The silence around Le Mans has been disturbing for the past two years. Anyone familiar with the world’s most famous historic motor racing event knows that every July 2, the city vibrates with the rumble of cars on the scalding asphalt in the distance. The legendary Le Mans Classic will return not only in 2022, but also the following year, in 2023, on the 13th anniversary of the first race of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Typically 700 historic racers will race the track along with 8,500 racers in the “club” area. Next year’s event is likely to break the record of 135,000 spectators, the last in 2018. Around 8° models are dedicated to this event, of which Richard Mille has been a partner since its creation in 2002. The brand released a watch to celebrate the competition, the RM 029 Le Mans Classic Automatic. Fans will immediately recognize the timeless green and white colorway.
The external dimensions of the RM 029 Le Mans Classic Automatic are 40.10 x 48.15 x 13.10 mm. The central part of this new limited edition case is made from a single piece of white quartz TPT ® and then green quartz TPT ® between the bezel and case back. The bezel shows the characteristic double stripes of Le Mans, with white quartz TPT® inlaid with green quartz TPT® at 12 and 6 hours, an unprecedented process for the brand. The sporty, breathable white rubber strap undoubtedly underlines the vibrancy of this classic colour combination, ensuring outstanding comfort for extended periods of use.
At the heart of the new RM 029 Le Mans Classic Automatic is the RMAS7 skeletonized movement with an oversized 4-hour date window and a unique automatic reloading system with an adjustable geometric rotor working on two barrels. A dedicated 24-hour counter, easily recognisable at the 2-hour position, pays homage not only to the characteristic duration of the race itself, but also to the hundreds of cars and drivers that are converted during the 24 hours of the race, starting at 16:00 (in blue on the dial indicated by the colored arrow).
Day or night, this limited-edition watch will transport enthusiasts and drivers back to one place: the race track, where Le Mans’ iconic black and white checkered flag is flying in time. discount replica watches