The Le Mans Classic is very important to Richard Mille. In each edition, the watch brand will launch a commemorative edition, but its promise goes far beyond novelty. First of all, Richard Mille is not only a sponsor, but also a partner and official timer of the Le Mans Classic. Then, since Richard Mille (Richard Mille) has been committed to the event since the first edition, so the history of the brand is closely related to car racing. In addition, it can be connected in parallel between the two. These two entities created around the same time today represent references in their respective fields of activity. Richard Mille (Richard Mille) is considered a high-end brand, this is the boldest, and dare to say it is the best performing brand. Le Mans Classic is a grand event not to be missed by any fan or owner of classic racing. In 3 days, the Le Mans Classic will celebrate the wonderful moments of the legendary endurance race by collecting famous cars from different categories. Not far from museums or friendly chapels: cars race on the track on the best days, and in this case, real fans prefer to watch them.
Finally, such an event gives Richard Mille the opportunity to invite collectors from all over the world to immerse in this unique mechanical atmosphere that combines power and style, just like a watch brand.
This year, as in 2012 and 2016, this is RM11, which is used as the basis for defining race watches. Logically speaking, after RM11 in 2012 and RM11-02 in 2016, RM11-03 entered the track in 2018. On its own, RM11-03 Le Mans Classic is not Richard Mille’s most surprising work. First of all, because RM11-03 has several variants, it has gradually become the basic watch of the catalog. Secondly, because the aesthetic treatment is consistent with the previous watches specifically for the Le Mans Classic (especially the 2014 and 2016 watches).
Richard Mille Le Mans Classic stands out, and this RM11-03 is no exception. Forget the event logo at 12 o’clock. This is not the reason. Richard Mille is so famous because its color scheme combines the white and black case with the dial, buttons and the “British Racing” green on the crown. In the context of any other brand, such a chromaticity range will be difficult to consider. But with Richard Mille, it can work without problems. In fact, white watches are difficult to achieve. Richard Mille’s strong point is to propose a white case with interesting and uneven texture. When the white case is too smooth, it can avoid the “sinking” effect. The white ceramic ATZ is a real success for me. The white rendering is very bright, but there is no sparkle. The technical aspects it provides are in keeping with the spirit of the watch, and when I touch it, the ceramic is pleasant. However, the case is not 100% white, because the middle part is made of carbon NTPT, which will destroy the original too uniform design. The logo of Richard Mille is a combination of materials that live in harmony.
The connection with the Le Mans Classic is not only reflected in these colors. The table contains many details and can be used as a reference for motorsports. We only need to look at the pusher similar to the pedal, the crown that evokes the clutch disc, the shape of the pointer and the scale of the counter, the peripheral tachometer on the flange…obviously the open dial enhances the technical size of the work. The typical shape of the RM11-03 case also helps to immerse yourself in the racing world.
One of the usual criticisms of Richard Mille watches, especially chronographs, is that the readability of the display is uncertain. I disagree with this view. Thanks to the contrast between the scales, hands and open dial, the timer information is visible without worry. As far as the two main hands are concerned, the contrast is satisfactory (not as clear as the small hands), but their shape and light-emitting end attract people’s attention.
This is good news because we tend to forget it: RM11-03 is not a simple chronograph. This watch also has other complications, such as an annual calendar (prudently locate the month at 4:30) or a 9-hour countdown. Finally, the chronograph is flyback. Please note that the hour counter can measure up to 24 hours (the symbol is obvious to explain), which is different from other RM11-03. At Richard Mille, attention to detail is always essential.
Not surprisingly, the movement of the RM11-03 Le Mans Classic is the RMAC3 automatic movement. I really like the introduction of this movement, highlighting its structure and winding quality. The structure of the oscillating block reminds us that we can change its inertia by changing the position of the small fin. However, this operation requires the intervention of the watchmaker, which is a pity.
The performance of the movement (the Vaucher base that powers the Dubois-Depraz module) is excellent, thanks to the technical solution and the double barrel, the purpose is not to increase the power reserve (however, the 55-hour battery life is correct The frequency is 4hz), but to obtain the best thrust and behavioral stability. The movement is made of grade 5 titanium and has undergone PVD treatment, which provides a good contrast between the quality of the mainspring, moving parts and other components.
The RM11-03 Le Mans Classic has a case size of 50mm x 44.5mm and a thickness of 16.15mm, so it cannot be regarded as a small watch. These dimensions are even breathtaking, and their width is larger than the 2016 RM11-02. However, like Richard Mille, the watch fits very effectively on the wrist and can be perfectly maintained with the help of a rubber strap. In addition, the shape of the case and the smoothness of the lines make the watch visually slimmer and “lighter” than it actually is. Due to the development of the case, it also managed to provide more features than the 2016 RM11-02. On the other hand, I regret that the second time zone display has been cancelled, which is very useful and appreciated on RM11-02.
RM11-03 is still a real success and a new showcase of proprietary technology. The watch is once again popular because it coincides with the celebration. The price is of course high (TTC more than 180.000 euros), but we always come back to this point, it is an entry ticket to the exclusive club and the world of excellence, combining technology and style. Richard Mille (Richard Mille) absolutely has a magic secret, he knows very well that when the product is satisfactory, the price problem will be reduced.
Replica Richard Mille RM 011 Le Mans Classic Watch
CASE
Tonneau
50.00×42.70
Ceramic
16.15mm
MOVEMENT
Self Winding/Automatic
Manufactured
Swiss Made
GLASS
Sapphire
WATER RESISTANCE
5.00atm / 50.00m / 165.00ft
FUNCTIONS
Hours
Minutes
Seconds
Date
Chronograph
BUCKLE
Pin Buckle
STRAP
Rubber