Richard Mille Unveils RM11-03 at Luxurious Chantilly Arts & Elegance Richard Mille Event
As title sponsor of one of the most glamorous weekends in the country, Richard Mille used the occasion of the cultural and artistic event to unveil the new RM 11-03 watch, which replaces the previous RM011 line of watches that enjoyed nine years of success. He also brought along several brand ambassadors to help celebrate the event and the launch.
Set in one of the most scenic places in the world that a car show could take place, the Chantilly Arts and Elegance Richard Mille festival enjoys the backdrop of the Chateau de Chantilly. A veritable castle by most standards, the Chateau grounds boast a formal moat, bridge, fountains and gardens that are as enchanting as the cars and well-dressed people who dot the landscape.
Throughout the weekend, hundreds of vintage and concept cars rallied around the Chantilly city, stopping on Saturday at the famed Abbaye de Royaumont for lunch and then on toe the Chateau grounds for the Sunday event, where the event also boasts a horse show, balloon rides and more.
This is the third year that Richard Mille is the title sponsor for the weekend, but this year, Mille opted not to enter any of his own personal car collection into the show. “I didn’t think it was fair for me as a title sponsor this year,” says Mille, who noted that the previous year one of his entered cars had won Best of Show, and while the car deserved the win, he felt it was better to sit this one out. He did, however, bring two of his cars to the private Richard Mille exhibition space, just for show and to grace the atmosphere.
Also there were brand ambassadors, including actor John Malkovich and Olympic Gold Medalist, sprinter Wayde van Niekerk.
As mentioned, Richard Mille also used the weekend’s festivities to unveil the new RM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph. The new watch is a total revamping of the iconic RM011 series. It still boasts a tonneau-shaped case, but has a lot more modern edginess to it.
The watch is powered by a new caliber, RMAC3, with flyback chronograph, annual calendar and oversized date. Technically advanced, it features an updated variable geometry rotor so that the winding adjusts to the wearer’s activity level. Thanks to two barrels, the watch offers 55 hours of power reserve. It is being offered in three versions that include all gold, gold and titanium and blackened titanium.
True to Richard Mille style, many of the details of the watch’s architecture and design are influenced by the automotive world – from crown decorated with a wheel pattern, to pushers with pedal motifs and tire-tread strap. Even the materials used, including NTPT carbon, are inspired by the world of Formula 1 racing. The watches, available in stores now, retail for $115,000 in titanium, $130,000 for 5N rose gold with titanium, and $160,000 for full 5N rose gold case.
(All photos @Alex Teuscher for Haute Time)
