As a noted car enthusiast, watchmaker Richard Mille is one-half of the duo that established the Le Mans Classic in 2002 and has continued his involvement in the annual event since then. Now, he has created a new watch dedicated specifically to this event, the Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic Winding Le Mans Classic. With total case dimensions of 40.10 x 48.15 x 13.10 mm, the RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic has a caseband milled from a solid block of white Quartz TPT, offset by front and back bezels in green Quartz TPT. These have been created from separate pieces of white Quartz TPT that have been inlaid into the green Quartz TPT bezel at 12 and 6 o’clock – a first for the brand.
This is the eighth watch Richard Mille has created to celebrate the Le Mans Classic and is available in a limited run of 150 pieces. The skeletonized grade 5 titanium calibre RMAS7 movement with its oversize date window at 4 o’clock and a unique variable geometry rotor system drive double winding barrels form the heart of the Richard Mille RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic. A dedicated and finely detailed 24-hour counter at 2 o’clock pays homage not only to the Le Mans Classic but also to the hundreds of automobiles and drivers who relay over the 24 hours, starting at 4 pm and indicated by a blue arrow. The watch is perfectly complemented by a white rubber strap for an undeniably sporty look.
For another recent example of Richard Mille’s work, check out the Richard Mille RM-40-01 Automatic Tourbillon McLaren Speedtail.
