Richard Mille RM 65-01 McLaren W1
CHF 320,000 before tax for a carbon split-seconds chronograph whose design brief is essentially “make the McLaren W1 wearable.” Excessive, technical and completely unapologetic.
The RM 65-01 McLaren W1 uses a Carbon TPT case, grade-5 titanium architecture and the RMAC4 automatic split-seconds chronograph movement running at 5 Hz. The skeletonized dial borrows cues from the W1's wheels; orange Quartz TPT pushers and the rapid-winding mechanism make the automotive influence literal rather than merely branded.
The evidence sheet
A race car's engineering language, miniaturized
There is no rational value argument at this level. The case architecture, split-seconds mechanism, rapid winding system and extreme material execution are the product; timekeeping itself is almost incidental.
Admire
It is visually aggressive enough to justify its place as a surprise in this publication: not tasteful restraint, but obsessive mechanical theater executed with total conviction.
The catch
The price is supercar-adjacent and the design is deliberately loud. Anyone seeking timeless proportion or subtle horology should spend dramatically less—or differently.
Independent perspective: T3 hands-on report.
Price and specifications are manufacturer-stated where available; the CHF 320,000 list price is before tax. Row & Ledger has not handled this watch. Image is a clean press/product asset.