CIRCA: 2018
CASE MATERIAL: Graphene, titanium and Carbon TPT
DIMENSIONS: 41 mm. x 9.5 mm.
STRAP MATERIAL: Black rubber strap
DIAL: Skeletonised dial with 30-minute chronograph counter, a torque indicator on the top half of the dial and a function indicator at 3 o’ clock (winding function of the crown (W = winding), the time adjustment function (H = hour) or the date adjustment function (D = date).
MOVEMENT: Cal. 50-03, manual winding, tourbillon escapement
FUNCTIONS: Time, split-seconds chronograph, power reserve, torque (tension in the balance spring) indicator
BUCKLE: Titanium folding clasp
WITH: Richard Mille International Warranty confirming the sale of the watch in January 2018, accessories, product literature, travel pouch, presentation box and outer packaging

This lot has been imported from outside of the UAE for sale. Should the lot be released into GCC/UAE free circulation, duty will be payable at 5% on the low estimate. Duty paid in Dubai is treated as final duty payment as per GCC''s customs laws. VAT at 5% will be applied to the hammer and buyer’s premium.

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This lot is offered by Christie's Dubai Ltd.

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Lot Essay

The RM 50-03 GR Mclaren was launched in 2017 to celebrate Richard Mille’s new partnership with Formula 1 constructor Mclaren-Honda. Back then, the RM 50-03 was the lightest mechanical chronograph ever made.

The RM 50-03 may have combined a tourbillon escapement with a split-seconds function, but the highlight was the incorporation of a new proprietary composite Graph TPT (Graphene) a cutting-edge case material developed thanks to a collaboration between The University of Manchester, McLaren Applied Technologies and North Thin Ply Technology (NTPT).

Graph TPT is produced when a resin with graphene is introduced to Carbon TPT filaments at 120º Celsius and at 6 BAR of pressure. With graphene added to the resin mixture, the final result is the material that is six times lighter and 200 times stronger than steel.

The skeletonised movement, Cal. RM 50-03, was developed by Renaud & Papi, and weighs a mere 7 gm thanks to the use of grade 5 titanium and carbon TPT for the baseplate and bridges, and the extreme skeletonisation of components.

Each grade 5 titanium dial requires three hours of anglageand polishing to highlight its edge. Upon examination with a loupe, circular graining can be seen on the barrel drum, the minute wheel and the small and large medium wheels. The wheels are hand-beveled and rhodium-plated before the teeth are cut.

Made in a limited run of just 75 pieces, this is one of the most technically advanced chronographs made by the avant-garde watch brand and has always been one of the most sought-after modern Richard Mille watches.

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Condition report

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The condition of lots can vary widely and the nature of the lots sold means that they are unlikely to be in a perfect condition. Lots are sold in the condition they are in at the time of sale.

OVERALL CONDITION: The watch is in excellent condition

CASE: Excellent condition

DIAL: Nice, clean, and original

MOVEMENT: Ticking at the time of cataloguing. All the functions are working. However, a service is recommended.

STRAP/ BUCKLE: The rubber strap is in good condition, shows signs of wear, the titanium folding clasp and buckle are in good condition

PLEASE NOTE:
This report has been prepared by Christie's specialists and is no substitute for physical examination by you and/or your advisors. Christie's specialists are not trained restorers and the report set forth above is not a comprehensive condition report prepared by a professional conservator. While we make certain observations on the work which we trust are helpful, we recommend you consult your own restorer for a more complete report. Prospective purchasers should bear in mind that this report will not disclose any imperfections which may only be revealed during the course of subsequent restoration. This report is provided to you as a courtesy and Christie's is not responsible for the accuracy or completeness of this report. Buyers are reminded that Christie's warranties with respect to property are limited as set forth in our Conditions of Sale and do not extend to condition.

Effective 7 February 2022
A buyer’s premium is payable by the successful buyer of an item at auction, based on the hammer price of each lot sold. The current buyer’s premium rates are an amount equal to 26% of the hammer price of each lot up to and including £700,000/US$1,000,000; plus 20% of the hammer price from £700,001/US$1,000,001 up to and including £4,500,000/US$6,000,000 and 14.5 per cent from £4,500,001/US$6,000,001.

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