A split second may seem brief, yet it can encompass various significant events, from a blink of an eye and heartbeats to rapid chemical reactions. This highlights how much can occur instantaneously, depending on the context of the event or process.
Recognising this concept of time, Richard Mille has focused on merging engineering excellence with watchmaking craftsmanship and integrating advanced automotive design and technology. This vision has resulted in the creation of the RM 65-01 McLaren W1.
After three years of careful development, the W1’s final shape was almost finalised, leading Richard Mille’s design team to assess the clay model that would form the basis for the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1, a limited edition of 500 pieces.
Julien Boillat, casing technical director at Richard Mille, says that one key consideration when designing the timepiece was ensuring the watch didn’t become overly complicated. He says, “We made several visits to the McLaren Technology Centre to observe the development of the W1, including experiencing a mock-up of the interior through a virtual reality [VR] headset. The cabin was incredibly driver-centric, with no distractions and a strong focus on performance, and we kept that principle in mind during our design process.”
Boillat was also asked whether designing the watch around the existing RM 65-01 split-seconds chronograph movement was an advantage or a challenge for the project. He replies, “If anything, it made the task easier because we knew exactly what we were dealing with and knew exactly what we had to do — but that doesn’t mean it was a simple job! Everything else needed a very specific McLaren appearance, so we had to start from scratch with the bezel, pushers, dial and hands. Everything. We also had to use relevant colours that enhanced the watch’s appearance and made it practical. And, of course, we had to do all that while meeting Richard Mille’s usual, very stringent levels of shock and water resistance.”
This timepiece represents the fourth collaboration between Richard Mille and McLaren, following the RM 50-03, RM 11-03 and RM 40-01 models. Their partnership highlights a unified design philosophy, the integration of high-performance materials, and a strong focus on technical performance and ergonomic comfort.
The W1’s design has been reimagined for the wrist, incorporating styling cues from the W1’s aerodynamic lines and distinctive design features. This showcases a unique blend of horology and automotive aesthetics. The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is a luxurious, technically advanced watch that reflects the performance and design principles of the McLaren W1 supercar. The document emphasises the collaborative efforts and technical achievements that went into creating this exceptional timepiece.
The design philosophy embodies the shared values of both brands, focussing on pushing performance limits and enhancing user engagement. The watch’s design echoes the car’s dynamic performance and striking aesthetics. The choice of materials and the design process underscore a commitment to innovation and precision.
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is a limited edition automatic chronograph watch, with only 500 pieces available, inspired by the McLaren W1 supercar. Its key features and design elements reflect the creative collaboration between Richard Mille and McLaren.
What gives this timepiece its extraordinary capabilities? The watch is powered by the RMAC4 movement, representing the pinnacle of Richard Mille’s automatic chronograph calibres. After nearly five years of development, it is the brand’s first automatic split-seconds model. It showcases Richard Mille’s technical mastery and expertise, offering a fresh interpretation of a highly complex motorsport chronograph.
Using a unique frequency of 5Hz, or 36,000 vibrations per hour, exemplifies Richard Mille’s commitment to precise timekeeping. Naturally, a “simple” chronograph would not suffice for performance at this level.
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 features a split-seconds hand to measure intermediate times. It replaces the traditional hand-wound system with an automatic winding mechanism, marking a first for Richard Mille in a split-seconds chronograph. This led to the decision to use an integrated movement, a hallmark of haute horlogerie. A six-column wheel architecture was selected to ensure precision in measuring short intervals, functioning like a mechanical brain and being visible through the caseback. Vertical coupling allows for immediate, accurate measurements without hand jumping.
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Built on a grade-5 titanium chassis with bridges of the same lightweight material for optimal rigidity, this watch is powered by a fast-rotating barrel that maintains ideal torque for energy transmission while minimising friction. The use of 20° involute profile teeth enhances the calibre’s performance. Additionally, the automatic winding of the barrel ensures optimal torque when worn, aided by the variable geometry of the oscillating weight, which adjusts the rotor’s inertia to improve winding efficiency based on the wearer’s activity level.
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 features impressive dimensions of 43.8mm x 49.94mm x 16.19mm, giving it a compact yet substantial presence on the wrist. Its robust construction includes a bezel made from meticulously polished and satin-finished Carbon TPT and grade-5 titanium, providing a sophisticated contrast in textures. The seamlessly integrated caseband continues using lightweight, high-strength Carbon TPT, while the Carbon TPT caseback reveals the intricate mechanics inside. A notable feature is the interior flange, which is made of carbon fibre infused with luminescent material for improved readability in low light. Limited to only 500 pieces, this timepiece is truly exclusive.
Inspired by the W1’s drive shafts, the crown is crafted from grade-5 titanium with a rubber coating and adorned with McLaren’s “Speedmark”. The pushers are also made from titanium and reflect details from the McLaren W1’s design.
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is a versatile timepiece suitable for everyday wear and special occasions. It boasts a robust 480-part movement and a variable geometry winding rotor that adapts to the wearer’s lifestyle. Additionally, its new skeletonised titanium dial, inspired by the wheel rim patterns of the W1, enhances both practicality and style, making it a sophisticated accessory.
Richard Mille’s partnership with the renowned British automotive and racing company McLaren dates back to February 2016. However, Richard Mille had been captivated by Bruce McLaren since 1966 when he witnessed the New Zealand-born driver racing the original McLaren Formula One car, the M2B, at the Monaco Grand Prix.
Mille’s fascination with the McLaren brand has persisted, driven by its engineering brilliance and meticulous attention to detail. This contributed to Bruce McLaren’s legacy as a motorsport icon — despite his untimely death in 1970 at 32 years old. McLaren’s team has continued to thrive in his absence, achieving a remarkable 12 Driver’s World Championships and eight Constructor’s Championships.
What makes a supercar?
The McLaren is classified as a supercar for several reasons, including its powerful engine that delivers exceptional horsepower and torque for rapid acceleration and impressive top speeds. Its cutting-edge technology features lightweight materials like carbon fibre, advanced aerodynamics, and innovative engineering solutions, significantly enhancing overall performance and handling.
Not every car can earn the “1” title; it signifies the apex of McLaren’s supercar principles, akin to those established by the F1 and P1. After the P1’s release, speculation about McLaren’s next flagship model began, with development on the W1 already in progress for nearly two years.
“The W1 was designed to give drivers everything they need and nothing they don’t. It combines epic power delivery, remarkable performance, and a dramatic presence on track and road. Capturing these attributes in a watch was a challenge, but Richard Mille has exceeded expectations with the RM 65-01 McLaren W1,” states Andrea Bermudez, global marketing director at McLaren Automotive.
With a high-performance hybrid powertrain that generates 1,275 PS from a twin-turbocharged V8 and E-module, the W1 stands as McLaren’s fastest road car ever. It features the most advanced aerodynamic package in the brand’s history, including the impressive McLaren Active Long Tail rear wing, which gracefully extends 300mm in high-speed situations, generating 1,000 kg of downforce for unmatched grip.
The cockpit boasts a fighter-jet aesthetic, enhanced by striking anhedral doors contributing to design and aerodynamics. Constructed entirely of carbon fibre with an innovative McLaren Aerocell design, the W1 offers a variety of bespoke exterior and interior finishes. Additionally, it utilises McLaren’s patented InnoKnit material, which integrates lighting and sound components under a lightweight surface without compromising performance.
