Richard Mille Introduces the New RM 65-01 Watch, a Perfect Match for Your McLaren W1 Supercar A top-tier timepiece modeled after one of the greatest supercars of all time.
Few brands have blended performance and aesthetics as seamlessly as Richard Mille and McLaren. Their latest collaboration—the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 watch—is a perfect combination of the strengths of both brands: Richard Mille's exquisite watchmaking craftsmanship and McLaren's relentless pursuit of ultimate performance.
This new split-seconds chronograph is inspired by the simultaneous launch of the latest McLaren W1 supercar (the successor to the legendary F1 and P1 models, if you must know). The automotive world's assessment of this new hot model is: it's a true supercar. They mean it's better, sexier, and faster. Drew Coblitz, a car columnist for *Revolution* magazine, stated, "The McLaren W1 is cool because it's the latest member of McLaren's flagship Ultimate Series, incorporating a wealth of racing-derived innovations. It achieves lightweighting in virtually every conceivable area while still meeting road regulations and boasting over 2,200 pounds of downforce."
"Most hybrid vehicles are known to be very heavy due to their battery packs, but McLaren has successfully reduced the weight of this TTV8 hybrid supercar to just over 3,000 pounds (approximately 1,360 kg). It boasts a powerful 1,258 horsepower and an astonishing power-to-weight ratio (only 2.45 pounds, or about 1.1 kg, per horsepower), with an official 0-124 mph (approximately 200 km/h) acceleration time of just 5.8 seconds. Without a doubt, the W1..." It will be an absolute weapon on the track, while also providing an exhilarating driving experience on the road. So, when you're driving this orange lightning bolt sports car on the track, which watch should you wear?
RM 65-01 McLaren W1 Interior
Since their collaboration in 2016, Richard Mille and McLaren have maintained a shared philosophy of pushing the boundaries of innovation, precision, and performance. Their collaboration has resulted in the lightest split-seconds chronograph to date—the RM 50-03 McLaren F1—as well as the RM 11-03 and RM 40-01, both embodying McLaren's design philosophy and incorporating elements of its supercars.
This philosophy is also reflected in the design of the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 watch, a limited edition of 500 pieces. In 2022, Richard Mille Creative Director Cécile Guenat and his team exclusively acquired the first prototypes of the W1 and drew inspiration from the supercar's aerodynamic structure. This resulted in the RM 65-01 watch featuring a unique double-bezel design, a design itself fraught with engineering challenges. The upper bezel, crafted from carbon fiber TPT and Grade 5 titanium, underwent nine months of development, producing eight prototypes before reaching perfection, with its thinnest point measuring only 0.5 mm.
This material comprises multiple layers of carbon fiber, each impregnated with resin and woven together, capable of withstanding pressures up to 6 bar. Compared to traditional carbon fiber composites, this material offers 25% greater fracture strength and 200% greater resistance to microcracks, making it ideal for high-performance watches and racing cars.
The RMAC4 movement's architecture includes a skeletonized baseplate and bridges crafted from Grade 5 titanium. At its core is a six-column wheel system, ensuring optimal synchronized operation, precise locking, and enhanced durability. The power reserve is approximately 60 hours, while the rapidly oscillating free-sprung balance wheel ensures accuracy to one-tenth of a second. Furthermore, it features a quick-winding mechanism, allowing for rapid winding even after extended periods of inactivity.
Technical Specifications: Richard Mille RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1 Movement: Automatic RMAC4 movement; 60-hour power reserve; Functions: Hours, minutes; small seconds; date display; split-seconds chronograph; 30-minute and 12-hour counters; function selector, quick-winding, and variable geometry rotor; Case: 43.84 mm × 49.94 mm (16.19 mm thick); Carbon fiber TPT; Water resistant to 50 meters; Dial: Grade 5 titanium with black electroplating and micro-blasted finish, satin polished; Strap: Black or orange rubber