Richard Mille: Exclusive high-tech watches
Richard Mille watches are technical masterpieces. Thanks to state-of-the-art materials, they are almost indestructible. Their unique and futuristic designs make them the perfect choice for any watch enthusiast looking for something out of the ordinary.
By Chrono24
This page contains information about:
- 21st Century Haute Horlogerie
- Prizes: Richard Mille Watches
- How much do Richard Mille watches cost?
- RM 65-01 split-seconds chronograph
- Prices for RM 002 and RM 003
- O RM 004 and RM 005
- Richard Mille and Rafael Nadal
- RM 52-05 Pharrell Williams
- Richard Mille in other forms
- The Story of Richard Mille
Haute Horlogerie for the 21st century
Luxury watchmaker Richard Mille has been a constant source of innovation in the watchmaking industry since its inception in 2001high quality watchmakingin the 21st century. This also includes the use of the most modern materials from the racing and aerospace industries.
Richard MilleNew paths are also being explored when it comes to movement technology. For example, they use unusual materials such as grade 5 titanium, graphene, aluminium-lithium alloys and carbon. Master watchmakers at Richard Mille develop a new movement for each model, starting with the base plate and ending with a new type of shock protection. In the meantime, they continue to focus on functionality. One looks in vain for unnecessary embellishments in a Richard Mille work.
The first model thatRM 001 Tourbillon, set the bar very high. This two-hand watch with separate power reserve and torque display is exceptionally shock-resistant, e.gTourbillon-Uhr. Additionally, the barrel-shaped case and heavily skeletonized dial look very futuristic and set the standard for the design we see today.
As of 2021, Richard Mille has relationships with Formula 1 teams Ferrari and McLaren. For example, Mick Schumacher (Ferrari) uses aRM003, while Lando Norris of McLaren boastsRM 11-03 Automatic Flyback Chronograph. Elsewhere in the sports world, the tennis legendRafael Nadalmade headlines by wearing his Richard Mille watches during games. Whether it's the extreme conditions of the F1 circuit or the power of Nadal's backhand, Richard Mille watches are more than up to the task.
Richard Mille also supports the arts by teaming up with exceptional musicians, composers and actors. For example, in 2019 the company entered into a partnership withPharrell Williamsto create the Limited Edition RM 52-05. There are only 30 examples of this watch, which celebrates Williams' fascination with the cosmos. At launch, this watch had an official list price of $969,000.
Fans of bright colors will love the watches from the Bonbon collection. Each of the ten models appears to be entering a candy store. You'll find liquorice clocks, lollipops, marshmallows and more!
Reasons to buy a Richard Mille watch
- State-of-the-art calibers with tourbillon, chronograph or GMT functions
- Extremely light and robust thanks to revolutionary materials
- Exclusive special editions with the potential to increase in value
- Unique and futuristic designs
- High prestige and iconic designs
Price overview: Richard Mille watches
| Model | price (approx.) | Fallmaterial |
| RM033 | 80.500 USD | rose gold |
| RM005 | 122.000 USD | Titan |
| RM 16-01 Twelve | 215.000 USD | TPT Quartz/TPT Carbon |
| RM 011 Felipe Massa | 244.000 USD | rose gold |
| RM 67-02 Automatik Wayde van Niekerk | 287.000 USD | TPT Quartz/TPT Carbon |
| RM 055 Bubba Watson | 390.000 USD | ceramics |
| RM 11-03 | 405.000 USD | rose gold |
| RM 27-03 Rafael Nadal | 774.000 USD | TPT Quartz/TPT Carbon |
| RM 052 skull | $1.14 million | Titan |
How much do Richard Mille watches cost?
The prices of Richard Mille watches depend largely on the materials used and the functions of the movement. A basic model is theRose gold RM 033. This watch is extremely flat and, unlike most of the brand's models, round. You can only call this a time clock at around $80,500.
Variants made of unusual materials such as TPT quartz and TPT carbon are significantly more demanding. just the timeRM 67-02 Automatik Wayde van Niekerkuses both materials and costs around $287,000.
Expect a lot more for a watch that combines exclusive materials with extraordinary complications. For example theRM 052 skullit houses a tourbillon in its rose gold case. Its base plate and bridges are made of titanium and shaped like a human skull. For around $1.14 million, you can call this one-of-a-kind Richard Mille creation your own.
The RM 65-01 with split-seconds chronograph
One of the latest novelties in the Richard Mille catalog is theRM65-01Automatic split-seconds chronograph. The case of this watch measures 50 x 44.5mm and is made from TPT carbon – a favorite material of Richard Mille. Its power comes from the skeletonized automaticCaliber RMAC4togetherSplit second chronographfor time intervals. One of the most unique features of this watch is its quick-winding mechanism, which allows the wearer to wind the movement with a few quick presses of a button on the left side of the case if the watch has not been worn for a while.
