The Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa is an automatic flyback chronograph with an annual calendar, launched in 2007 in a 50 x 40 mm tonneau case and made in many material and colour variations over the following decade. It is named for the Brazilian Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa, who raced for Ferrari and was a long-running Richard Mille partner. This guide explains how the watch works, which versions exist, how they compare and what to check before you buy one. Bizak & Co. is a sourcing desk: every watch mentioned here is found to order, not held in stock.
Last reviewed on October 28, 2026 by Filip Biczak. Sources: Richard Mille, RM 011 historical model page; Richard Mille, RM 11-03 historical model page. Details differ between editions, so confirm any specific reference with the seller.
What is the Richard Mille RM 011?
It is the brand's first widely produced automatic flyback chronograph, built around the RMAC1 calibre with a chronograph and annual-calendar module added to the base movement. Richard Mille's own archive page dates the model to 2007 and describes a tonneau case whose bezel, sides and caseback are all curved to follow the wrist. The skeletonised dial exposes the mechanism, and the two chronograph pushers sit on the right side of the case, above and below the crown at about 2 and 4 o'clock.
| Attribute | RM 011 |
|---|---|
| Launched | 2007 |
| Movement | Automatic, calibre RMAC1 base with chronograph module |
| Functions | Hours, minutes, flyback chronograph, annual calendar |
| Case shape | Tonneau, curved bezel, sides and caseback |
| Typical case size | About 50 x 40 mm; thickness varies by edition |
| Successor | RM 11-03, introduced in 2016 |
What does a flyback chronograph do?
A flyback chronograph lets you restart the timer with one press instead of three. On the RM 011 the upper pusher starts and stops the chronograph, and the lower pusher resets it to zero. Pressed while the timer is running, the lower pusher resets and restarts it instantly, which is useful for timing laps or repeated intervals. The annual calendar needs a manual correction only once a year, at the end of February.
Why is it called the Felipe Massa?
Felipe Massa wore the watch and helped shape its character, which is why the reference carries his name. Massa drove for Ferrari from 2006 to 2013, and the racing link is part of why the RM 011 became a motorsport icon. Richard Mille has linked its watches to drivers and athletes since its early years, and later special editions were made for races, regions and partners.
Which versions of the RM 011 exist?
There are dozens of variants, grouped mostly by case material and finish. The main families are titanium, carbon, rose or white gold, gold-and-titanium combinations and ceramic. Limited editions add regional or event names. Our own Richard Mille RM 011 and RM 11 collection shows the range we can source, including the RM 011 Spain Edition in DLC titanium, the Romain Grosjean Lotus F1 in rose gold and carbon and the GMT Shanghai edition in NTPT carbon. Treat the from-prices on those listings as dated observations, not quotes.
| Family | Material | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Titanium | Grade 5 titanium, sometimes with a DLC coating | Lightest everyday option; DLC can mark with wear |
| Carbon | Carbon composites such as NTPT or TPT | A 2012 carbon edition was reported at 30 pieces; carbon cases show scuffs differently from metal |
| Gold | Rose or white gold, alone or with titanium | Heavier and more formal; rose gold is the classic combination |
| Ceramic | Coloured ceramic elements, including blue | The final RM 011 Last Edition used a blue ceramic bezel and caseback |
Titanium, carbon or gold: which RM 011 should you choose?
Choose titanium for daily wear, carbon for the lightest and most technical look, and gold if you want the dressier statement. Titanium and carbon keep the watch comfortable on a case that is large for its width, while gold adds noticeable weight. Resale interest tends to follow the story as much as the material, so limited and driver editions with full documents are easier to place than plain ones. Pick the one you will actually wear.
How big does the RM 011 wear?
It wears larger than the 40 mm width suggests, because the tonneau case measures roughly 50 mm from lug to lug. The curved caseback sits close to the wrist, which helps stability, and the rubber strap adjusts easily. Try one on if you can, particularly on a wrist under about 6.5 inches around. For a smaller or lighter alternative from the same brand, compare the RM 035 family, the RM 030 or the newer RM 72-01 chronograph.
What should you check on a pre-owned RM 011?
- Edition and serial numbers. Match the case, card and, on limited editions, the edition number. Ask for photographs of each.
- Chronograph action. Both pushers should feel crisp, the flyback should reset to zero cleanly and the hands should align at start.
- Case and coating. Look for chips on ceramic, scuffs on DLC or carbon and wear on the bezel edges.
- Strap and clasp. Original rubber and clasp, with no mismatched hardware.
- Service history. Ask who serviced it and when; see Richard Mille's service information.
- Authentication. Our authenticity page sets out how we verify a unit before it ships.
Browse every model on the Richard Mille collection to see what else we can source.
Related reading: F1 drivers' watches in 2026, Richard Mille Colours, Richard Mille RM 30, Richard Mille RM 010, Richard Mille RM 055 Bubba Watson and Richard Mille RM 11-03 flyback chronograph.
Quick answers
When was the Richard Mille RM 011 released?
Richard Mille's archive dates the RM 011 to 2007. The brand replaced it with the RM 11-03 in 2016.
What movement is in the RM 011?
It uses an automatic RMAC1 base calibre with a flyback chronograph and annual calendar module.
What is the RM 011 case size?
About 50 x 40 mm in a curved tonneau case, with thickness depending on the edition.
Is the RM 011 titanium, carbon or gold?
All three, plus ceramic and mixed-material versions. Confirm the exact material and edition of any unit with the seller.
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