Cover The new RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1 is the Richard Mille’s fourth tie-in with the British supercar maker
The new RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1 is the Richard Mille’s fourth tie-in with the British supercar maker
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Richard Mille and McLaren continue their celebrated partnership with the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1, a timepiece that blends high-performance watchmaking with the design and engineering prowess of a supercar
The relationship between luxury watches and high-performance cars has always been one of mutual admiration. Both industries thrive on precision engineering, cutting-edge materials, and a relentless pursuit of performance. Whether on the racetrack or the wrist, they embody a shared passion for pushing boundaries and elevating design to an art form. It’s no surprise that some of the world’s most celebrated watches are born from collaborations with iconic automotive brands.
Read more: Richard Mille crafts the ultimate lightweight tourbillon watch for Rafael Nadal
At the forefront of such a relationship is none other than Richard Mille and McLaren. Since their partnership began in 2016, both brands have been constantly redefining what’s possible within their respective fields. Now, with the release of the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1, Richard Mille delivers a timepiece that captures the essence of McLaren’s newest supercar, the W1, merging automotive excellence with horological mastery.
Above The McLaren W1, the inspiration for this watch
The McLaren W1, the inspiration for this watch
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A supercar on the wrist
Above The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 with black strap
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 with black strap
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The McLaren W1 supercar, which inspired this remarkable timepiece, represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering, following in the footsteps of legendary predecessors like the McLaren F1 and P1. Richard Mille’s RM 65-01 McLaren W1 reinterprets the supercar’s groundbreaking design, bringing its aerodynamic lines and distinctive aesthetic elements to the wrist. The watch’s case and dial are a visual symphony of McLaren’s stylistic cues, from the Carbon TPT case that mirrors the W1’s bodywork to the indented ‘double’ bezel, a nod to the car’s unique aero-cell architecture.
Above Intricate craftsmanship was required to construct the Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1’s two bezels
Intricate craftsmanship was required to construct the Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1’s two bezels
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Incorporating McLaren’s hallmark design details, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1’s skeletonised titanium dial takes inspiration from the supercar’s wheel rims, subtly evoking the feel of a supercar dashboard. Even the chronograph and rapid winding pushers are mounted on titanium frames reminiscent of McLaren’s lightweight seat cut-outs, seamlessly fusing automotive design with horological craftsmanship.
See also: A closer look at Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc's Richard Mille watch during Monaco Grand Prix
Precision engineering in motion
Above The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 with orange strap
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 with orange strap
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At the core of the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 lies the RMAC4 movement—an intricate marvel of mechanical engineering that embodies Richard Mille’s commitment to technical excellence. This split-seconds chronograph, with its high-frequency oscillation of 36,000 vibrations per hour, is designed to measure elapsed time down to one-tenth of a second, ensuring precision performance on par with the W1’s blistering speed.
Above The dial design of the Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1 draws inspiration from McLaren’s distinctive aesthetics
The dial design of the Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1 draws inspiration from McLaren’s distinctive aesthetics
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Beyond its split-seconds capability, the RMAC4 movement boasts a vertical clutch and six-column wheels that guarantee smooth chronograph operation. The movement’s complex architecture is housed within a chassis-like mounting system, replacing the traditional casing ring with rubbers that absorb shocks, much like a high-performance car’s suspension. This precision-engineered ‘powerplant’ is further complemented by a rapid-winding system, fully charging the watch’s 60-hour power reserve through a specially crafted pusher made from McLaren’s signature papaya orange Quartz TPT.
Don’t miss: Discover the Richard Mille RM 07-01 Automatic watch Michelle Yeoh wore to the Oscars 2024
Designed for performance and everyday wear
Above The RMAC4 movement powers the Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1
The RMAC4 movement powers the Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1
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Despite its complexity and high-performance DNA, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is built for versatility, making it equally suited for daily wear or special occasions. The robust 480-part movement is engineered for durability, and the variable geometry winding rotor can be adjusted to fit the wearer’s activity level, much like how McLaren tailors its supercars to suit both road and track performance.
Above The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is ideal for daily wear
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is ideal for daily wear
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The skeletonised titanium dial, inspired by McLaren’s wheel rim designs, enhances both the watch’s practicality and its sleek aesthetics. The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 isn’t just a functional masterpiece—it’s a stylish accessory that carries the essence of McLaren’s precision engineering and Richard Mille’s horological expertise, offering unparalleled versatility whether worn in the boardroom or behind the wheel.
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Sim Wie Boon is the general manager of Tatler Malaysia. Previously the print and digital editor, Sim hails from the land of the hornbills, Sarawak. Sim is now based in Kuala Lumpur and brings more than a decade of experience in the media industry as a journalist and broadcast producer.
As a self-proclaimed geriatric millennial, he appreciates the finer things in life, from savouring a sip of single malt whisky to relishing in the deliciousness of char siew. While reminiscing about the indie-sleaze era, Sim now finds solace in the soothing tunes of ambient music, staying active through running and occasionally succumbing to the addictive world of doom scrolling.
Follow him on Instagram or Threads at @simwb
