The Richard Mille RM011-FM “Felipe Massa” bowed in 2007 as a mass-production solution to Richard Mille’s early volume struggles. Despite its near-entry-level status among RM complications, the RM011 quickly ascended to flagship status for the watchmaker that touts its “racing machines for the wrist.”

With Richard Mille’s signature tonneau case and transparent sapphire dial, the RM011 looks the part of a brand-definine watch. Its white gold facing places and grade five titanium mid-case fit more comfortably than expected on a small wrist. The curved caseback, supple strap, and compact 50mm lug-to-lug dimensions render this Richard Mille chronograph more compatible than expected with small wrists.

A sapphire dial carries chronograph registers, annual calendar display, and the hours of the day. The carbon composite chapter ring bears the luminescent hour indices and the tachymeter scale. Beneath the dial sits Richard Mille’s automatic caliber RMAC1. The movement is comprised of a Vaucher base caliber with a 50-hour power reserve, and the flyback chronograph – annual calendar module is provided by modular complication specialist Duboz Depraz.

The titanium bridges and plates, black PVD finish, and skeletonized structure are customized for Richard Mille. A variable-inertia winding mass can be set to tailor winding vigor to the activity level of the owner. A free-sprung balance and four rubber shock absorbers protect the Richard Mille RMAC1 from shock on the wrist.

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