Richard Mille has released a new limited edition flyback chronograph to celebrate the 100 years of 24 Hours of Le Mans endurance racing. The timepiece also honors the biennial Le Mans Classic, a vintage racing event that will be held on the same Circuit de la Sarthe racetrack from June 29th to July 2nd. In fact, Richard Mille has been a partner of the Le Mans Classic since it started in 2002 and had been producing a special version for the event since 2008. Aptly named the RM 72-01 Le Mans Classic, the celebratory timepiece is a special iteration of the watchmaker’s RM 72-01 Flyback Chronograph. The exclusive timepiece wears a beautiful color scheme that combines green and white, the official hues of the event.
The limited edition features a white and green Quartz TPT case along with a matching white colored rubber strap. The signature tonneau-shaped case measures 38.4mm x 11.68mm x 47.34mm. The watch is mechanically identical to all the iterations of RM 72-01 we’ve seen so far. The green and white color combination is continued on the skeletonized dial. Furthermore, the date marker and a special Le Mans Classic logo feature chequered flag designs, while the “16” marking on the hour counter is highlighted in red.
Inside the case is the in-house CRMC-1 caliber, Richard Mille’s first flyback chronograph movement. Ticking at 4Hz, the movement is equipped with essential functions, including a 24-hour chronograph and a big date display, and offers 50 hours of power reserve. The movement can be seen through the limited edition’s transparent sapphire crystal caseback.
Limited to just 150 units, Richard Mille’s RM-72-01 Le Mans Classic watch can be yours for $335,000. You might remember that Rolex also released a special edition timepiece this year as a tribute to the toughest endurance race in the world. The timepieces with etched casebacks were given to the winning drivers.
