In celebration of 100 years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, Richard Mille has launched a limited-edition flyback chronograph
Richard Mille has had a longstanding connection with the world of sports, most notably with motor racing. Since 2002, the Swiss luxury watch manufacturer has partnered with Le Mans Classic, the biennial vintage sports car event that takes place on the same grounds as the prestigious endurance-focused sports car race, 24 Hours of Le Mans, in France.
In addition to its strong commitment to the sporting event, Richard Mille has developed a special watch for every Le Mans Classic edition since 2008, each one in the event’s signature colours of green and white. This year, which marks the 100th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans as well as the 11th edition of Le Mans Classic, is no different.
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To celebrate the momentous milestone, Richard Mille has launched the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic, which is limited to 150 pieces and made in green and white Quarts TPT. Sure to be a coveted collector’s piece, the RM 72-01 LMC also boasts the company's first flyback chronograph, featuring a patented double oscillating pinion clutch mechanism for optimum performance. Made for everyday wear, the redesigned self-winding movement with hours, minutes, small seconds, date, and a function indicator offers a 50-hour power reserve, whether or not the chronograph is in use.
On the skeletonised dial, the 16 on the hour counter is underlined in red, in a nod to the traditional start time of the endurance race. The pattern of the Le Mans chequered flag also features on the titanium dial, housed in a 38.40 mm x 47.34 mm x 11.68 mm case.
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