The legendary Le Mans Classic race will return in 2022 and exceptionally also the following year, on the occasion of the centenary of the first race ever run on the transalpine circuit. Usually, 700 historic racing cars take to the track together with another 8,500 in the 'Club' areas. It is more than likely that next year's event will surpass the record of 135,000 spectators set when the race was last held in 2018. To celebrate the return of this major event, Richard Mille has created the eighth model dedicated to the competition, of which the Geneva-based manufacturer has been a partner since its inception in 2002. The brand has therefore recently created a limited edition of 150 pieces, the RM 029 Le Mans Classic Automatic, with a case measuring 40.1 x 48.15 mm (the thickness is 13.1 mm), employing a central part machined from a single block of white Quartz TPT, between the bezel and back made of green Quartz TPT. The bezel is distinguished by the characteristic double stripes typical of Le Mans, made of white Quartz TPT, applied in green Quartz TPT at 12 and 6 o'clock. The vibrancy of this colour combination is highlighted by the sporty, breathable white rubber strap, which guarantees optimal comfort. The skeleton IWC-manufactured RMAS7 movement (dimensions 30.25 x 28.45 mm, thickness 5.83 mm, 32 jewels, 28,800 vibrations per hour, Glucydur balance, Incabloc shock-absorption system, grade 5 titanium plate and bridges, titanium rotor with 18-carat white gold peripheral mass), with an oversized date display at 4 o'clock and an exclusive automatic winding system with an adjustable rotor geometry, is equipped with two barrels, guaranteeing a power reserve of around 55 hours. On the sapphire dial, a 24-hour counter positioned at 2 o'clock pays tribute not only to the duration of the competition, but also to the hundreds of cars and drivers taking turns during the race, starting at 4 p.m., the starting time of the competition itself, highlighted in orange. Finally, both the dial and back are protected by a double anti-reflective sapphire crystal.
Price: 155,000 Swiss francs.
