieces worldwide and at a price point of $191,500, the watch will be initially be exclusively available to McLaren Ultimate Series clients through Richard Mille boutiques, who will be able to match their McLaren Ultimate Series edition number to the caseback number of their RM 11-03 McLaren.
The gorgeous timepiece was a collaborative design effort between Richard Mille engineer Fabrice Namura and McLaren Design Director Rob Melville, given both brands’ mutual emphasis on exclusive design, innovative materials and contemporary artistry. “The idea was to take on a real technical challenge, and come up with something other than a mere dial with an inscription, for example,” began Namura. “I find the 720S designed by Rob Melville mesmerizingly beautiful, and we wanted to give the RM 11-03 McLaren curves that were similarly both aesthetic and functional. These influences, as well as design cues borrowed from McLaren’s range of luxury sports and super cars, are reflected in this special timepiece.”
Made from carbon TPT® and orange quartz TPT®, the RM 11-03 McLaren’s case is highly durable, yet lightweight on the wrist. The eye-catching color combination is also an ode to McLaren’s signature coloring. Additionally, the recognizable McLaren 720S headlights are reflected in the titanium pushers fitted to the carbon TPT®, while the titanium inserts on the bezel with the McLaren logo has a similar shape to the McLaren F1 air-intake snorkel. Even the complex grade 5 titanium crown is similar in shape to the McLaren wheel, and the signature RM rubber strap—made exclusively for this model—includes the McLaren Speedmark logo.
The inside of the RM 11-03 is just as impressive as its sporty exterior, as it includes its skeletonized, automatic RMAC3 calibre (debuted in 2016); a flyback chronograph; a variable-geometry rotor that adjusts to the customized activity level of whomever is wearing the watch; and a PVD-treated, grade 5 titanium calibre. Other features include 18K white gold weight segment and wings and a sapphire dial with 0.40mm thickness.
Needless to say, this timepiece is nothing short of incredibly impressive—and we’d expect nothing else from both of these world-class brands.
All photos courtesy of Richard Mille. For more information, please visit the Richard Mille website.
