Review
Mark in Paris offers a detailed look at the Richard Mille RM011 Romain Grosjean Lotus F1, focusing on its construction and wearing experience. This review highlights the innovative use of NTPT Carbon and the watch's remarkable comfort and aesthetic balance.
Hi everyone,
I got a chance to try the very light Richard Mille Lotus F1 RM011 sometime ago and thought I should share my feelings about it.
First, you may remember Andrew's fantastic article about its big brother, the RM050 Lotus F1 ( www.watchprosite.com ).
The RM011 Lotus F1 I tried is a full NTPT watch (bezel, case-band, pushers and case-back). It also exists with a rose gold caseband. We talked a lot about this recent carbon-based material, another version of the Kevlar/carbon materials woven a different way than the pattern you’re used to seeing. This method is used in high sailing competitions for sails but also for masts for instance.
I have already taken a few pictures of a NTPT Carbon RM011, the “Black Knight” 100 pieces limited edition (here: www.watchprosite.com ).
As I said in the past, what is very impressive and leaves a very strong impression when wearing an RM watch is the comfort due to the shape of course, but also due to its lightness.
In a sector where watches are often assessed from the gold or platinum heft feeling, this was quite a different way to go when Titanium was heavily used and when the first nanotube/carbon cases were added to the collection.
The NTPT Carbon is the second carbon-type material used and brings a lot in terms of scratch resistances compared to its predecessor.
Back to the watch, the RM011 Lotus F1 is provided in a quite appealing color combination, while not shouting as the gold color may make you think at first. Rose gold and red work really well together and were not very often used in RM watches in the past. They even give a welcome touch of “fiesta”. Furthermore, the Lotus F1 logo remains discreet as it is mixed with the skeleton work’s show, thus it doesn’t stand out as a brand you would not like to notice each time you look at your watch. This brings us to a nice high-tech atmosphere combination between material, decoration and names.
The fact the watch is mainly black makes it appear a little smaller compared to a light color and I enjoyed very much wearing this watch, even if the RM011’s size is usually a little too much for my wrist.
On the movement's side, we are able to explore the details of the Flyback Chronograph and Annual Calendar, from both sides, and I can't help thinking it is one I love to look at, especially with such rotor (a feeling I also have with the RM010 and even more with the RM030).
I hope you’ll enjoy the pictures and I encourage you to try them if you have a retailer in your city. This is a great watchmaker to experience, though very different from traditional watchmaking. Like any RM I could try, it is worth the discovery.
You can find additional details on the official website, here: http://richardmille.com/watch/rm-011/?collection=homme
Best, Mark
- Thanks to the Chronopassion team for letting me spending such a long time with this one -
Richard Mille RM010 Automatic
The RM010 represents Richard Mille's automatic offering within the RM 010 series. This reference was produced from 2005 to 2015, establishing it as a decade-spanning model in the brand's catalog. The RM010 designation indicates its positioning as an automatic variant within Richard Mille's numerical reference system.
The 39mm case is constructed from titanium and features a fixed bezel configuration. Sapphire crystal protects the skeletonized dial, which reveals the mechanical components beneath. The watch houses the RM010 automatic caliber, providing 55 hours of power reserve. Water resistance extends to 50 meters, and the timepiece is completed with a rubber strap.
This reference appeals to collectors seeking Richard Mille's distinctive aesthetic in an automatic format. The titanium construction and skeletonized dial presentation reflect the brand's technical approach to watchmaking. The ten-year production span from 2005 to 2015 makes this a relatively accessible entry point into Richard Mille's automatic collection for contemporary collectors.
with a great colour combo, especially the carbon really comes to live in the sunlight.
I wasn't that fan of this combination from the pictures etc... but the live experience is totally different. Thanks for sharing your experience Cheers, Mark
They have the annual complication and display only the date (big sized date by the way) and the month. Not the day. You can see on the picture below at 4 - 5 o'clock the little "6": this is the way the month is shown on the RM011. Cheers, Mark
I had these pictures for a while and never had time to share them, now it is done Best, Mark
At the top of my RM list!
i've handled the rosegold case band version As well of course i tried their more complicated sibling Two different beasts for sure but share the same aggression in an F1 way
This thread is active on the Richard Mille forum with 13 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
