Richard Mille Unveils the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic: Celebrating a Century of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Get ready for a breathtaking journey into the heart of motor racing history as Le Mans Classic commemorates the momentous 100th anniversary of the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans race. This extraordinary event, known for its unparalleled technical prowess and sporting excellence, offers a unique format that promises an unforgettable experience. Adding to the excitement, Richard Mille, the epitome of performance-driven luxury, unveils their latest timepiece dedicated to the 2023 edition: the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic.

When Richard Mille and the prestigious Le Mans Classic joined forces in 2002, they discovered a shared passion for pushing boundaries and achieving greatness. Richard Mille, renowned for embodying the values of motorsport, showcases their unwavering commitment to the sport through a significant presence at this year’s 11th edition of Le Mans Classic. As a tribute to the race’s 100th anniversary, this event promises to be a grand celebration of one of the world’s most prestigious motorsport competitions.

From June 29 to July 2, 2023, the legendary Le Mans circuit will witness an awe-inspiring gathering of vintage cars. With around 800 racing cars revving up on the track and an additional 8,500 club cars on display in the general enclosure, this edition promises to be a spectacle for the ages. Moreover, 150 exhibitors and 1,000 drivers representing 30 countries will come together, creating a truly international atmosphere. Anticipation runs high as more than 200,000 visitors are expected to attend, making it the largest turnout since the event’s inception in 2002. This year’s Le Mans Classic is an unmissable celebration of a century of automotive history.

Continuing the tradition set by previous editions, the competition vehicles will be divided into six grids, each representing a flagship era from 1923 to 1981. Competitors will take to the track in vintage format starts or rolling starts, depending on the age of their cars. Alongside the main event, four support races will take place, including one for Group C cars, two races dedicated to Bentley and Porsche, and the Endurance Racing Legends featuring iconic vehicles that participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans until 2010.

Among the highlights of this spectacular event is the traditional Little Big Mans race, designed exclusively for children, as well as a special exhibition in the museum showcasing the greatest cars from the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Furthermore, the Fédération française des véhicules d’époque (the French Federation of Vintage Cars) has assembled 24 cars that participated in the inaugural edition of the endurance race, allowing visitors to embark on a captivating journey through time. Renowned manufacturers such as Amilcar, Bentley, Delage, Lorraine-Dietrich, and Salmson will be represented, evoking the nostalgia of the race’s early years.

Richard Mille’s deep-rooted involvement in the automotive world is well-established. With their unwavering support for racing circuits, teams, drivers and their emphasis on promoting women in the sport, it was only natural for the brand to collaborate with Le Mans Classic from the very beginning. Since 2008, Richard Mille has developed exclusive timepieces for each edition of Le Mans Classic, paying homage to the event’s distinct colors. Continuing this tradition, the limited-edition RM 72-01 LMC has been created to mark the centenary. Adorned with a mesmerizing combination of green and white Quartz TPT®, this exceptional watch captures the spirit of the occasion.

Echoing the performance of the racing cars that will tackle a double lap of the 13.626-kilometer Le Mans circuit, the flyback chronograph’s hands on the RM 72-01 are meticulously coordinated. The hour counter features a red underline on the number 16, a symbolic reference to the traditional start time of the endurance race. Celebrating the thrill of victory, the titanium dial incorporates the chequered flag pattern, evoking a sense of triumph as competitors cross the finish line.

The RM 72-01 LMC is a perfect blend of technology and elegance, showcasing Richard Mille’s first flyback chronograph with a patented double oscillating pinion clutch mechanism for unparalleled performance. The redesigned self-winding movement offers hours, minutes, small seconds, date, and a function indicator, ensuring optimal functionality. With a remarkable 50-hour power reserve, the watch is ideal for everyday wear, combining pure mechanical precision with the ambassadorship of a legendary event that has gained international acclaim. The RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic is limited to 150 pieces.

Join the festivities at Le Mans Classic and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of a century of racing history. Witness the awe-inspiring vintage cars in action, explore the exceptional exhibitions, and discover the exquisite craftsmanship of Richard Mille’s RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic timepiece. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey where passion, performance, and the pursuit of excellence come together on the iconic Le Mans circuit.

Le Mans Classic 2023 Update:

The Le Mans Classic honored the 100th anniversary of the Le Mans 24-hour race with unprecedented passion for vintage motorsports. A record-breaking 235,000 spectators witnessed thrilling competitions among vintage speedsters divided into six categories, with 800 cars and 9,200 cars participating. Legendary cars, including Bentleys, Lola T70s, and Ford GT40s, showcased their dominance. The event featured iconic vehicles like the Porsche 917 and Ferrari 250 LM alongside intriguing curiosities. Despite occasional showers, the weather allowed for smooth proceedings after Rafael Nadal and Didier Drogba kicked off the event.

Spectators will have to wait for another two years to witness the start of the next Le Mans Classic, which has become the largest gathering of vintage cars in the world and an indispensable event in the classic car racing calendar. See you there in 2025!

Price & Availability:

The Richard Mille’s RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic 2023 timepiece is available at authorized Richard Mille retailers worldwide, limited to 150 pieces.

Price: 335,000 EUR