Richard Mille’s latest collaboration with McLaren, the RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1, is an impressive blend of technical prowess and design sophistication. Drawing inspiration from McLaren’s groundbreaking W1 supercar, which carries the legacy of the iconic F1 and P1 models, this watch pushes the boundaries of performance watchmaking. Powered by the high-frequency RMAC4 movement, operating at 5Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), it offers unparalleled precision in timekeeping, capable of measuring up to one-tenth of a second.
The RM 65-01’s intricate 480-part movement is housed in a sleek Carbon TPT® case, echoing the supercar’s design ethos with its curves, indented double bezel, and aerodynamic influences. The development of the watch, which took extensive input from McLaren’s advanced “aero-cell” architecture, involved eight prototypes and a lot of attention to detail—down to a bezel thickness comparable to five Post-It notes.
As a “racing machine on the wrist,” the RM 65-01 includes a rapid winding system, an adjustable rotor for lifestyle adaptability, and a function selector crown inspired by McLaren’s drivetrain technology. In true McLaren fashion, the RM 65-01 transcends conventional benchmarks.
