Table of contents:

Richard Mille Unveils The RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic”

Haven’t we been here before watch peeps? A new watch to mark a century of the most thrilling endurance race on the planet - Le Mans? Well, you would be right. If you want to see our thoughts on the new Rolex Daytona Le Mans Cosmograph reference 126529LN (panda dial and all), check out our review here.

However, this time around we are concentrating our time and meticulous efforts on the new Richard Mille RM 72-01 "Le Mans Classic'' release. This limited edition watch is as scintillating as Elton John’s performance on the Pyramid stage at Glastonbury 2023. Apparently more than 100,000 people were in attendance for the Rocket Man. Yet we ain’t gonna keep you still standing for very long Timelords!

Speeding its way into the horological universe, this follows the epic Le Mans 24 hours race hosted at the infamous Circuit de la Sarthe just a few weeks ago. Taking place every two years, the Le Mans Classic revs up at the same venue to welcome vintage car fans and of course watch enthusiasts between June 29th and July 2nd. Paying tribute to both the epic 24 Hours of Le Mans race and the 11th meetings of the Le Mans Classic, Richard Mille is at it again with its bold and bright watches.

The horological hounds over at Hypebeast have also had their ears perked to this release in their “Richard Mille Dedicates a Limited-Edition RM 72-01 for the 24 Hours of Le Mans” article. They similarly found that the watch is “Doused in the event’s emblematic hues” and is an ode to “100 years of 24 Hours of Le Mans Race”. There are worse ways to celebrate!

Despite the fetching dark leafy green and white Quartz TPT case, not much has changed regarding aesthetics from the initial Richard Mille RM 72-01 watches, introduced in 2020. Featuring the first ever in-house chronograph from Richard Mille, let’s reveal if it’s really worth your time.

Richard Mille And Le Mans Classic

Here are the stats that John Motson would be proud of. 8,500 vintage cars, 150+ exhibitors, 1,000 drivers and 200,000 spectators. It can only mean one thing…Le Mans Classic. Starting June the 29th for three days, Richard Mille and their watches have been part of this biennial series of events since its inception in 2002.

Source: La Cote Des Montres

This motorsport fixture is massive, even more so thanks to the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race in 2023. And colossal events deserve gigantic brands and stars. Just like Glastonbury, there is a star studded line up this year with a host of car manufacturers and celebs.

This ranges from Bentley, Mclaren and Porsche to 22 time Grand Slam Champ Rafael Nadal. Oh, we forgot to mention he is also “friend of the watch brand,” Richard Mille. As the avid horophiles that you are, you will no doubt know his unwavering love affair with their watches.

Richard Mille produced a watch for the Spanish tennis legend while on the court. After 5 prototypes were smashed to bits, the RM 027 was launched weighing less than 25 grams. Furthermore the discontinued RM 35-2 Automatic Rafael Nadal is another watch that is as hard to find as Lord Lucan. With a former RRP of circa £110,000 you will be hard pressed to find any of these watches lying around with secondary market prices up to three or four times.

Nadal will be serving up plenty of attention with his appearance at the 2023 Le Mans Classic. On Day 1, he will be waving the special tricolour flag at 16:00pm (with the number 16 appearing on the new watch underlined in red as a nod to the start time) to ensure Stage 1 gets underway smoothly!

Gentlemen, time to start your engines please.

Personality Of The New Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic”

Now it’s time to get up close and personal with the new Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic” chronograph watch. For 15 years, the Swiss powerhouse has been manufacturing special edition watches for Le Mans Classic race, starting in 2008 when football came home…to the Spaniards after their 1-0 victory over Germany at The Euros.

Source: RM

The finish is just as striking on the new white and green Quartz TPT tonneau shaped case which screams Richard Mille. Measuring 38.4mm, it has not changed form when compared to the current iterations of the RM 72-01 aside from a few different materials. The colourways have though been adopted on a handful of other Richard Mille watches like the RM11-02 and RM 029. So what is exactly getting all watch fans hot under the horological collar? For starters, the new Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic” gives a nod to the tones that make up this prestigious event. Again, similar to previous RM 72-01 models the height and thickness of the watch remains the same at 47.34mm and 11.68mm respectively.

We like the pushers have been redesigned specially on the chronograph function while the case composition is just as impressive. This is thanks to a composite material that is made up of many thin quartz fibres that compliment the case beautifully. Of course the green and white visuals dominate this terrifically expensive timepiece that is certainly easy on the eye. This can be seen on the crown, tachymeter and the vintage Le Mans emblem situated at 11 o’ clock.

Source: RM

Made from grade 5 titanium, the chequered flag accent is emphasised for all on show, representing a date window at 7 o’clock. This further showcases the brand’s deep-lying motorsport connection to Le Mans Classic race. Green and white colourways can also be seen throughout the sub-dials with bright orange hues, in particular on the arrow tipped second hand. Ideal as a summer watch, pair it with a racing green polo, smart white chinos or dark tones to really emanate that uber luxury feel.

