Image: DPPI

Richard Mille has been associated with high-tech timepieces since the establishment of his namesake brand in 2001. The magnificent pieces that come out of this premium manufacturing are a monument to the brand’s exceptional attention to research and invention, where the timepiece pieces are as much a visual delight as they are a technological wonder. The watch brand has won many hearts over the years and is popular among celebrities and athletes. Richard Mille’s watches are distinctive: skeletonised with a tonneau-shaped case that sits comfortably on the wrist; on average, a watch weighs 40 grams.

Image: DPPI

Aside from its role as a timekeeper on the wrist, watchmakers often take it to a higher level. Richard Mille has been a long-time partner of Le Mans Classic since its inception in 2002, much as Rolex is the official timekeeper for F1 and Omega is for the Olympics. The namesake creator is a well-known vehicle lover, particularly of historic racing cars, thus it was only natural that he would be one half of the team that developed the Le Mans Classic.

Drivers from all around the world would attend the yearly event, which involves over 700 racing vehicles on track and 8,500 historic automobiles on exhibit. To promote the principles of motorsport, Richard Mille has created seven timepieces devoted to the race, the most recent of which is the “RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic,” which is restricted to just 150 pieces. The limited series honors performance, durability, and dependability, and is a fitting homage to the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Sporty Attributes

Image: Richard Mill

The 49mm x 40mm case has a white Quartz TPT (Thin Ply Technology) mid-case and front and back green Quartz TPT bezels. TPT, Richard Mille’s distinctive design, is made out of ultra-thin unidirectional sheets of carbon fiber bonded with quartz fibers. The importance of carbon fibers in motorsports is exemplified by the RM 029 Automatic Le Mans Classic, which epitomizes the brand’s athletic side.

The front bezel has a white inlay and top and bottom double stripes in the classic Le Mans design. These sleek lines complement the white rubber straps, and the material is pleasant to wear on the wrist while drivers accelerate around the North-Western track of Le Mans in their 1960s Ferrari or Ford.

Image: Richard Mille

The sapphire crystals on the front and back of the Richard Mille 029 Le Mans Classic timepiece. The front displays the time, while the rear displays the mesmerizing calibre RMSA7 movement. The automated winding method of the movement provides energy to two barrels, which combined provide a power reserve of roughly 55 hours. Meanwhile, the rotor may be tuned to the wearer’s degree of activity, enabling ultimate precision similar to that of a race vehicle.

10th Edition of Le Mans Classic & Centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Chevrolet Corvette C5-R, 2000 during the Le Mans Classic 2022 from June 30 to July 3, 2022 on the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, in Le Mans, France. Image: DPPI

After a four-year wait, the tenth edition of the Le Mans Classic took place from June 30 to July 3, 2022, and the racing event poured new life into the Sarthe area of France. 750 race vehicles that had previously distinguished themselves at Le Mans between the 1920s and 1980s were divided into six grids and mastered the famed roads, masked by the lovely summer days.

Some of the legendary automobiles from the past may be seen during the events, such the Bugatti T35, Jaguar Type D, Lotus 15, Ford GT 40, Lola T70, and Chevron B31. These are the mechanical animals that took first place in their respective age groups.

Image: DPPI

Other supporting races featured during the event include the Group C category, when a field of about 50 cars that raced between 1982 and 1993 showcased their skill in a demonstration grid. In addition, the Endurance Racing Legends ushered in a new era of Le Mans Classics with a stunning qualifying event featuring vehicles that appeal to young viewers. The race currently spans the whole history of the Le Mans 24 Hours, from 1923 to 2010.

Aside from commemorating the 10th edition of the Le Mans Classic, summer 2023 will mark the centennial of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The success of this year’s Le Mans Historic underlines its standing as the world’s greatest gathering of classic vehicles and a must-see classic motorsport event.