Richard Mille fake has become a leader in the watchmaking industry based on technological innovation, artistry and high-end watchmaking culture. Christie’s explains why
In Swiss watchmaking, tradition often rules this day. Brands such as Patek Philippe and Rolex are often regarded as kings of the mountain in retail and auctions, but a new generation of watchmakers are shaking up the established order. The pioneer in this new group is independent watchmaker Richard Mille, which makes futuristic watches regarded as the ultimate expression of wealth in many ways.
Watchmaking
With the support of Audemars Piguet and its legendary development company Renaud et Papi, Richard Mille established his namesake brand in 1999. Its mission is to push high-end hand-made watchmaking technology to the limit of technological innovation.
Two years later, Richard Mille RM001 came out, no gold, diamonds or gems-only excellent engineering.
Richard Mille. Sapphire split-second chronograph with tourbillon and power reserve. Prototype, No. 2, reference. RM056, circa 2012.
In September 2018, the first Watch Forum held in London examined the state of the watch industry. One of the hottest topics for high-end watch buyers is their desire to own a Richard Mille watch. When asked why, the best watchmakers in the industry directly pointed out the quality of the movement.
The prototype RM056, which was sold for £1.2 million at Christie’s in 2017, is likely to contain the most complex movement. The Richard Mille watch date is featured-one, it’s stock with RM008, this is the first time it is paired with a double Reference for rattrapante chronograph and tourbillon mechanism.
Richard Mille. An 18k rose gold tonneau-shaped tourbillon dual-second chronograph with power reserve and torque indication. Signed Richard Mille, reference. RM008 AE PG.
The design
The size and shape of a Richard Mille watch can be recognized at a glance even from a distance. Inspired by car design, aesthetics is unapologetic and bold. According to Forbes, buying a Richard Mille watch is equivalent to “buying a miniature sports car for your wrist.” As Miller himself said, “I hope everyone who sees my watch will be amazed,’Wow!”
Richard Mille. A unique 18k white gold and white ceramic rectangular sekeltonised tourbillon watch with power reserve and function selector. Signed Richard Mille, hyperplane model of the tourbillon, reference. rm017, circa 2017.
Scarcity
For a young brand, this is a relatively high quantity, but the demand for watches always exceeds the output. Strong auction prices continue to reflect this trend.
Richard Mille. A very attractive, very exquisite and extremely rare limited edition tonneau-shaped hollow tourbillon watch in white ceramic and 18k rose gold, signed Richard Mille (Richard Mille), number 01/06, number. RM52-01, Case No. 28, circa 2015. 42.7 mm wide, 50 mm total length, signed.
The RM52 Tuo skull is a very rare example-it is made in white ceramic and 18K pink gold.
Comfort
When you try on the seemingly bulky Richard Mille Reference RM 50-3 McLaren F1 Split-Tourbillon Chronograph, the first thing you notice is the weight. It weighs only 1.41 ounces (40 grams), and its sturdy structure and lightweight feel seem to ignore physics. To produce this revolutionary watch and case, Richard Mille collaborated with the University of Manchester and McLaren-Honda, both of which are known for their research and expertise in lightweight materials.
Richard Mille, limited edition titanium silver seat series. Diameter: 39 mm wide, 48 mm total length.
Nicknamed “Billionaire’s Handshake”, Richard Mille watches decorate the wrist in the most unique circle. The brand has reinforced this message by working with ambassadors such as former Formula One driver Felipe Massa and tennis champion Rafael Nadal.
Mille developed the RM006 tourbillon for Massa in 2004. The weight of this watch is only a little heavier than a credit card, and its shock resistance is up to 500G. Before the 2009 Hungarian Grand Prix, Massa’s car hit the tire guard while he was wearing RM006. The Brazilian driver suffered serious head injuries; the watch appeared unscathed.
For Nadal, Miller wanted to develop a watch that he could wear during the game. The Spaniard broke five prototypes before finalizing the RM027, which weighs only 20 grams. In 2010, he wore this watch when he won his first U.S. Open championship-also the ninth Grand Slam championship of his career.
In addition, American golfer Bubba Watson wore Richard Mille when he won the Augusta National Masters in 2012, and Jamaican sprinter Yohan Blake wore a green, gold and black watch during the London Olympics.