Source: RM

The running seconds are positioned next to the sub-dial at 9’ o'clock with the elapsed time monitored via the 24 hour and 60 minute functions. These elements can be found at both 2 o’ clock and 5 o’ clock. Meanwhile, there are not one but two chronograph registers with a function element that displays the existing crown location which works identically to the gearbox on a car. This is reflected by one of three aspects;

D - Date Adjustment.
W - Winding
H - Hand Setting

Look out for the special digit “16”, emblazoned in red on the 24 hour chronograph counter as a tribute to the start time of this most historic endurance race. Made from titanium, the central skeletonized dial is a joy for many petrol heads and horophiles alike that bears resemblance to the Le Mans track. This particular balance wheel within the new New Richard Mille RM 72-01

“Le Mans Classic '' ensures much better accuracy. This is especially when experiencing any shocks which will result in significantly better long term chronometric performance. Available in a matching white strap made of rubber complete with titanium deployant clasp, form and function collide yet again to deliver a showstopping race-inspired chronograph watch that sets the bar high…as well as the price.

CRMC-1 Movement

Beating at 4Hz and powered by the CRMC-1 automatic movement, this calibre is home to a number of different functions such as a 24 hour chronograph, large date display and function indicator.

Source: RM

Plus, there are many timekeeping factors to keep you watch nerds busy like stop seconds, solid platinum rotor and a fully patented double oscillating pinion clutch mechanism which benefits from added torque. This plays a pivotal role in the watches flyback chronograph function which can be seen in other tasty offerings from the RM 72-01 lineup.

Thanks to its column wheel, the CRMC-1 movement has the ability to measure times across one entire day while you can admire the sapphire crystal caseback effortlessly. It is a real thing of beauty to rival any beauty pageant contest.

The baseplate and bridges are made from grade 5 titanium which are extremely corrosion resistant with a robust alloy. This makes the gear train run perfectly. Providing a 50 hour power reserve, it means you can jet off for that last minute business meeting and still be back in time for Monday morning.

Other Specs

Lug to Lug distance: 47.34mm
Functions: Hours, minutes, small seconds, date, flyback chronograph, function indicator, stop seconds
Movement Thickness: 6.05mm
Jewels: 39
Water Resistance: 30 metres
Limited Edition: Yes
Balance Spring: AK3
Movement measurements: 29.10mm x 31.25mm

How Much Does A Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic” Cost?

Announced with a limited run of just 150 pieces, you can buy a Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic” for around a cool £260,000…at the time of writing

What’s Our View?

Here comes the drop. The new Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic” is not going to be that refined piece for your collection like the Royal Oak or Nautilus. Is it a dress watch? We aint so sure. But what we are sure of is that sense of glamour that evokes all manner of Richard Mille watches, making them excellent investment potential…if you can find one!

So does Richard Mille have resale value? In fact, pre-owned Richard Mille watches garner even more value than new models due to a number of factors such as top end quality, low production rate (5,000 pieces annually) and overwhelming popularity.

As for this new watch…Yes, we love the flyback chronograph function and their close relationship with motorsport since 2002. Together with pioneering materials alongside some of the savviest marketing in the watchmaking business today, isn’t it a wonder that many Richard Mille watches sell out before the box is opened?

They have managed to construct their own unique platform that means there’s a clear reason why Richard Mille watches are otherwise deemed "the secret billionaire's handshake.” This is shown in some of the most expensive Richard Mille watches of all time featuring;

RM 001 Tourbillon.
RM 022 AM CA.
RM 027 AK-CA Prototype, around 2010.
RM 056 Prototype No. 2, around 2012.
RM 07-02 'Pink Lady', around 2016.

According to the brand, who have called it “a racing machine on the wrist,” it certainly lives up to its energetic expectations. Nothing really grinds my gears…barring the price but heck, it’s Richard Mille after all. You pay for what you get.

Conclusion

Move over Rolex. There's a new racing chronograph contender in town. But is the timekeeping sphere big enough for both of them? You can see the automotive world which is evident via the new Richard Mille RM 72-01 “Le Mans Classic''. Right down to the majestic openworked movement, befitting of the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe.

This horological journey with Le Mans Classic coupled with the 24 Hours of Le Mans race shows just what Richard Mille is capable of through this new timepiece. A perfect target market with deep, deep pockets, no doubt secondary market prices will be as eye-popping as the price.

Looking to buy a Richard Mille pre-owned? Is it time to sell a Richard Mille for the best price possible? Then discuss your options with Chrono Hunter. Whether purchase or sale, contact us here to find out more. Enjoy the safest platform possible thanks to our trusted network of luxury watch retailers. Receive multiple offers and accept which one is right for you. With peerless service, expert brand knowledge and more than 900 five star reviews on Trustpilot, we are your essential source to buy a watch or sell a watch.

Discover, hunt, buy, sell

Buy Or Sell A Luxury Watch The Smart Way With Chrono Hunter

If you are considering your new purchase or perhaps the sale of a beloved timepiece, Chrono Hunter is the smart way to buy or sell a luxury watch.

Compare Offers from the world's most reputable luxury watch retailers.

Save Time.

Save Money.

Personalised Service.

Hassle-Free.