Take Things Up A Gear By Adding The Richard Mille Le Mans Classic Chronograph Watch Ref #550 To Your Collection

When making one's way through the world of ultra-luxury watches, it is an absolute must to make a whirlwind pit-stop with Richard Mille. Here, we find a brand that veritably altered the trajectory of luxury watch manufacturing all together at its inception near twenty years ago. Mille, a veteran within the world of horology-most-decadent, created the brand in collaboration with his long-term friend, Dominique Guenat, out of necessity. He simply could not find a watch that met up to his visionary aspirations. If such timepieces were to be brought to life, he knew, it would be necessary to create them himself. And so, that is exactly what he did.

A Brand Of Unparalleled Aspiration

Mille had cut an extraordinary career in the world of watchmaking, with a stretch managing Matra's watchmaking business, and a master hand in the horological arm of jewelry firm Mauboussin. Despite the exceptional achievement, Mille had a vision for something greater. He noted that while the automotive, aeronautic, and communications industries had made meteoric leaps forwards in terms of material choices and technological advancement, the world of horology had kept one foot firmly planted in the past. While precious metals denoted classic value, craftsmanship, and weight on the wrist in terms of watchmaking, he dreamed of the potential that could be unlocked if tech innovation was applied to the creation of timepieces. It was exactly this concept that drove the creation of the RM 001 Tourbillon – the first watch presented to the world under the new brand name Richard Mille.

The RM 001 was specifically inspired by the forms and materials found within Formula One race cars. Mille's vision required that each and every component know no limits in terms of what could be achieved. His interest was not only in aesthetic beauty, but very firmly in accuracy, efficiency, and shock resistance. Such ambition led the brand towards cutting-edge materials such as titanium, carbon nanofibres, Phynox, Aluminum-Lithium, and graphene, among others. Every element was to be bespoke, achieving feats such as the lightest Tourbillon watch ever created – the RM 27-01 Rafael Nadal Tourbillon – stunning the world at only 18.84 grams including the strap. Mille's passion for the pursuits of speed has always played a pivotal role in his watch design strategies. In that sense, it comes as no surprise that he retains an active role in the world of racing, alongside his horological endeavors.

The Le Mans Classic Race

Near the town of Le Mans, France, there is a car racetrack that has remained in use since 1923. Here, the world's oldest active sports car endurance race continues to draw vast crowds each year, as drivers attempt to cover the greatest distance within a 24-hour time period. While the main annual event features contemporary race cars, those with a taste for the history of racing instead turn their attention to the Le Mans Classic. This biannual event allows vintage race cars from different eras to race the prestigious track. And here, we discover the vision of Richard Mille, taking a different form. Mille conceptualized the race with co-creator Peter Auto in 2002 – in parallel with the first wristwatch releases from his namesake brand.

To compete in the Le Mans Classic, drivers must be of a professional level, with an FIA International Competition license. Their vehicles of choice must be of 1979 or older, creating a magical opportunity for viewers to experience the history of car racing demonstrated by divers of exceptional caliber. Cars are split into six categories, defined by era, creating a more equal footing in terms of competition. The oldest era of automobiles entered is 1923-1939, or pre-WWII. As with its conventional counterpart, each race is of the endurance variety, lasting a full 24 hours before a winner is declared. Since 2005, a parallel Le Mans Classic Japan takes place in the foothills of Mount Fuji, filling the alternate years in which the Classic event is not hosted in France.

An Accessible Opportunity Within The Richard Mille Timeline

To celebrate those initial years of the Le Mans Classic, Richard Mille released a limited edition of chronographs, under ref. #550. A total number of 700 pieces were created: 600 in stainless steel, 50 in rose gold, and 50 in white gold. These divinely vintage-inspired chronographs retain the unmistakable Richard Mille aesthetic while being available within today's collectors' market at a price point far more accessible than other legacy pieces from the Richard Mille timeline. Within the limited series, some of the Le Mans Classic ref. #550 wristwatches were geographically allocated. Those hoping to acquire one of these hugely desirable timepieces will note that while some simply feature their number allocation on the case back, others note a location and year, such as those released for the Japanese event in 2005, which read “LE MANS CLASSIC JAPAN LIMITED 2005”.

Fans of the now 80 model strong Richard Mille back catalog will know that many pieces appearing at auction comfortably collect six-figure sums, while current collections retail anywhere from $180,000 to over a million. While the ownership of such exquisite horological creations may be exclusive to the realm of celebrities, athletes, and the notably wealthy, fans of the brand may discover that the Le Mans Classic ref. #550 wristwatch can be claimed for a far more modest sum. In this particular timepiece, a divine symbol can be found of Mille's momentous passion for all things automotive, and the intersection of this passion with his watchmaking endeavors. From the whimsically curvaceous Arabic numerals to the evident tribute to a bygone era of motor racing, the ref. #550 represents an excellent opportunity for collectors and fans alike, to own a piece of horological and car racing history.

The limited edition Richard Mille Le Mans Classic Chronograph watch will be made available by Baer & Bosch Auctioneers at their anniversary Cultured Space auction on August 14, 2021. You can register to bid live or leave an absentee bid at Baer & Bosch on Liveauctioneers.