The crown is equally inventive and practical. It features an integrated pusher that allows you to toggle and set the winding, date and time functions without having to pull out the crown.
Rolex offers the RM 65-01 in TPT Carbon or a combination of gold and TPT Carbon. Although this watch officially retails for $310,000, it fetches much higher prices on Chrono24.
About RM 002 and RM 003
After the success ofRM001At the end of 2001 Richard Mille launched his first watch into series production: the RM 002. Its striking barrel-shaped case measures 45 x 38.5 mm and is available in rose or white gold. The domed sapphire crystal doubles as the dial, offering an unobstructed view of the skeletonized movement beneath. The manual internal caliber features a power reserve indicator at 10:30 o'clock and a torque indicator between 1 and 2 o'clock. A tourbillon rotates at 6 o'clock to the left of a function selector. This indicator shows what mode the crown is in: “W” stands for winding, “H” stands for the hands (meaning you can set the time), and “N” for neutral indicates that the clock runs normally. . You can switch between modes using a button built into the crown itself.
There are two versions ofRM002available: V1 and V2. The only difference between these models is the material used for the bottom plate. RM 002-V1 has a grade 5 titanium plate while RM 002-V2 is carbon. Depending on the state, these watches cost between $365,000 and $490,000.
The RM 003 is a great option for frequent flyers. It builds on the functionality of the RM 002 by adding onesecond time zone. This is achieved via a sapphire glass disc with numbers printed in black. The numbers run across a small white insert at 3 o'clock, showing the time in another part of the world. You can reset this indicator with a button on the left side of the box at 9 o'clock. As of Spring 2021, this benchmark will sell for around $975,000.
RM 004 and RM 005: split-seconds and time-only chronographs
While the RM 004 lacks a tourbillon, it more than makes up for it with a high-precision split-seconds chronograph. This chronograph is operated with three pushers at 4, 8 and 10 o'clock. Two central chronograph seconds hands and a 30-minute counter at 9 o'clock indicate elapsed time. A small seconds at 6 o'clock completes the watch's displays. Prices for a model in perfect condition are around $268,000.
Richard Mille reached another milestone in 2004 with theRM005. This three-hand watch has the standard pair of hands and a date display at 7 o'clock. However, it will go down in history as Richard Mille's first automatic watch. In addition, it introduces brand ownershipVariable geometry rotorwhich can be adapted to the user's lifestyle and rolls more efficiently. Available in your choice of rose gold or titanium, this watch requires a relatively modest investment of around $122,000.
Richard Mille RM005
Richard Mille RM005FM
Richard Mille RM005
Richard Mille RM005FM
The RM 011: For Felipe Massa and Roberto Mancini
Former Formula 1 driver Felipe Massa was one of Richard Mille's first brand ambassadors. The fruitful partnership resulted in numerous special editions bearing the Brazilian's name. An example is the 2007RM 011 Felipe Massa. BeFlyback-ChronographIt also has an annual calendar with the date and month display at 12 o'clock and 4:30 o'clock respectively. Its automatic caliber is built on a titanium baseplate and features Richard Mille's variable geometry rotor. You can see this movement and its working rotor through the sapphire crystal case back.
The barrel-shaped case is available in ceramic, silicon nitride or high-tech carbon or TPT quartz. Carbon or TPT quartz cases are formed by stacking layer upon layer of thin material and then heating to 120°C (248°F) to melt it into a single unit. The result is extremely strong and remarkably light. The crown is reminiscent of the rims of F1 racing cars. Prices depend on the material of the case and range from $158,000 to $244,000.
The RM 011 later formed the basis for a whole range of sports chronographs, including the RM 11-02 with GMT function and the RM 11-01 Roberto Mancini. The latter was created for the current coach of the Italy national football team and can be used to track the duration of a complete football match including injury time. Make sure you have between $122,000 and $244,000 on hand to buy one of these watches.
At the end of 2019, Richard Mille presented theRM 11-04Roberto Mancini flyback automatic chronograph. Although it uses the same materials as Mancini's previous model, it combines the colors of the Italian flag with the shade of blue used by the country's national team, also known as "Azzurri". The manufacturer equips this model with automaticinternal display RMAC3, which features a flyback chronograph, annual calendar, and oversized date. This model sells for over $600,000 on Chrono24.
