Richard Mille Le Mans Classic 2012 & RM050
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Richard Mille Le Mans Classic 2012 & RM050

By 219 · Jul 26, 2012 · 31 replies
219
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Andrew (219) offers a captivating look into the 2012 Le Mans Classic, an event deeply intertwined with Richard Mille's brand identity. He explores how the philosophy of pushing automotive boundaries at Le Mans mirrors Richard Mille's approach to watchmaking, drawing parallels between racing car development and the evolution of high-performance timepieces. This article provides valuable context for understanding the brand's enduring connection to motorsport and its influence on their technical innovations.

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[The running start is still a feature of the Le Mans Classic – where applicable. The running start ended after 1969 when Jacky Ickx refused to run to his GT40. Ickx walked, started his car, and duly won the race. One of the closest finishes in Le Mans history, Ickx in his GT40 traded places with Herrmann in his Porsche 908 throughout the final lap]



This was the sixth time that the Le Mans Classic had been run at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans. What is notable is that the event is as old as the Richard Mille SA company itself. This was the first sponsorship deal Richard signed, for something that was close to his heart and interests, and the event has grown along with the success of Richard Mille. This was the fourth time I had been invited along to enjoy the cars being pushed to the limit on the circuit where they once raced.


[The quintessential Le Mans Classic car: the Ferrari 250 LM leaving the pit lane]


[The all conquering Porsche 917 from 1970: the car that made the Porsche marque at the Le Mans 24 Heures]

Le Mans has always been a particular race where cars have made their marque. A car firm’s reputation could be made or lost in the race itself. A car firm could learn from the Le Mans race and this would feed through into the production line. It struck me that this same philosophy has been used by Richard in his watches. There is the research end that produces watches such as the RM006, RM027 and RM050, and what was learned from the technology, the new materials, the method for manufacture fed through in time to the rest of the Richard Mille watch line.


[A pattern language and a rare sighting; from right to top left: RM027, RM011 Carbon, RM035]

As Richard Mille SA is now 12 years old, it is now possible to look back and see some of the ways this racing car/production car philosophy has influenced the progression of the watches. As this was a classic car race, it is also worth considering how Le Mans influenced a couple of (English – yes I know, I am biased on that one) car manufacturers so that they truly did make their marque at Le Mans.


[Making Ford’s marque at Le Mans, a GT40 flies through the finishing straight in front of the stands]

About the Richard Mille Flyback Chronograph Felipe Massa Ref. RM011

The Richard Mille RM011 Flyback Chronograph Felipe Massa represents the brand's RM 011 series, distinguished by its flyback chronograph functionality within a 40mm case format. This reference was produced from 2007 to 2020, establishing it as a multi-year production model within Richard Mille's contemporary lineup.

The watch features a 40mm titanium case fitted with a fixed bezel and sapphire crystal. The skeletonized dial construction provides visibility of the internal components. The automatic RMAC1 caliber delivers 55 hours of power reserve, while water resistance extends to 50 meters. The timepiece is completed with a rubber strap.

This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's flyback chronograph complications in a titanium construction. The 13-year production span from 2007 to 2020 makes examples readily available across different production periods. The 40mm case size and rubber strap configuration position this model for those prioritizing technical complications within Richard Mille's sports watch category.

Specifications

Caliber
RMAC1
Case
Titanium
Diameter
40 mm
Dial
Skeletonized
Water Resist.
50m
Crystal
Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

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The Discussion
21
219
Jul 26, 2012
Making their marque: Bentley.

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww45/andrh_ppro/LMC2012/lm_1_19.jpg [Two of the ‘blower’ Bentley’s in the racing paddock.] Initially, Walter Owen Bentley (known as W.O. to one and all) was not interested in the fledgling endurance race held in a small town in north western France. However, by chance, a private entry in the second running of the race won, W.O. was encouraged to see the race for himself, and thereafter was hooked. The initial decade of the Le Mans du 24 Heures arguably belonged

FO
foversta
Aug 2, 2012
I love these powerful Bentley of the 20's.

They make me think about one which belongs to the Ralph Lauren's collection. Thanks a lot for the superb pics! Fx

21
219
Aug 5, 2012
I have to confess that I have a soft spot for the old 20's Bentleys

Even though most prefer the Bugatti's. Great to see them race against each other again and that is the joy of the Le Mans Classic. Thanks Andrew H

21
219
Jul 26, 2012
Making their marque: Jaguar.

http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww45/andrh_ppro/LMC2012/lm_1_24.jpg [The future car ‘now’: the alluring curves of the 1955 Jaguar D-Type] http://i704.photobucket.com/albums/ww45/andrh_ppro/LMC2012/lm_1_23.jpg As post-war austerity gave way to post-war growth, a small car firm in England emerged as the new racing force for both the new speed minded persona and for Le Mans. Jaguar had existed before the war, as part of the Swallow Sidecar Company, but it was the post-war car firm, headed by Sir

DO
DonCorson
Jul 31, 2012
Love those Jags

The D-type is marvelious, but the C-type is so classic (at least now) C-type gets my vote. Don

21
219
Aug 12, 2012
For me - loved the D-Types that were being raced

for all they were worth. I have to admire the owners of these cars that will still push the speed limit in machinery that is over 50 years old! Thanks Andrew H

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