RACING SPIRIT
After 4 years of baited breath, episode 10 takes to the stage in July 2022 and will definitely delight all aficionados. On this occasion, the famous watch brand celebrates this date with a special edition.
Initially scheduled for 2020, then for 2021, the upcoming Le Mans Classic is now to be rolled out in 2022 and in 2023 to pay tribute to the 100th anniversary of the first-ever race organized on the legendary racetrack. To celebrate the event, Richard Mille, partner since the 2002 creation of this race, renowned as a must-not-miss for classic racing enthusiasts, unveiled a limited series of just 150 pieces boasting the event’s colors. The RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic case (40.10 x 48.15 x 13.10 mm) is topped with a marbled-green Quartz TPT® bezel decorated with a double white band created with blocks of the same high-tech material. This material has also been used to craft the caseband. The dial stands out from the original model introduced back in 2014 with its 24-hour display off-centered at 2 o’clock. A blue triangular hand hovers over the accurate hour scale, where 16:00 is dressed in orange, a tip of the hat to the race start time.
All the time data as well as the oversized date set at 4 o’clock are animated by a skeletonized automatic movement which can also be admired through the sapphire-crystal caseback. The RMAS7 caliber, equipped with grade 5 titanium components, features a unique variable geometry rotor that drives double winding barrels. It delivers a power reserve of 55 hours to the timepiece.
A white rubber strap boosts the sporty personality of the RM 029 Automatique Le Mans Classic even more.
Price: CHF155,000 VAT-exclu. richardmille.com
By Dan Diaconu