Richard Mille RM011FM
Richard Mille RM011FM
Robust: Rafael Nadal RM 035, RM 27-03 and RM 27-04
Rafael Nadal rarely steps onto the tennis court without a Richard Mille watch on his wrist. For over a decade, the Swiss manufacturer has worked closely with the tennis star to create exceptional timepieces, including theRM035and RM 27-03. The first is a three-hand watch and has a case made from an extremely strong aluminum alloy (aluminium-magnesium-copper) that is melted in a plasma furnace into a type of ceramic. Well-maintained watches typically cost around $244,000. The RM 27-03 two-hand watch catches the eye with its bright red and yellow case. The color scheme pays homage to the flag of Nadal's home country of Spain. The bezel and case back are made of TPT quartz, while the main body of the case is made of TPT carbon. The finished watch is very light and robust. The real highlight of the RM 27-03, however, is its movement. It has a power reserve of 70 hours and can withstand up to 10,000g of force unscathed. Of course, all this technological mastery comes at a price, which is $774,000
The latest watch selected by Nadal is the RM 27-04, which was launched in September 2020. Measuring 47.25 x 38.4mm, this watch is truly exceptional. The manufacturer makes the case from a new material called "TitaCarb". This robust polyamide contains up to 38.5% carbon fiber and has a tensile strength of 370 MPa. It also has a high resistance to heat and moisture - both important for life on the tennis court. Perhaps the most notable feature of this watch, however, is its cable suspension mechanism, which stretches across the dial like the strings of a tennis racquet – an effect enhanced by the use of sapphire crystal on the front and back. The cable itself is just 0.27mm thick and supports the entire caliber, including the free-spring tourbillon and balance wheel, via five gold-plated PVD-coated titanium clasps. This watch also improves the acceleration resistance of its predecessor, withstanding up to 12,000g. Unsurprisingly, this model is the most expensive Nadal watch to date, with an official retail price of $1.05 million.
Richard Mille RM035
Richard Mille RM035
RM 52-05 Tourbillon Pharrell Williams
O Richard MilleRM 52-05 Tourbillon Pharrell Williamsis another exclusive watch for anyone with over $1 million to spare. While Williams is perhaps best known as a singer, producer and fashion designer, this watch looks to the cosmos for inspiration. The dial and case are a colorful mix of premium materials. The case is made of highly robust brown cermet, which with a hardness of 1,200 Vickers is as light as titanium and scratch-resistant as ceramic. This makes cermet about six times harder than diamond.
The dial shows a Martian landscape reflected in an astronaut's helmet. The helmet itself is made of titanium, while the alien planet is made of layers of enamel. Richard Mille uses diamonds and titanium for the other dial elements. OManual winding caliber RM 52-05it is the beating heart of the model. This movement features a tourbillon and 42-hour power reserve. While this limited-edition watch may be lightweight, its price tag is anything but. If you're hoping to snag one of the 30 examples, be prepared to shell out around $1.22 million.
Round and rectangular Richard Mille watches
Richard Mille also makes round and rectangular watches. The same technical sophistication and care in choosing the right materials and finishes for these models is in the classic barrel-shaped watches.
An example of a round Richard Mille is theRM025. With 300 m (30 bar, 984 ft) water resistance and a unidirectional rotating bezel, this watch is a full diving watch. In addition, it has a chronograph and tourbillon function at 6 o'clock, which also doubles as a small seconds. The movement features a function dial at 4 o'clock, a 30-minute counter at 9 o'clock and a torque indicator between 10 and 2 o'clock. The nearly 50mm case and bridges are made from Grade 5 titanium, while the baseplate is made from carbon fibre. Plan around 329,000 euros for this watch in very good condition.
At the beginning of 2020, Richard Mille presented another round model, theRM33-02. Although the case is rose gold, the manufacturer makes its bezel and case in carbon TPT. Its automatic caliber, theRMXP1, is exceptionally flat at just 2.6mm thick. This skeletonized movement features a titanium micro-rotor. The manufacturer has limited this watch to an edition of 140 pieces and combines it with a black rubber strap. The RM 33-02 costs around USD 183,000 on Chrono24.
The RM 016 with a rectangular housing
At the other end of the spectrum you will find the rectangleRM016. This model uses the extra flatautomatic caliber RMAS7. Accurately displays the hours and minutes and has a date window at 7 o'clock. The case is available in titanium, rose gold or white gold. Some versions even feature diamonds. Prices vary by edition and range from $54,500 to $95,500.
Another version of this clock, theRM 16-01, is available in the colorful candy collection. This collection gets its name from its sugary tones and dials sprinkled with lollipops, liquorice and other goodies. These watches are strictly limited and retail around $213,000 new.
Richard Mille RM 016 Ice Cream
Richard Mille RM 016 diamonds
Richard Mille RM 016 Ice Cream
Richard Mille RM 016 diamonds
The Story of Richard Mille
In 1999 the Frenchman Richard Mille and the Swiss Dominique Guenat founded their company,Horometry SA. Both had extensive experience in the watchmaking industry: Mille as Head of Watchmaking at Matra and Director of Watches and Jewelery at Maubossin; Guetnat as CEO of his family business Guenat SA Montres Valgine.
Both shared the dream of producing luxury goods for the 21st century. They drew inspiration from various fields, particularly racing and aerospace, with a particular focus on new materials and production methods.
After three years of development, Richard Mille presented its first watch, the RM 001, at Baselworld 2001. This watch took the brand into thehigh quality watchmakingscene almost overnight. Today, these watches are among the most exclusive that the industry has to offer.