First look at the six-figure Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph

Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph

The watchmaker partners the British carmaker for the first time to release the bank-breaking timepiece

You’ll need to take a deep breath before you pronounce the name of the first collaboration between high-tech watchmaker Richard Mille and high-tech carmaker McLaren Automotive.

Specifically, it’s the Richard Mille RM 11-03 McLaren Automatic Flyback Chronograph.

And you’ll need another deep breath too, to talk about all the technical details of the new watch. Using TPT case construction (Thin Ply Technology: ultra-thin sheets of composites sandwiched together and the case machined into shape after), the McLaren watch features bold orange silica layers interlaced with unpainted carbon fibre ones.

These are obvious homages to McLaren’s cars, with their signature Volcano Orange paintwork and carbon fibre chassis. Other references include the chronograph pushers (the “empty eye socket” headlights of the McLaren 720S) and the crown (the supercar’s multi-spoke wheels).

As with all RM 11-03 models, the McLaren edition has a 55-hour power reserve, outsized date and a flyback chronograph.

And again, as with many Richard Mille timepieces released in recent times, it will be limited. This time, just 500 pieces will be produced, with priority given to existing McLaren Super Series customers. While prices are upon enquiry, according to Forbes, the watch will cost around US$190,000 (S$254,000).

Richard Mille