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RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic: Richard Mille goes running

The Richard Mille RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic
Since 2008, Richard Mille has developed a new watch for each edition of the Le Mans Classic, culminating in ten special editions featuring the race's signature colours, green and white. The RM 30-01 is no exception; its titanium case encloses a green Quarter TPT band. Green and orange interior details, a chequered flag framing the oversized date window and the famous Le Mans Classic logo on the sapphire crystal caseback complete this new model, which pays tribute to a much-loved event. The RM 30-01LMC is priced at 220,000 Swiss francs (excluding tax).
The dial of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic
Despite the skeletonisation and the number of details it contains, the dial is distinguished by its good legibility (the 24-hour counter has been added to the classic features of the RM 30-01 collection). This is thanks to the layout of the functions and the oversized hands, which are clearly visible in all situations.
A detail of the dial of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic
The watch's openwork dial features numerous racing details, including the chequered flag motif surrounding the large date display and the design of the central remaining range indicator. The latter operates via a green-tipped hand that moves along an indicator featuring the colours of the 13.6 km Sarthe circuit, where the Le Mans Classic takes place. Alongside the visual cues, there are also mechanical features, such as the clutch engagement indicator in the top left corner of the dial. This informs the user whether the rotor is engaged (on) or disengaged (off).
More details of the dial of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic
The name stamped at 7 o'clock on the sapphire crystal clearly indicates the collection to which the watch belongs. This collection includes the 30-01, the first watch with a decoupled rotor and the distinctive diamond-shaped RMAR2 calibre. Created in 2023, this watch represented the evolution of a movement that began with the RM 30. After all, Richard Mille has a tradition of refining established solutions and gradually integrating them with further innovations to create distinct originality.
The 24H dial of the'RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic
The RMAR2 calibre has been specially modified to include a 24-hour counter, in case the wearer of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic needs to time the endurance race. The number 16 is shaded in green on the counter and refers to the starting time of the legendary endurance race, also known as the 'green flag'. This feature gives the watch face a new look compared to previous RM 30-01 models.
The caseback of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic
Through the sapphire crystal caseback, you can see the RMAR2 calibre in action. This features a unique variable geometry rotor which disengages automatically when the power reserve reaches 55 hours thanks to a specially developed gearing system. Conversely, when the power reserve drops to 40 hours, the rotor locks automatically and the watch begins a new winding phase until the indicator reaches 55 hours. This solution enables the movement and oscillator to operate at an optimal constant torque/power ratio, ensuring the best chronometric performance.
The crown functionality selection button, at 2 o'clock
At 2 o'clock on the middle of the case is the selector button that we have become familiar with in other RM 30-01s, which defines how the crown is used. First introduced by Richard Mille in 2001 with the RM 002-V1, the device offers the advantage of minimising mechanical stress on the crown. It enables three different actions to be set in three positions: manually winding the movement, setting the date and adjusting the hour hand.
The crown function indicator on the dial
At the 3 o'clock position on the dial is an indicator for the crown functions, identified by a small orange hand that can be set to W, D or H. In the W position, which corresponds to winding, the watch can be wound manually. In position D, which stands for date, the date can be adjusted. In the third position, H (for hands), the time can be set. This indicator will be familiar to those who are familiar with Richard Mille's collections.
A detail on the caseback of the RM 30-01
The sapphire crystal caseback bears the Le Mans Classic logo. Beneath this, the plate and bridges are visible, crafted from grade 5 titanium with grey electroplasma treatment. These components provide the entire calibre with superior rigidity and precise surface flatness, which are both essential for the time brake to function perfectly. The skeletonised platinum has undergone rigorous validation testing to ensure it meets the highest robustness standards.
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This post is also available in: Italian

When the Le Mans Classic arrives, so does Richard Mille. It’s as certain as flowers in spring, paying taxes and receiving presents at Christmas. And when Richard Mille approaches the race, a limited-edition watch follows. For the twelfth edition of the competition, which will take place from 3 to 6 July 2025, the brand has created the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic, with only 150 pieces available. This tradition stems from the brand’s founder’s love of engines, regardless of their nature, age or power. The partnership began with the race in 2002 and, with the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic, continues into 2025 with a watch that embodies sportiness in its purest form.

The Le Mans Classic

To put the collection into a motorsport context, the Le Mans Classic features cars that have made history in one of the most famous endurance races, alongside the 24 Hours of Daytona. Built between 1923 and the 2000s, the cars compete in six different categories over 24 hours, representing the major motoring eras that characterised the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1923 to 1981.

