By Joshua Stone
Limited to just 500 pieces globally and priced at 180,000 Swiss Francs ($181,000), the Automatic Flyback Chronograph watch was unveiled at the 88th Geneva International Motor Show — and will be made available mainly to McLaren Ultimate Series clients.
The RM 11-03 McLaren has been in development since McLaren Automotive and Richard Mille partnered last year, uniting a mutual interest in unique design, the use of new materials and modern craftsmanship. These influences, as well as design cues taken from McLaren’s range of luxury sportscars and super cars, are reflected in this special timepiece.
The case of the RM 11-03 McLaren is made of Carbon TPT® interlaced with Orange Quartz TPT®, resulting in an extremely resistant and lightweight case while paying tribute to a colour that is synonymous with McLaren. The Carbon TPT® enhances the mechanical performance of the RM 11-03 and offers resistance to harsh environments.
McLaren’s range of luxury sports cars and super cars are reflected in this special timepiece.
The titanium pushers fitted to the Carbon TPT® case echo the design of the distinctive headlights of the McLaren 720S. Titanium inserts, similar in shape to the iconic McLaren F1’s air-intake snorkel and bearing the McLaren logo, adorn the bezel. The complex grade 5 titanium crown is shaped like a McLaren lightweight wheel and the McLaren Speedmark logo is incorporated into the rubber strap specifically developed for this watch.
The RM 11-03 McLaren features the automatic RMAC3 calibre mechanism, first launched in 2016, with a flyback chronograph and 55-hour power reserve. The instant return of the counter to zero makes it possible to quickly restart the stopwatch function.
Richard Mille created a baseplate and bridges for the RM 11-03 McLaren made from PVD-treated grade 5 titanium, enabling the gear train to function effortlessly. The dial features an annual calendar and over-sized date, as well as a 12-hour chronograph and countdown counters.
The vivid watch points resolutely toward the future, while holding steadfast to the time-honored traditions of fine watchmaking. Richard Mille endeavored to apply the techniques and materials found in the most innovative sectors such as in the domains of F1 racing car development and the aerospace industry to watchmaking, with the goal of creating an extreme timepiece, without compromise, without gimmicks.
