Introducing: The Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph (Live Pics, Specs, And Pricing)

March 07, 2018

When I got the call from Richard Mille to join its team at this years Geneva Motor Show, I was sure about one thing C the watch unveiled wouldn't fly under the radar. While guaranteed to be packed full of material innovation, it would almost inevitably not be everybodys cup of tea. The all new RM 11-03 didn't disappoint.?Richard Mille and McLaren Automotive partnered last year, and this is the first watch they have produced as a team. ?The watch is the joint vision of McLaren Design Director Rob Melville and Richard Mille Engineer Fabrice Namura. Limited to just 500 pieces globally, and priced at an eye watering $191,500, the watch will be made available initially to McLaren Ultimate Series clients. If you buy the car you will get first dibs on the same number watch (sadly you can't buy the watch and not the car, at least for now). ?The automatic RMAC3 calibre movement was first launched in 2016, and features a flyback chronograph and 55-hour power reserve. Why This Watch Matters Beyond the fact that it's the first in the partnership, the watch itself is mad. When two performance focused organisations come together, it's only right the outcome is extreme. From a design perspective, the RM 11-03 takes inspiration from McLarens cars of yesteryear. For example, the titanium pushers have been made to look like the headlights of the McLaren 720S. The titanium inserts are similar in shape to the McLaren F1s air-intake snorkel. The complex grade 5 titanium crown is shaped like a McLaren wheel (with the McLaren logo applied to the bezel at 6 0clock).?The case is made of Carbon TPT interwoven with Orange Quartz TPT; TPT stands for Thin Ply Technology, a method for layering carbon fiber that Richard Mille first introduced in 2013. The darker layers are carbon fiber, while the magma orange layers are silica fiber (the orange color, of course, is iconic for McLaren).? The RMAC3 calibre visible through the caseback Initial Thoughts While its not for me from an aesthetic perspective, I think the use of high technology materials needs to be celebrated. The fact that Richard Mille actually created a new baseplate and bridges for the RM 11-03 McLaren made from PVD-treated grade 5 titanium (all for improved gear train functionality) is super cool.??Those of you familiar with the RM11-02 Ceramic and RM11-02 NPTP will recognize the additional pusher at 9 oclock (used for setting the second time zone) and at 2 and 5 for the chronograph stop/start and reset functions. Like all Richard Mille movements, the RMAC3 calibre is meticulously chamfered and polished by hand.?The dial features an annual calendar and oversized date, as well as a 12-hour chronograph and countdown counters and yellow accents on the hour markers.?If this is the start, it's hard to imagine where these two go next.? The RM 11-03 on the wrist The Basics Brand: Richard Mille Model: ?RM 11-03 ???Dimensions: 49.94 x 44.50 x 16.23 mm.Case Material: ?Carbon TPT? Strap/Bracelet: Rubber? Rob Melville, Design Director for McLaren The Movement Caliber: ?RMAC3 calibre ?Functions: ?Annual Calendar and Flyback Chronograph Power Reserve: 55 hours Other Features: baseplate and bridges in grade 5 titanium; variable geometry rotor with 18 white gold segment; oversized, semi-instantaeous date display; free sprung, variable inertia balance. Pricing & Availability Price: $191,500 plus taxAvailability: Available initially to McLaren Ultimate Series clients Limited Edition: Limited to 500For more click here.