The RM 36–01 G-Sensor Tourbillon Sébastien Loeb, the spectacular new model from the Swiss watchmaking brand Richard Mille, is the result of the collaboration between Richard Mille and Sébastien Loeb, the most successful driver in WRC history. The watch amazes with a delicate tourbillon mechanism and, above all, for its avant-garde G-force meter, located in the center of the dial.

Since its debut in 1999, this young Swiss firm named after its founder, the French businessman Richard Mille, has concentrated its efforts to produce collectibles pieces. Their exclusive timepieces display a particular esthetic value and showcase high technical precision mechanisms with the most advanced applied engineering.

In collaboration with Loeb, the French racing driver who serves as a brand ambassador, the company located in Les Breuleux, Switzerland, decided to redesign its iconic 36 model. They have created a watch that gives professional car racers a unique functionality in the drag racing circuit. The new RM 36-01 introduces a revolutionary system for calculating G-force. It is capable of measuring up to 6 G, which is the largest force that may be experienced by a professional Formula 1 driver at full speed while cornering, accelerating or braking.

Sébastien Loeb.

This limited edition of 30 pieces has a specially designed three-part case with carbon nanotubes that protect the tourbillon movement. The rotating bezel is made with brown ceramic TZP-Z while the fixed bezel and the case back are constructed of grade 5 titanium plus a corrosion resistant alloy composed of 90 percent titanium, 6 percent aluminum, and 4 percent vanadium. Review our selection of luxury watches.

In addition to the G-force sensor, the power reserve indicator, the function switch and the tourbillon, the RM 36-01 comes with a balance wheel and weight screws for variable moments of inertia and a spring to absorb blows. The time setting mechanism has been fitted to the case back as a separate module for easy maintenance and repair without interfering with the calibration and operation of other complications.

The mechanical G sensor is an exclusive system by Richard Mille. Composed of more than 50 pieces, it is located in the center of the sapphire crystal and displays the power accumulated by the driver during races. This sensor can be rotated manually, allowing alignment in different positions. Directly connected to the rotating ceramic bezel and the sapphire crystal, it can provide the pilot with a view of the lateral deceleration, longitudinal forces engendered during cornering and acceleration and braking in straight gears. The scale indicates with a needle whether the force experienced is tolerable G (green) or if it reaches a critical point for the pilot (red zone). Thanks to the central button, the driver can quickly restart measurement and reset the meter to 0.

The spectacular set of mechanisms present in this timepiece works with a traditional manual winding tourbillon; it has a frequency of 21,600 vph and a power reserve of up to 70 hours. Also among its many complications, the watch highlights the function selector, located on the dial between the 3 and 4 o´clock. By pressing the button, the wearer can select between the winding (W), N (neutral) and H (set the time) functions.

Sébastien Loeb is one of the privileged few who could take full advantage of the G-force sensor. However, the RM 36-01 G-Sensor Tourbillon Sébastien Loeb is a statement of the principles of the Richard Mille brand, which with its spectacular timepieces aims to go beyond the limits of the industry. The price of each of the 30 numbered copies of this exclusive model is around $630,000. ■