The Richard Mille RM 50 (often written as RM 050 and RM 50-xx derivative models) you’re interested in is the brand’s flagship tourbillon split-seconds chronograph series, deeply intertwined with top-tier motorsport. Renowned for its extreme lightweight design, shock resistance, and complex mechanical structure, all models are limited editions, representing the fusion of haute horlogerie and F1 technology.
The series originated with the first-generation RM 050 Felipe Massa (2012), created for then-Ferrari F1 driver Felipe Massa. It featured the RMCC1 manual-winding movement, incorporating a tourbillon, split-seconds chronograph, 30-minute counterweight, power reserve, torque, and other function indicators. The movement’s baseplate and bridges were made of grade 5 titanium, and the skeletonized design reduced the movement’s weight to only 9.5g.
Core Derivative Models
RM 50-01 Romain Grosjean (2014) Exclusively for Lotus F1 driver Romain Grosjean at the time, featuring a mechanical G-force sensor in the movement to display the G-force experienced by the driver; manual-winding RM50-01 movement.
RM 50-02 ACJ (Airbus Business Jets collaboration, 2016) Aviation-themed, with a case made of titanium-aluminum alloy (TiAl) combined with ceramic; movement parts treated with aerospace-grade coating; manual-winding, tourbillon + split-seconds chronograph, 70-hour power reserve, emphasizing stability in extreme environments; limited edition, targeting high-end aviation clients.
RM 50-03 McLaren F1 (2017) A collaboration with the McLaren racing team, this watch (including strap) weighs only 38g, making it the world’s lightest split-seconds tourbillon chronograph. The RMAC3 movement weighs only 7g, featuring a Carbon TPT® carbon fiber bridge and a grade 5 titanium baseplate, tested to withstand 5000G shocks. It has a 44.5×49.6mm tonneau shape and is limited to 75 pieces.
RM 50-04 Kimi Räikkönen (2019) Paying tribute to F1 world champion Kimi Räikkönen, this watch features a Quartz TPT® (white quartz carbon fiber) + Carbon TPT® case, echoing the color scheme of his Alfa Romeo C38 race car. It is powered by the RMAC4 movement (7g), with a skeletonized dial revealing the tourbillon at 6 o’clock. The bezel and movement are accented with red, and his signature number “7” is displayed in the lower left corner of the dial.
Unified Technology and Design DNA
Movement: All models are manually wound, featuring a tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph at their core, enabling simultaneous timing of multiple events; 3Hz frequency (21600 vph), with a power reserve typically around 70 hours; function indicators show winding/neutral/time-setting status, with some models including torque and G-value displays.
Materials: High-tech composite materials such as Carbon TPT®, Quartz TPT®, Grade 5 titanium, and TiAl alloy, prioritizing lightness (movement weight around 7g) and shock resistance (far exceeding industry standards).
Case: The iconic tonneau shape, typically 44.5 x 49.6mm, water-resistant to 50 meters, with a side-mounted screw-down crown featuring a crown guard. fake watches for sale
Market Positioning and Collectible Value
Especially popular models such as the 50-03 and 50-04;
They are highly sought-after collectibles in both racing and haute horlogerie, each with a clear story of collaboration with a race car driver/brand, combining technological innovation with commemorative significance.