As the neon lights of Las Vegas illuminated the night sky, the roar of Formula 1 engines echoed through the city streets during the 2024 Las Vegas Grand Prix. Amidst the high-stakes racing action, one particular timepiece caught the eye of watch enthusiasts and motorsport fans alike: the Richard Mille adorning the wrist of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.
In this weekend spotlight, we’ll delve into the remarkable features of Leclerc’s Richard Mille watch and explore how it embodies the spirit of both the Las Vegas Grand Prix and the enduring partnership between the luxury watchmaker and the Ferrari racing prodigy.
Richard Mille and Charles Leclerc share a partnership that spans almost a decade. This collaboration has resulted in some of the most innovative and lightweight timepieces in the world of haute horlogerie, perfectly complementing the precision and performance demanded by Formula 1 racing.
The Richard Mille RM 72-01 is a high-end luxury timepiece with several notable features that contribute to its exceptional price point. Here are five of the most important features:
1. In-House Chronograph Movement
The RM 72-01 houses the CRMC1 caliber, Richard Mille’s first in-house chronograph movement. This automatic flyback chronograph movement features:
- A patented double oscillating pinion system for the chronograph functions
- Direct torque transfer from the mainspring barrel to all three chronograph hands
- Constant 50-hour power reserve, regardless of chronograph activation
2. Innovative Chronograph Design
The chronograph mechanism in the RM 72-01 differs from traditional designs:
- It uses a pair of oscillating pinions to connect the chronograph wheels to the timekeeping gear train
- This construction offers advantages similar to a vertical clutch but requires less space, resulting in a thinner movement
3. Compact and Ergonomic Case
Despite its complex movement, the RM 72-01 boasts impressive dimensions:
- Case measurements: 38.40mm x 47.34mm x 11.68mm
- One of the smallest watches in the Richard Mille catalog
- A slim profile allows for comfortable wear on various wrist sizes
4. High-End Materials
The RM 72-01 is available in several premium materials:
- Titanium, 18k red gold, or black and white ceramic options
- Sapphire crystals front and back
- High-density platinum rotor for efficient automatic winding
5. Technical Innovations
The watch incorporates several technical advancements:
- Function indicator to show the position of the crown
- Semi-instantaneous date display
- Freesprung balance with variable inertia for improved precision
The RM 72-01’s high price tag (starting at $188,000 retail) is justified by its cutting-edge movement technology, use of premium materials, limited production, and the brand’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of watchmaking. The in-house chronograph movement, with its innovative design and constant power reserve, represents a significant investment in research and development. Additionally, the complex case construction and meticulous hand-finishing contribute to the overall cost
