Automotive
AnthonyTsai's report from the 2012 Grand Prix de Pau Historique highlights Richard Mille's enduring partnership with motorsports. This event showcases the brand's deep involvement in the world of historic racing, an association that continues to define its identity. Readers gain insight into the specific races and winning vehicles, illustrating the passion and precision central to both Richard Mille and classic automotive competition.
15.05.2012 -- For the third consecutive year, Richard Mille was the Principal Partner of the "Grand Prix de Pau Historique", which took place over the weekend of 5th and 6th May.
RICHARD MILLE, PRINCIPAL PARTNER OF THE "GRAND PRIX DE PAU HISTORIQUE"
For the event, the famous street circuit was decked out in the colours of the watchmaking brand, which has always been passionately involved in motorsports. Over two days, six competing grids followed each other on a selective course and in changing weather conditions, in front of 11,000 spectators who thoroughly enjoyed the event.
In the
"Trophée Phil Hill", the powerful AC Cobras largely led the way,
with Dominique Guénat winning the first race before losing out, following a
mechanical failure, to another Cobra in the second race driven by Briton Shaun Lynn.
With 36 single-seaters on the starting line, the "Trophée des
Pyrénées" was one of the event's highlights. Shaun Lynn's son
Alex brilliantly secured victory in both races ahead of Alain Girardet and
Pierre Lombardi.
The new "Trophée Flat4" was reserved for four-cylinder Porsches dating back to the German carmaker's early years: the 356, 550 and RS 61 models. 21 of them started both races, which were won by Albert Otten in a 550 A and Andrew Prillin an RS 61.
A wonderful evocation of the first Grand Prix races of the 1930s, the "Trophée Légende" featured 20 pre-war cars, including a number of Bugattis and several BMW 328s. In the end, it was Richard Pilkington's splendid Talbot T26SS that clinched victory in both legs.
In their element on the Pau course, the 19 little single-seaters of the "Trophée Junior" also made for a superb show, which culminated in French driver Stéphane Rey's victory at the wheel of a Lola Mk5A.
In the new "Trophée Mini Classic", a remarkable collision (which was thankfully not serious) characterised the first leg, while the second was won by British driver Nick Swift.
Vintage car clubs also turned out in force in Pau for this "Grand Prix Historique", with 800 collector cars displayed in the grounds of the magnificent Palais Beaumont receiving much admiration throughout the weekend.
The "Grand Prix de Pau Historique", followed a week later by the more 'modern' "Grand Prix de Pau" marks the beginning of a 2012 season rich in motorsports events for Richard Mille. The brand will be the Principal Partner of the Le Mans Classic on 6, 7 and 8 July 2012, for which it has already unveiled two limited-edition timepieces: the RM 011 LMC and RM 008 Tourbillon LMC chronographs.
Photo credits: Didier Gourdon & Julien Philippy
Press Release
The Richard Mille RM008 represents the brand's approach to high-complication watchmaking, featuring both a tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph function within a single timepiece. This reference combines two significant horological complications in Richard Mille's distinctive contemporary case architecture.
The 39mm titanium case houses the manual-winding RM008 caliber, providing a substantial 70-hour power reserve. The skeletonized dial construction reveals the movement's architecture, while sapphire crystal protects the face. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the watch is completed with a rubber strap. The fixed bezel maintains clean lines consistent with the overall design.
Produced between 2005 and 2010, the RM008 appeals to collectors seeking advanced complications in a modern presentation. The combination of tourbillon and split-seconds chronograph functionality positions this reference for enthusiasts focused on technical complexity rather than traditional dress watch aesthetics. The titanium construction and rubber strap reflect Richard Mille's contemporary material choices during this production period.
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