My opinion on this RM 65-01 McLaren W1
The rapprochement between Richard Mille and McLaren is almost natural as the two manufacturers are so similar.
- by their reputation: that of being the best in their respective universe;
- by their positioning: high-performance “products” on which everything is designed to be useful and optimized – comfort, resistance, precision, maneuverability, ergonomics, etc.;
- and finally by the materials they use, the two manufacturers using innovative materials which combine robustness and lightness.
For this 4th collaboration, the McLaren W1 inspired the design and conception of this new RM 65-01 Automatic Split-seconds Chronograph.
The result is a piece that certainly has the identity of Richard Mille production but is imbued with the DNA of McLaren in general and this W1 in particular.
Extremely sporty, stylish and powered by the most efficient automatic chronograph movement from Maison des Breleux, this new RM has all the assets to attract customers looking for an exceptional timepiece.
Technical Characteristics Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1
– Limited series of 500 copies
– TPT® Carbon Case
– Dimensions : 43,84 x 49,94 x 16,19 mm
CALIBER RMAC4
Skeletonized self-winding movement with hours, minutes, seconds at 6 o’clock, date, split-seconds chronograph with 30-minute counter at 3 o’clock, 12-hour counter at 9 o’clock, function selector, quick-winding and variable geometry rotor
Dimensions : 31,78 x 29,98 x 8,69 mm
Number of rubies: 51
Balance wheel: Glucydur®, with 4 arms and 4 adjustment weights, moment of inertia 7.5 mg•cm2, lifting angle 53°
Frequency: 36,000 vibrations per hour (5 Hz)
Spiral : AK3
Assemblage of the Indies: Triovis No. 2
MAIN FEATURES
POWER RESERVE
Approximately 60 hours (-/+10%), chronograph function when stopped.
The actual power reserve depends on the time the chronograph function is used.
GRADE 5 TITANIUM PLATE AND BRIDGES
The plate is gray electroplasma treated and the bridges are black PVD and gray electroplasma treated. Grade 5 titanium is a biocompatible alloy which offers very high resistance to corrosion and remarkable rigidity, thus allowing very good operation of the gear train. This alloy is composed of 90% grade 5 titanium, 6% aluminum and 4% vanadium. This combination increases the mechanical properties of the material, which is why it is frequently used in the aerospace, aeronautics and automotive industries.
The RMAC4 caliber plate has been optimized to obtain an extremely low weight/strength ratio.
The plate and skeletonized bridges have been subjected to demanding individual validation tests in order to optimize their resistance capabilities.
CHRONOGRAPH WITH SINGLE-HEAD CHRONOGRAPH
The modern architecture of this movement allows for a coherent and rational arrangement of its components. It avoids unnecessary overlaps and uses technical solutions to optimize the use of functions.
Controlling the different toggles of the split-seconds, the 6-column wheel optimizes the operation of the chronograph. It ensures optimized simultaneity of movements, maximum locking of functions and greater durability of settings.
The almost total elimination of the jump of the chronograph seconds hand and the reduction in the energy consumption of these mechanisms are the result of numerous studies which have made it possible to design and manufacture dedicated toothed wheels and rockers.
FUNCTION SELECTOR
A pusher located in the center of the crown allows you to select winding, setting the date or setting the time with a simple press, like on the gear shift selector in a car.
A hand at 4 o’clock displays the chosen function.
DATE DISPLAY
Semi-instantaneous, in a vertical aperture at 11 o’clock.
QUICK WINDING MECHANISM
Located at 8 o’clock, this push button allows the barrel to be completely recharged. This function is ideal for quickly resetting the watch if it has not been worn for a long time.
HIGH FREQUENCY BALANCER WITH VARIABLE INERTIA
Beating at a frequency of 5 Hz (36,000 vibrations per hour), this balance guarantees greater reliability in the event of shocks and during assembly and disassembly of the movement. Chronometric precision is improved in the long term, thus giving time more precisely. The ability of this new type of balance wheel created by Richard Mille to measure precisely down to a tenth of a second is ideal for a split-seconds chronograph during sporting activities.
The racket index is removed. The finer and repeatable adjustment of the inertia is done directly on the balance thanks to 4 adjustable weights.
VARIABLE GEOMETRY ROTOR
The RM 65-01 is equipped with a variable geometry system to optimize the winding movement of the rotor.
Rotor characteristics:
• Central flange in grade 5 titanium
• Platinum ground segment with 3 adjustment positions
• Brass fins
• Ceramic ball bearings
• Bidirectional winding mechanism
FAST ROTATING BARREL (one revolution in 5.5 hours instead of 7.5 hours)
This type of barrel has the following advantages:
• The recurring phenomenon of internal adhesion of the barrel spring is considerably reduced, which improves performance;
• Excellent delta of the barrel spring curve, with an ideal power reserve/performance/regularity ratio.
GRADE 5 TITANIUM SPLINE SCREWS FOR BRIDGES AND HOUSING
Spline screws provide greater torque control during assembly. They are perfectly resistant to assembly or disassembly operations and are not very subject to aging.
FINISHES
MOVEMENT
• Platinum and bridges in titanium, wet sandblasted and treated with PVD and electroplasma
• Hand beveling and polishing
• Hand polished blocks
• Rolled pivots (burnishing)
• Diamond moldings
• Sprockets with pitting
• Sandblasted, rhodium-plated and beveled wheels
STEEL PARTS
• Sapphire microblasted surfaces
• Hand beveling and polishing
• Strapped and polished screws and slots, rounded and polished tips
WHEELS
• Diamond moldings
• Circular decorations on the faces
• Rhodium plating (before cutting the teeth)
• Corrections made to the wheels are minimal in order to preserve their geometry and performance
HOUSING
Dimensions : 43,84 x 49,94 x 16,19 mm
CROWN
In microblasted, polished and satin grade 5 titanium with double O-ring and rubber collar.
INTERIOR HEIGHT
Made of carbon fiber filled with an approved luminescent coating.
DIAL
In grade 5 titanium with black galvanic treatment, microblasted and satin finish.
GLACE
Bezel side
• Sapphire crystal (1800 Vickers) with anti-reflective treatment (on both sides)
• Thickness: 1.50 mm minimum
Bottom side
Sapphire crystal with anti-reflective treatment (both sides)
Thickness: 1.20mm in the center and 2.04mm at the periphery
