# Richard Mille RM 65‑01 Automatic Split‑Seconds Chronograph – A Technical Tour‑de‑Force The RM 65‑01 arrives as Richard Mille’s first automatic rattrapante, a watch that promises the brand’s signature blend of avant‑garde engineering and audacious design while aiming for everyday wearability. Launched in 2023, the tonneau‑shaped timepiece houses the newly‑designed calibre RMAC4, a 5 Hz (36,000 vph) skeletonised movement that combines a split‑seconds chronograph, a variable‑geometry rotor and a rapid‑winding pusher. In a market where high‑beat chronographs are usually reserved for pure‑racing pieces, the RM 65‑01 claims to be “the most complex watch to have ever left its workshops” – a bold statement that invites close inspection. --- ## Design & Case The RM 65‑01’s case measures **44.5 mm** across its widest points, a dimension that sits comfortably between the brand’s ultra‑large sport models and the more modestly sized dress pieces. Constructed from **grade 5 titanium** or, optionally, **Carbon TPT®**, the case retains the lightweight feel that titanium is famed for while still delivering the robust, industrial aesthetic expected of a Richard Mille. The tonneau silhouette—sharp at the shoulders, rounded at the base—creates a distinctive silhouette that is instantly recognizable on any wrist. The **dial** is a work of kinetic sculpture. Skeletonisation reveals the movement’s architecture, with the split‑seconds mechanism visible through a series of carefully placed apertures. Sub‑dials for the chronograph and a central seconds hand are laid out in a clean, symmetrical fashion, avoiding the visual clutter that can plague multi‑function chronographs. The hour markers are applied in polished titanium, offering a subtle contrast against the matte finish of the dial. A **50‑meter water resistance** rating is modest by modern sports‑watch standards, reflecting the watch’s primary focus on mechanical virtuosity rather than aquatic pursuits. The case back is transparent sapphire, allowing a full view of the RMAC4’s skeletonised bridges and the rapid‑winding pusher mechanism. --- ## Movement & Performance At the heart of the RM 65‑01 lies the **calibre RMAC4**, an automatic winding movement that Richard Mille describes as “high‑beat” with a **5 Hz (36,000 vph)** frequency. The fast‑beating free‑sprung balance “offers better reliability in the event of shocks… and also guarantees better chronometric results over an extended period of time,” according to the brand’s technical brief. This high‑beat rate translates to smoother sweep seconds and more precise chronograph timing. The RMAC4 is a **skeletonised split‑seconds (rattrapante) chronograph**. Pressing the dedicated pusher at the **8 o’clock** position activates the rapid‑winding mechanism, instantly resetting the barrel to full tension. This “rapid winding mechanism… allows the barrel to be quickly rearmed in the event the watch stops,” a feature that is particularly useful for a watch with a **60‑hour power reserve**. The variable‑geometry rotor, another first for Richard Mille, “optimises the rotor’s winding motion… to effectively adapt rewinding of the mainspring to the user’s activity level,” improving efficiency across a range of wear conditions. Accuracy figures are not publicly disclosed, but the combination of a high‑beat balance, free‑sprung design and meticulous finishing suggests a chronometric performance that meets the brand’s rigorous standards. The split‑seconds function operates smoothly, with the secondary chronograph hand snapping back into sync when the rattrapante lever is released—a hallmark of a well‑engineered rattrapante. --- ## On the Wrist The RM 65‑01’s **44.5 mm** case, while sizeable, feels surprisingly light thanks to the titanium (or carbon) construction. The watch sits comfortably on the wrist, though the tonneau shape can create a slightly broader lug‑to‑lug spread than a round case of comparable diameter. For most men with average wrist sizes, the watch rests just above the wrist bone without feeling intrusive; however, those with smaller wrists may find the profile a touch dominant. The **lug width** is 22 mm, demanding a correspondingly robust strap. Richard Mille supplies a titanium bracelet that matches the case’s finish, and the integration is seamless—no visible gaps, a continuous flow from case to bracelet. The bracelet’s curvature mirrors the case’s tonneau lines, contributing to overall comfort. The watch’s weight, while not feather‑light, is manageable for extended wear, especially considering the movement’s high‑beat nature, which can sometimes add heft. The **split‑seconds chronograph** operation is intuitive: the left‑hand pusher starts and stops the primary chronograph, while the right‑hand pusher (at 8 o’clock) engages the rattrapante split. The rapid‑winding reset is a pleasant tactile feedback, though the need to press a side‑mounted pusher may require a brief adjustment period for users accustomed to more conventional chronograph layouts. One notable limitation is the **50‑meter water resistance**. While adequate for rain and splash exposure, the watch is not suited for swimming or diving—a restriction that aligns with its positioning as a high‑tech, everyday sports watch rather than an aquatic instrument. --- ## Value & Verdict Richard Mille does not publish official retail prices for the RM 65‑01, but the brand’s historical pricing for similarly complex pieces places this model firmly in the **six‑figure USD range**. The combination of a bespoke 5 Hz automatic split‑seconds calibre, a variable‑geometry rotor, and the use of premium materials such as grade‑5 titanium or Carbon TPT® justifies a price point that rivals or exceeds many haute‑horlogerie competitors. From a value perspective, the RM 65‑01 delivers a **unique technical proposition**: an automatic rattrapante that is both a daily‑wearable size and a showcase of cutting‑edge movement engineering. For collectors seeking a chronograph that pushes the envelope of automatic winding performance, the watch is a compelling addition. However, prospective buyers should weigh the following considerations: * **Complexity & Service** – The RMAC4’s intricate architecture, especially the split‑seconds mechanism and variable‑geometry rotor, will command premium service fees. Owners should be prepared for potentially higher long‑term maintenance costs. * **Size & Wearability** – While the watch is designed for everyday use, its tonneau case and 44.5 mm dimensions may feel large on smaller wrists. * **Water Resistance** – The modest 50 m rating limits aquatic activities, a trade‑off for the watch’s mechanical focus. **Verdict:** The Richard Mille RM 65‑01 is a bold statement piece that successfully marries high‑beat automatic chronography with a split‑seconds function—an achievement rarely seen outside of manual‑wind or quartz‑driven rattrapantes. Its design is unmistakably Richard Mille, its movement is a technical marvel, and its wearability is respectable for a watch of this calibre. For those who value pioneering horological engineering and are comfortable with the associated price and service considerations, the RM 65‑01 stands as a worthy, if pricey, addition to any serious collection.