The race starts at 4 p.m., with around 1,000 drivers competing, and on competition days, the city of Le Mans sees its 150,000 inhabitants joined by tens of thousands of fans and spectators. Starting with 30,000 attendees in the first edition, this figure has grown to over 235,000 in 2023. It is easy to see why this event is unique for Richard Mille and its RM 30-01, dedicated to the race, in terms of the passion it unleashes and the visibility it offers the brand.

The RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic case

But, since we are Giornale degli Orologi, a watch magazine and not a motoring newspaper, let’s get down to business. As I wrote earlier, the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic fits into a category that has recently produced references such as the RM 72-01 and the RM 029. The latter was created for an edition that was cancelled due to the pandemic (that of 2021); the RM 72-01 was released in 2023. The first Le Mans Classic came in 2008.

Today, therefore, it is the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic that steals the show. It is a watch with an aesthetic that will be familiar to all fans of Richard Mille and haute horlogerie. I will give you a brief introduction here, letting the captions and, above all, the pictures speak for themselves — they deserve it.

As always with this brand, the case has important dimensions. With its classic tonneau shape, it measures 42 x 49.94 x 17.59 mm. Despite its size, it remains proverbially light on the wrist thanks to the combination of Quartz TPT and grade 5 titanium that make it up — a material synonymous with comfort and high resistance. The colour of the Quartz TPT is British Racing Green, which is also found in the other two Le Mans Classic watches. This colour is inspired by British sports cars of the last century, as the name suggests.

Information and legibility

As is often the case with Richard Mille’s racing-inspired watches, the RM 30-01’s skeletonised dial is packed with information that remains legible despite the apertures. The most notable features are the 24-hour counter and the date window at 2 and 4 o’clock. The former is not just a GMT; it plays on the 24-hour concept evoked by the Le Mans race. If the wearer wants to time the endurance event, it could not be easier. The date window, on the other hand, is oversized and framed by a chequered flag. Tens and units are clearly visible through the pierced discs.

Other legible details include the distinctive design of the central residual range indicator and two indicators. The first one signals the engagement or disengagement of the movement’s clutch. The other one lets the wearer of the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic know whether the automatic winding is engaged. This is related to the function selector on the crown.

The RM 30-01: at the heart of the movement

The RMAR2 calibre, specially modified to include a 24-hour counter, is the heart of the watch. This self-winding movement vibrates at a rate of 28,800 times per hour and has a power reserve of 55 hours. The movement is equipped with a free-sprung balance with variable inertia. This type of balance guarantees greater reliability in the event of shocks, particularly during assembly and maintenance operations. Its design eliminates the need for a regulating paddle: four small, swivelling, eccentric masses attached directly to the balance allow for more accurate calibration.

However, the calibre’s most distinctive feature is its declutchable variable geometry rotor. This represents a significant advance in design and miniaturisation, presenting an extraordinary technical challenge for Richard Mille. Essentially, an automatic watch is wound through a small rotor. Its cyclical movement supplies energy to the winding barrel, which reaches optimum tension when fully wound.

However, after this point, it is easy for excess tension to occur due to excessive winding. This must be avoided to prevent damage to the movement. Traditionally, this is achieved using a sliding flange that allows the spring to slide and prevents excessive tension on the movement. Unfortunately, this traditional system can allow harmful debris to accumulate inside the calibre. This is caused by the flange pressing against the inside of the barrel for too long, particularly if the wearer is very active.

To avoid such adverse conditions, Richard Mille’s detachable rotor automatically disconnects from the barrel once the mainspring is fully wound. These phases can be controlled thanks to the clutch engagement indicator, which is located in the upper left-hand corner of the dial. It informs the user whether the rotor is engaging (on) or disengaging (off).

Working on passion

sThe watch’s green strap is made of perforated rubber and features a design reminiscent of sports car air intakes. In short, the RM 30-01 LMC oozes speed. Why? The Le Mans race is legendary among motorsport enthusiasts. Richard Mille is widely regarded as one of the greatest watchmakers of the 21st century. To say that this combination is apt is perhaps an understatement.

As with all the watches produced by this atelier, the RM 30-01 Le Mans Classic comes with a hefty price tag. It’s similar to the cars you see on the French circuit. 220,000 Swiss francs, not including tax.
The fact that there are few pieces in circulation increases not so much the economic value of the watch as its desirability. It’s the feeling driving the enthusiast in whatever field that passion is expressed.
Bravo to Richard Mille, who has grasped this concept as well as other brands but perhaps manages to translate it into watches more effectively. Chapeau.