Simply Abu Dhabi Magazine XVI

1 0 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I T he RM 011 is something of a cult classic among watch collectors. In fact, one could argue that it was the RM 011 Flyback Chronograph Felipe Massa, named for and worn by one of the top F1 drivers in the world at the time, which created a generation of Richard Mille devotees and firmly established the manufacture in the minds of serious connoisseurs. Over the years, there have been updates and progressions – but now, finally and to much acclaim, the beloved classic is reborn with the RM 11-02 Automatic Flyback Chronograph Dual Time Zone. Visually, this new release represents only the subtlest of departures from the ever-popular RM 011 model that has been a favourite since its inception more than seven years ago. After all, why tinker too much with an icon? The colour scheme has been updated, for example, but overall the watch will be instantly recognisable to those familiar with the original watch, through such signature touches as the additional pusher at 9 o’clock, used for setting the second time zone. This specially shaped and engraved pusher, as well as those placed at 2 and 5 o’clock for the chronograph start/stop and reset functions, echoes the distinctive design cues of the RM011 collection, featuring the etched lines inspired by the pedal surfaces of racing cars. Matching these thematic cues, Richard Mille has also designed a very precisely machined crown in grade 5 titaniumwhich brings to mind a car’s clutch mechanism, surrounded with an Alcryn collar for excellent tactile contact. As always with the Richard Mille manufacture, a tremendous amount of time and labour – not to mention superb expertise and artistry – go in to The RichardMille RM11-02 Automatic FlybackChronograph Dual Time Zone