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R ichard Mille has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of horological craftsmanship. This includes innovative use of advanced materials, many of which are borrowed from industries such as the aerospace, automotive and medical sectors. This ensures the trademark performance and durability fundamental to the DNA of Richard Mille.
This article delves into five Richard Mille creations from the Sotheby's archive, each showcasing the watchmaker's commitment to experimentation and excellence. From the lightness of aluminum alloys to the complex use of cermet, these watches demonstrate the brand’s bold approach to modern watchmaking.
This Richard Mille Reference RM53-02 was sold in October 2023 for 35,540,000 HKD, one of 12 extraordinary Richard Mille watches in the 2023 Important Watches sale in Hong Kong.
In 2022 Richard Mille introduced the Reference RM53-02, an audacious creation crafted almost entirely from blue sapphire. Sapphire, one of the hardest materials on Earth, required over 1,000 hours of precision craftsmanship to be shaped, polished and perfected. The result was a visually striking watch with a transparent case, allowing a full view of the intricate cable-suspended tourbillon movement. This level of craftsmanship emphasized the dedication Richard Mille has to both aesthetics and functionality.
The Richard Mille Reference RM53-02 was not just a visual triumph but also a technical one. The movement itself was a marvel of engineering, with braided cables measuring just 0.27 mm in diameter, tensioned by central pulley systems. These cables supported the floating movement, which created a truly dynamic, three-dimensional effect. With only 8 pieces ever produced, this Richard Mille watch remains one of the rarest and most sought-after models in existence.
This Richard Mille Reference RM035 AL CA Baby Nadal was sold in December 2023 for 139,700 USD, featuring in our Important Watches December sale in New York.
Debuted in 2011 the Richard Mille Reference RM035 marked a new chapter in the brand’s pursuit of high-performance watchmaking. Certified by Chronofiable, this Richard Mille model underwent rigorous testing, enduring acceleration forces exceeding 5,000 Gs. At its core is the RMUL1 mechanical movement, which proved resilient to extreme conditions without compromising precision. Crafted from an aluminum alloy, a material often used in the aerospace and automotive sectors, the RM035 combined strength with an ultra-lightweight design. Weighing just 4.3 grams, it offered remarkable resistance to both mechanical pressure and high temperatures.
The watch’s semi-skeletonized dial revealed the intricate inner workings of the movement, with the aluminum, magnesium, and copper alloy case coupled with a titanium clasp to offer both robustness and lightness. Accompanied by a receipt from Cellini dated 2014, the RM035 was a testament to the mastery of Richard Mille in the sphere of material science. It pushed the limits of what a watch can endure while maintaining a cohesive design instantly recognizable as a Richard Mille.
This Richard Mille Reference RM62-01 was sold in October 2023 for 8,890,000 HKD. Limited to 30 pieces and crafted in partnership with Airbus Corporate Jets, this Richard Mille watch was a testament to the brand’s ability to blend complexity with functionality. This watch was engineered for the modern-day jet-set, featuring a GMT hand, oversized date display and an innovative vibrating alarm mechanism that alerts the wearer without disturbing others. The vibratory alarm function was achieved through an oscillating weight visible through the sapphire crystal case back, allowing for an intimate connection between the wearer and the movement within.
The case was constructed from titanium and carbon fiber as an innovative and interesting material experiment. These advanced materials provided the perfect balance of strength and lightness, ideal for a watch designed for frequent use under rigorous conditions. The titanium folding clasp, along with the power reserve of 70 hours, made the Richard Mille Reference RM62-01 a practical yet luxurious travel companion. The incorporation of a tourbillon further solidified its status as a marvel of modern horological engineering.
This Richard Mille Pharrell Williams Reference RM52-05 was sold in October 2023 for 12,550,000 HKD.
Richard Mille collaborated with Pharrell Williams in 2019 to create the Richard Mille Reference RM52-05 for a limited edition run of 30 pieces. This unique model was inspired by Williams’ childhood fascination with space, particularly the planet Mars. The dial was personally designed by Pharrell and depicted an astronaut’s helmet with an imaginary Martian landscape reflected in the visor. This intricate design was achieved through hand-engraving and grand feu enamel techniques.
The case was crafted from brown cermet that combined the lightweight properties of titanium with the scratch resistance of ceramic, making it ideal for a watch intended for daily wear. The Richard Mille Reference RM52-05 also incorporated aventurine glass, enhancing the cosmic theme with its sparkling representation of deep space. This bold and artistic Richard Mille watch captured the imagination of collectors, cementing its place as one of the brand’s most distinctive and creative references.
This Richard Mille Reference RM007 AF WG was sold in April 2022 for 1,134,000 HKD.
Introduced in 2005, the Richard Mille Reference RM007 AF WG was the brand’s first venture into feminine watch design. This model was made from white gold and adorned with diamonds, perfectly balancing beauty and technical sophistication. Its pavé-set diamond dial and semi-skeletonized chapter ring revealed the meticulous attention to detail that went into crafting the Richard Mille Reference RM007. Powered by the automatic RM007 movement, it featured a titanium rotor system containing micro-balls in 18k gold, a technical feat that underscored the watch’s modern appeal.
The elongated, dynamic lines of the Richard Mille Reference RM007 made it a truly striking design. Its sapphire-set construction, coupled with an orange rubber strap and diamond-set titanium buckle, added a contemporary touch. This sought-after model combined elegance and technical prowess, staying true to the innovative DNA of Richard Mille.
The unrelenting drive of Richard Mille to experiment with materials has redefined the boundaries of watchmaking, reflected here in what is a small selection of the many Richard Mille watches brought to market by Sotheby's. From aerospace alloys to complex cermet construction, the brand's use of unconventional materials has set a new standard for durability, precision and bold aesthetics in the industry. Across our global network of auctions Richard Mille watches continue to captivate collectors with their daring designs and extraordinary performance.
At Sotheby’s our Richard Mille experts have brought a wide range of extraordinary examples to market, making us well placed to advise on the sale of an RM watch or for those looking to add a watch to their collection. Work with Sotheby's specialists and in doing so be part of our community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors.
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