Richard Mille, renowned for its strong presence in automotive racing, commemorates the 100th anniversary of the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance race with the release of the exclusive RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic timepiece. This new variant of the RM 72-01, a flyback chronograph model first introduced in 2020, exhibits a vibrant and playful twist, featuring a distinctive combination of green and white Quartz TPT, along with checkered flag accents on the dial.
The Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic boasts the brand’s iconic tonneau-shaped profile, with a case measuring 38.4mm in diameter and 11.68mm in thickness. The lug-to-lug distance spans 47.34mm, ensuring a comfortable fit on the wrist. Crafted from green and white Quartz TPT, the case components showcase an asymmetric wavy appearance due to the exposed weave of the fine silica threads, resembling the characteristic lines seen on carbon fiber components. The case is assembled using spline screws made of grade 5 titanium.
Both the dial side and caseback of the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic feature sapphire crystals with anti-reflective treatment. Access to the movement is granted through a crown and a pair of pushers located on the 3 o’clock side, made from grade 5 titanium and black TZP ceramic. The watch offers a water resistance of 30 meters and comes with a matching white rubber strap equipped with a titanium deployant clasp.
While maintaining the original layout, the Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic introduces notable aesthetic deviations. The skeletonized display consists of an outer flange housing the hour markers and an open-worked central section displaying the chronograph registers. The dial incorporates a captivating green and white color scheme, complemented by vivid orange accents on the sub-dials and a checkered flag motif on the Le Mans Classic logo positioned at 11 o’clock and the frame surrounding the vertical date window at 7 o’clock.
The upper flange, hosting the hour markers, is constructed from luminous carbon fiber and features a white-printed tachymeter scale, working in harmony with the centrally-mounted chronograph seconds hand. The central section of the dial, made of grade 5 titanium with a thickness of only 1.17mm, reveals the running seconds sub-dial at 9 o’clock, while the 60-minute and 24-hour registers occupy the 2 o’clock and 5 o’clock positions, respectively. Between the chronograph registers, a function indicator denotes the crown’s current position, whether for winding, date adjustment, or hand setting. The red “16” on the 24-hour totalizer pays subtle homage to the traditional start time of the endurance race.
Powering the Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic is the Caliber CRMC1 automatic flyback chronograph movement, also found in other models of the RM 72-01 series. This remarkable movement features a variable inertia balance with mainplate and bridges crafted from grade 5 titanium. It incorporates a solid platinum rotor and operates at a frequency of 28,800 vibrations per hour (4 Hz), providing a power reserve of approximately 50 hours. The Caliber CRMC1, controlled by a column wheel, enables precise timing up to 24 hours and includes a date display and function selection indicator. The ingenious use of Richard Mille’s patented oscillating pinion coupling system ensures that all three chronograph hands receive direct torque from the mainspring barrel, maintaining unaffected timekeeping and a full 50-hour power reserve, even when the chronograph is engaged.
Limited to only 150 pieces, the Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic carries a retail price of $335,000 USD, surpassing the standard-production versions of the RM 72-01 released a few years ago. While the price may seem steep, Richard Mille watches often appreciate significantly in the open market, surpassing their original retail values. The captivating design and limited production run of the green and white flyback chronograph make it highly desirable, suggesting that available examples may command even higher prices. For more details about the Richard Mille RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic, visit the official Richard Mille website.
Watch specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Case | Quartz TPT |
| Case size | 38.4 x 47.34 x 11.68 mm |
| Dial color | Green, white, black |
| Lume | Hour markers and hands |
| Water resistance | 30 meters |
| Strap | White rubber |
| Movement | CRMC-1 |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph, function indication, and stop seconds |
| Power reserve | ~50 hours |
| Winding | Automatic |
| Frequency | 28,800 vph |
| Jewels | 39 |
| Limited edition | 150 pieces |
About the author
I'm a luxury watch enthusiast and digital marketer hailing from Austin, TX. My passion for beautiful timepieces comes from the value I place on my own time. Expertly crafted watches give us all beautiful, daily reminders of how precious our time is.