Lot 71

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RICHARD MILLE RM50-03 GR MCLAREN, AN EXTREMELY RARE ULTRALIGHT SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON

CASE NUMBER: 08/75

Name: RICHARD MILLE RM50-03 GR MCLAREN, AN EXTREMELY RARE ULTRALIGHT SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON
Brand: CASE NUMBER: 08/75
Price: 900000.00 USD
Availability: SoldOut

Price Realised USD 1,134,000

Estimate

USD 1,200,000 - USD 1,600,000

Closed: 26 Oct 2022

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RICHARD MILLE RM50-03 GR MCLAREN, AN EXTREMELY RARE ULTRALIGHT SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH TOURBILLON

CASE NUMBER: 08/75

Price Realised USD 1,134,000

Closed: 26 Oct 2022

Price Realised USD 1,134,000

Closed: 26 Oct 2022

Details Lot Essay Related Articles More from

CIRCA: 2018
CASE MATERIAL: Graphene, titanium and Carbon TPT
DIMENSIONS: 41 mm. x 9.5 mm.
STRAP MATERIAL: Black rubber strap
DIAL: Skeletonised dial with 30-minute chronograph counter, a torque indicator on the top half of the dial and a function indicator at 3 o’ clock (winding function of the crown (W = winding), the time adjustment function (H = hour) or the date adjustment function (D = date).
MOVEMENT: Cal. 50-03, manual winding, tourbillon escapement
FUNCTIONS: Time, split-seconds chronograph, power reserve, torque (tension in the balance spring) indicator
BUCKLE: Titanium folding clasp
WITH: Richard Mille International Warranty confirming the sale of the watch in January 2018, accessories, product literature, travel pouch, presentation box and outer packaging

This lot has been imported from outside of the UAE for sale. Should the lot be released into GCC/UAE free circulation, duty will be payable at 5% on the low estimate. Duty paid in Dubai is treated as final duty payment as per GCC''s customs laws. VAT at 5% will be applied to the hammer and buyer’s premium.

Conditions of Sale
FAQs
This lot is offered by Christie's Dubai Ltd.

Brought to you by

Bob XueSenior Specialist, Watches

A Christie's specialist may contact you to discuss this lot or to notify you if the condition changes prior to the sale.

Qxue@christies.com +971 56 838 4528

Lot Essay

The RM 50-03 GR Mclaren was launched in 2017 to celebrate Richard Mille’s new partnership with Formula 1 constructor Mclaren-Honda. Back then, the RM 50-03 was the lightest mechanical chronograph ever made.

The RM 50-03 may have combined a tourbillon escapement with a split-seconds function, but the highlight was the incorporation of a new proprietary composite Graph TPT (Graphene) a cutting-edge case material developed thanks to a collaboration between The University of Manchester, McLaren Applied Technologies and North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT).

Graph TPT is produced when a resin with graphene is introduced to Carbon TPT filaments at 120º Celsius and at 6 BAR of pressure. With graphene added to the resin mixture, the final result is the material that is six times lighter and 200 times stronger than steel.

The skeletonised movement, Cal. RM 50-03, was developed by Renaud & Papi, and weighs a mere 7 gm thanks to the use of grade 5 titanium and carbon TPT for the baseplate and bridges, and the extreme skeletonisation of components.

Each grade 5 titanium dial requires three hours of and polishing to highlight its edge. Upon examination with a loupe, circular graining can be seen on the barrel drum, the minute wheel and the small and large medium wheels. The wheels are hand-beveled and rhodium-plated before the teeth are cut.

Made in a limited run of just 75 pieces, this is one of the most technically advanced chronographs made by the avant-garde watch brand and has always been one of the most sought-after modern Richard Mille watches.